I realize that Meade isn't exactly synonymous with "great customer service" right now, but I thought there may be some on the list that would like to know about Meade's new mounts and telescopes. They have introduced a new mount known as the LX-80 which is convertible between GEM and alt/az configurations. This is probably meant to compete with the iOptron mounts and will be used with their mid-range scopes. They have also introduced a new higher end GEM (90 lb payload capacity sans counterweights) which comes in a number of different configurations, known as the LX-800. A number of people have noted several outward similarities between the LX-800 and the AP Mach 1. The LX-800's come with two "attached" scopes with ½ inch CMOS sensors. The first is a wide-field scope, the second is an 80 mm refractor used for guiding, PEC training, and assisted polar alignment. Obviously, the jury will be out until these things start shipping - but I think competition is normally good for us, the consumers. Here are a couple links (oddly I haven't found a link on the Meade website). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EA8lfrYK_M&NR=1 http://www.optcorp.com/ProductList.aspx?uid=1-600-603-1929 http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tripods/EQ-Mounts/Meade-LX800-with-StarLoc... Clear skies, Dale.
Dale: I have seen the new mounts and I was wishing I was in California this past weekend to see them in person. Like you I wish Meade well and would like to see them offer some competition for the market. Recently I had a reason to call Meade Technical support and the results were to say the least "unbelievable". I called Meade's 800 number, the same one I have had since early 2000 when I remember first contacting them. This time the phone only rang 4 times and a very friendly man answered the phone in person and asked if he could help me. IN ENGLISH! without pressing #1. He happily checked and found that the piece I was looking for was not available any longer. While this was not the desired result it was all in all a very positive experience and made me think "there could be hope". Personally I wouldn't care for my mount to talk to me but that seems to be the way things are going. After all I can now get a seven day weather forecast from my car. The big lesson Meade seems to have learned finally is that it pays to offer mounts Ala-Carte. Steve
From: Dale.Hooper@sdl.usu.edu To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:47:28 +0000 Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Meade introduces LX-800 and LX-80
I realize that Meade isn't exactly synonymous with "great customer service" right now, but I thought there may be some on the list that would like to know about Meade's new mounts and telescopes.
They have introduced a new mount known as the LX-80 which is convertible between GEM and alt/az configurations. This is probably meant to compete with the iOptron mounts and will be used with their mid-range scopes.
They have also introduced a new higher end GEM (90 lb payload capacity sans counterweights) which comes in a number of different configurations, known as the LX-800. A number of people have noted several outward similarities between the LX-800 and the AP Mach 1. The LX-800's come with two "attached" scopes with ½ inch CMOS sensors. The first is a wide-field scope, the second is an 80 mm refractor used for guiding, PEC training, and assisted polar alignment.
Obviously, the jury will be out until these things start shipping - but I think competition is normally good for us, the consumers. Here are a couple links (oddly I haven't found a link on the Meade website).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EA8lfrYK_M&NR=1
http://www.optcorp.com/ProductList.aspx?uid=1-600-603-1929
http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tripods/EQ-Mounts/Meade-LX800-with-StarLoc...
Clear skies, Dale. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
In case anyone has missed this: http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/tech/2011/09/19/vo-nasa-space-station-flyov... Wow... Dave Bennett
A better option from YouTube without the advertisement and in full screen HD... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74mhQyuyELQ&feature=player_embedded On Sep 19, 2011, at 03:33 PM, David Bennett <dlbennett@mac.com> wrote: In case anyone has missed this: http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/tech/2011/09/19/vo-nasa-space-station-flyov... Wow... Dave Bennett _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
participants (3)
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Dale Hooper -
David Bennett -
Steve Fisher