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Can I Use SkySafari 5 Pro + SkyFi 3 To Align A Meade LX200 That Does Not Have A Hand Controller? (Answer: No, The Hand Controller Is Required To Star-Align The Mount Before Connecting With SkySafari Via SkyFi 3)

Hello,

 

Last year I purchased a used 10" LX 200 from a co-worker, who in turn had inherited it from a relative. Although I did try and check it out, at the time I was getting ready for retirement/move house  and too busy to do anything with it.

Having now moved, and having purchased the Android Sky Safari Pro 5 app some time ago, I'm ready to purchase the Sky Fi unit and try and control the Meade with it.

I understand there are issues with some of the capacitors on the main board and the hand unit of this model, and I'm wondering if I need to set the unit up with the hand unit or can it all be done via Sky Fi and the software.

I see that Meade have their own unit, Any advice appreciated on that, although I am obviously more interested in the Sky Fi, esp. as I already have the software.

Thanks!

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4 comments

  • 0
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    David Elson

    Edit:

    Perhaps I should have posted this in the Meade section. If anyone wants to move it then fine.

  • 0
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    Tim Campbell

    The issue with the capacitor (which dry out with age and eventually blow) is with the original LX200 (aka LX200 "Classic").  If you have an LX200 GPS or LX200 ACF then this doesn't really apply to you.  If, on the other hand, you DO have a class, then you STILL need to have the capacitors replaced (and that needs to be prioritized as a "need" and not a "want" because this WILL happen to you.  It's a matter of "when" ... not a matter of "if".  When it eventually happens the scope will be inoperative (it wont just be a matter of not using the hand-controller because the brains of the scope are inside the base).  Some of the capacitors are inside the base but I think there is one or two on the hand box ... and they are all prone to blow and when they do they'll take out more components. 

    If you're not familiar with de-soldering and re-soldering in the replacement capacitors there are one or two guys who perform the fix as a service (but it involves shipping the scope).  One of them lives near me in Michigan (people send him scopes from all over). 

    If you have a "membrane" style keypad then you have an LX200 Classic (the version with the problem of dried out capacitors that will blow)

    If you have a keypad that has actual buttons (not membrane style) then you have something newer such as an LX200 GPS or an LX200 ACF.

     

  • 0
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    David Elson

    Tim,

     

    Thanks for  replying. 

    I believe I have the classic. I did manage to do a bit of research last year and download some info. I'm not 100% sure - the scope came with 3 handsets and a spare control panel plus accessories, but I believe it's a classic. Certainly the handsets are membrane.

    This was why I wanted to know if the Meade needed to be set up (I can't remember the term) using the handset first, before using the Sky Fi.

    The less soldering I need to do, the better. I suppose the question I should ask is:

    After receiving the Sky Fi - do I need the Meade handset?

    Thanks!

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Hi David, 

    Yes, the Meade hand controller is required.  You must star align your scope with the Meade hand controller before connecting via SkySafari via SkyFi 3.

    Thanks Tim Campbell for your assist here!

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