To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

All our parallel rail systems

HD camera mounting platform

AC509

89.99

AC Mains Power Supply Unit
12V IC-Regulated AC Mains Power Supply Unit 1200mA
 

Suitable for all 12V Meade telescopes including LX90, LX200Classic/GPS LXD55 and all 12V ETX models. IC-regulated DC output. Automatic thermal cut-off and short circuit protection. Automatic overload protection. With red LED indicator. Total lead length over 3m.

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The MegaWedge
Heavy-Duty Field Power Station 12V 17.5Ah Battery

The HD Field Power Station has a cigar lighter socket and meter to indicate battery charge and output level. This unit has power to spare and will run an LX200 all night long with a complement of anti-dew heaters running at the same time. Includes integral red night-vision utility light. Even includes built-in jump leads to start your car with its 400amp cold cranking power! High-impact slimline case with carrying handle. Complete with in-car recharging cable and AC mains recharging transformer (220-240V for UK use only available at this time).

Includes a 1.2m long LX and ETX telescope connection cable.

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12V 7.5m (25ft) Power Extension Cable
12V 7.5m (25ft) Power Extension Cable

 

This fuse-protected extension cable has a 10m reach and a standard cigar lighter plug at one end. To minimise the risk of tangles the cable has a right-angle LX telescope connection jack plug (2.5mm). With red LED indicator light (Equivalent to Meade #607).

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AC Mains Power Supply
Heavy Duty 13.8V 6amp (max) Regulated AC Mains Power Supply Unit with Cigar Lighter Socket Output

 

Suitable for all 12V Meade telescopes including LX90, LX200Classic/GPS, LXD55 and all 12V ETX models. Heavy duty 6amp regulated DC output, ideal for use with anti-dew heaters in an observatory situation (see Anti-dewing Equipment section). Fuse protected. Output to cigar lighter and 4mm sockets (banana). Does not include telescope connection cable. See AC367 below.

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Portable Astro Power Station
Compact Astro Power Station
A rechargeable 12V 10Ah battery power supply for telescopes
 

Half the physical size of other battery power supplies, but well over half the power - the Compact Astro Power Station packs a surprising punch. Its heavy-duty 12V10Ah battery will run a telescope for days, or a telescope and small anti-dewing system all night. Versatile and powerful, the unit has a built-in night vision-saving red work-light to help set up your scope, and built-in jump leads to start your car! Supplied with 12V ETX/LX telescope connection cable, AC mains charging unit and a 12V car recharging cable (to recharge the battery unit from a car cigar lighter socket).

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collumates
Coll-U-Mates
Replacement collimating knobs for all LX SCTs
 

Good SCT performance is heavily dependent on good collimation. These simple knob screws replace the three existing hex key-adjustable screws on the secondary, making collimation an easy, intuitive task that you can do in minutes every time you use your scope (as you should to get the best out of your instrument). Coll-U-Mates can be fitted in less than 2 minutes - just follow the simple instructions and your scope will be so easy to collimate you'll never look back! Full instructions are included. NB: Please specify aperture when ordering

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piggy
Tiltable Piggy-Back Brackets
For tracked astro-photography with all LX telescopes
 

The Tiltable Piggy-Back Bracket allows the supported camera to be pointed at any angle regardless of the pointing attitude of the telescope. For use with all LX series telescopes including the 14" and 16" LX200/GPS. For heavier equipment the tilting head can be easily removed and cameras and telescopes can be fitted directly to the supporting plate with the thumb screw provided in the kit. Supplied with all fixings, tools and instructions. NB: Please specify scope aperture size when ordering. We recommend that some form of counterbalance aid be employed with this product - see below.

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BACKCAP
Deluxe thread-on SCT back-cap


OK, we admit it - sometimes we make things just for the heck of it! It is possible to live without a hand- finished and polished aluminium back-cap with inlaid rubber grips. Truly the Deluxe thread-on SCT back-cap is hardly our most vital accessory. Of course it does a great job protecting your visual-back threads from damage and keeping the interior of the scope free from dust and freeloading insects. But, who cares? The really important thing is it feels great and looks stunning!

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Basic Counterbalance System
Basic Counterbalance System for use with all LX telescopes


The Basic Counterbalance System provides a simple means of balancing cameras and other accessories fitted to all Meade LX telescopes. Easily attached the system comes with two weights (3lb - 1.35kg total) and is supplied with fitting tool and instructions. Additional weights are available

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Deluxe 3D Rail Counterbalance System
Deluxe 3D Rail Counterbalance System
For use with all LX telescopes

This system is for the advanced user and provides highly responsive 3D balancing, allowing the weights to be placed in the widest range of positions and angles along the full length of the optical tube assembly. Available for all Meade LX telescopes including the 16" LX200/GPS. Manufactured from steel, aluminium and brass, the 3D system is easily attached and comes with two weights (3lb - 1.35kg total) and is supplied with fitting tool and instructions. Can be left permanently in position without weights. Additional weights are available.

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Parallel Rail Ring Mounting System
For use with all LX telescopes

The Parallel Rail Ring Mounting System allows small telescopes and camera lenses to be piggy-back mounted on top of all Meade LX-series telescopes including the 16" LX200/GPS. There are two sizes of mounting ring available: 125mm ID (5") and 180mm ID (7"). The rings slide and lock anywhere on the twin hexagonal rails. Manufactured entirely from aluminium, the lightweight system is easily attached and comes with all fastenings, fitting tool and instructions. Please specify telescope model and aperture when ordering.

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T-mount Extension Tube
T-mount Extension Tube


This 50mm long T-mount extension tube with male T-thread at one end and female T-thread at the other can be used to solve a variety of photographic problems. Most importantly it can be attached to the Combi (AC306) adaptor above to make an eyepiece projection camera adaptor. Precision-turned with a knurled barrel and finished in black anodic dye.

(when employed with AC306 equivalent to Meade #64-T + 1.25).

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Focus-Master Lens Cap
Focus-Master Lens Cap
Combined astro-photography focusing aid and off-axis Solar filter holder
(also aids collimation!)

Great astro-photography depends heavily on perfect focus. The Focus-Master is a three hole mask that fits over the end of the telescope and helps you achieve perfect focus in seconds. In poor seeing conditions, or on a dim camera focusing screen or CCD monitor, it can be difficult to tell the difference between one focus position and another. With the Focus-Master attached there is no uncertainty: if the image is out of focus you will see not one but three images.

Adjust the focus and make the three images merge into one and the instrument is focused. Simply remove the mask and you are ready to begin imaging.

But the story doesn't end here. One aperture of the Focus-Master has a special threaded rim that enables our range of precision-mounted glass solar filters to be screwed into place for off-axis viewing* (see next item below for more info). If this isn't enough, the Focus-Master also provides a good method of checking and adjusting collimation. Still not convinced? The Focus-Master has three large plastic plugs for it's holes so it makes a perfect replacement dust cover as well! Please specify aperture when ordering.

*Our range of adapters can also be fitted with Coronado Ha filters.

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solar
Solar Observation Filters
Discover the nearest star, our Sun, in stunning detail with your Meade LX telescope.

Our solar filters have been designed to allow direct viewing or photography of broadband solar phenomena (sunspots, faculae etc). Because of the poor seeing that usually attends daytime telescopic observations we do not consider full aperture solar filters much beyond 100mm (4") diameter to be very worthwhile. With this in mind we have produced a high quality filter system that exploits the Focus-Master (above) and allows the use of smaller filters off-axis. The filter is manufactured from glass and has a multi-layered metalised coating applied by a process of evaporation in a vacuum chamber. For safe and secure observation, the glass filter is sealed in a high precision black anodised aluminium cell that screws directly onto the thread on the front of the Focus-Master. For safety, the glass filter is held in the cell with precision-machined screws and not glue (or tape!) as in some competitors products. Solar observation can be dangerous ­ read enclosed instructions carefully.

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finder
LX solar finder
Converts your standard 50mm optical view finder into a solar finder

Simplicity itself to fit and use, the LX solar finder fits directly over the front of the standard Meade LX viewfinder. Lock it into place with the single nylon thumbscrew, and in seconds your LX is fitted with a safe solar finder. Your crosshairs are safe from burning through as the solar finder fits like a cap covering the optical finder lens completely. Point the scope in the general direction of the sun, and a small image of the sun a couple of millimetres in diameter will appear on the projection screen - simply steer the telescope and centre the bright dot in the circle-sight and the instrument is pointing directly at the sun! Fits many other finders with front lens cell barrels between 50 and 63mm diameter inclusive. The insert (top right) in the picture shows the rear of the projection screen seen from the eyepiece end of the telescope. Observing the sun is dangerous and can cause permanent blindness. The LX solar finder must only be used in conjunction with a safe solar viewing energy rejection filter (see above).

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dewshields
Flexible Dew Shields

Our Easy-Fit Flexible dew shields will combat dewing and keep stray light at bay. The shield features black fibre flocking on the inside for improved image contrast and good infrared absorption (good for CCD imaging). A perfect fit is achieved by hidden Velcro fixing strips that hold the tube to itself and not the scope. The shields will simply undo along their Velcro joint and lay flat for storage.

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Wheel-Easy Telescope Moving Dolly
Wheel-Easy Telescope Moving Dolly
The easy way to move your LX telescope

The Wheel-Easy is a telescope moving dolly that fits a wide range of telescope tripods including all Meade models up to and including the 10" LX200 (it also fits Celestron models up to 11"). Fully adjustable to fit all tripods with a leg spread of between 31" to 36". With the addition of the leg extender pack, the 12" and 14" LX200 models can be accommodated. Supplied with instructions all fastenings and assembly spanner.

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eyepiecetray
Eyepiece and Autostar™ Handset holder Tray

The eyepiece tray has been designed to place 1.25" eyepieces and your Autostar™ handset conveniently to hand during an observing session. The EP tray provides a useful and safe storage space around the base of the LX90 telescope and offers 360 eyepiece-storage and four handset-hanger cut-outs. The tray also fits the LX10 LX50 LX200GPS and Classic range of telescopes (used in Altazimuth mode) but with fewer eyepiece holes available. The tray simply fits underneath the telescope between the base and the tripod head, no screws or tools required. Finished in durable black powder coating.

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Under Wedge
Under Wedge Eyepiece and Autostar™ Handset holder Tray
For use under the Meade™ Std, Super Wedge and the BC&F AE MegaWedge

• Places eyepieces and handset safely and conveniently to hand and provides large work area around telescope pier or tripod

• Integral handset holders for LX200 Classic and LX200GPS (Autostar II) cures wire tangles with GPS auto alignment

• Easy, no bolts required, fitting underneath wedge

Includes two 2" to 1.25" storage hole adaptors

The Under Wedge Eyepiece Tray has been designed to place 1.25" and 2" eyepieces and the Autostar™ and Classic handset conveniently to hand during an observing session when using a wedge mounted LX telescope. The tray provides a useful and safe storage space around the base of the telescope and offers near 360 eyepiece-storage and two handset-hanger cut-outs. The tray simply fits underneath the wedge between the tripod or pier head, no screws or tools required. Finished in durable black powder coating.

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Under Wedge
Top of Wedge Eyepiece and Autostar™ Handset holder Tray
For use with the Meade™ Std, Super Wedge and the BC&F AE MegaWedge

• Places eyepieces and handset safely and conveniently to hand

• Integral handset holders for LX200 Classic and LX200GPS (Autostar II) Cures wire tangles with GPS auto alignment

• Easy fitting on top of wedge—does not require the disassembly of wedge (on Polar aligned piers etc.)

Includes two 2" to 1.25" storage hole adaptors

The Top of Wedge Eyepiece Tray has been designed to place 1.25" and 2" eyepieces and your Autostar™ handset conveniently to hand during an observing session when using a wedge mounted LX telescope. It offers less storage space than the Under Wedge Tray but has the benefit that it can be attached without dismantling an observatory pier installation and losing polar alignment. The tray provides a useful and safe eyepiece storage at the base of the telescope and provides two Autostar handset-hanger cut-outs. The tray simply fits on top of the wedge using the central bolt or knob as a fastening point. Finished in durable black powder coating.

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latitude
Deluxe Latitude Adjuster for Meade Standard Wedge

For precise polar alignment using the Meade Standard Wedge.

The Deluxe Latitude Adjuster allows precise setting of the Meade Standard Wedge's latitude position by simply rotating one slow-motion knob control. Constructed of aluminium and stainless steel, the adjuster is supplied with all fixings and instructions.

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stainless
Stainless steel fastener upgrade kits
Banish rust on screws and fasteners

Tired of seeing rust on your great Meade scope? Our fastener upgrade kits will banish rust forever. It's disappointing to see rust on a telescope but getting rid of it may be more important than just looks. If the screws rust too far and the fasteners become softened by the corrosion and fail to undo, you may have difficulty adjusting the instrument or performing any kind of service operation. The stainless fasteners look great and enhance the serviceability of the scope. The kits are truly comprehensive and all visible fasteners are replaced. For example, the 8" LX200 GPS kit contains no fewer than 61 components!

LX200 GPS: The kits replace all visible fasteners and screws, and include special upgrade hand knobs to replace the grub-screws on the micro-focuser ­ so that it can be repositioned or removed without tools.

LX200 Classic: The kits replace all visible fasteners and screws.

LX90: The kit replaces all visible fasteners and screws.

The kit packaging is compartmentalised into sections to make changing the screws easier. All kits come complete with fitting tools and instructions.

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To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

ALL LX scopes

5" Ring System

AC243

174.99

ALL LX scopes

7" Ring System

AC291

184.99

Combi Camera Adaptor
Combi Camera Adaptor
Combined camera and eyepiece holder
(Equivalent to Meade #64-T adaptor)

As well as functioning as a 1.25" to 2" eyepiece adapter, it also functions as a 2" camera adapter allowing cameras to be attached to 2" eyepiece holders. As if this is not enough, amazingly, the "Combi" also allows SLR cameras to be attached to LX200 Classic and GPS telescopes - that's a pretty versatile adaptor! A standard T2 mounting ring will need to be purchased separately for your particular camera brand*. The adaptor is precision-machined and finished in black anodic dye with a nickel-plated side screw. See Astro Photography section for more information.

*For a T-mount ring for your model camera click here

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platform
Heavy-duty camera mounting platform
for parallel rail mounting system.

Fit cameras, ball-and-socket heads, in fact just about anything that has a mounting bolt to secure it to our twin rail mounting system. The platform is able to move the full length of the rail system for convenient positioning and balance, and can be combined with ring(s) for combined camera and lens mounting. The platform is supplied with additional fasteners and fitting tools.

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rsystem
Lightweight mounting rings
A range of rings to allow telescopes and lenses
to be mounted "piggy back" on LX telescopes

These simple lightweight mounting rings are supplied in pairs, and are all you need to fit additional scopes and lenses (for CCD autoguiding, astrophotography etc) to your Meade LX telescope. The rings are precision manufactured from aluminium in our workshops and are finished in anodic black dye. Three adjustment screws, 120 degrees apart with plastic tip protection, are fitted to each ring and are designed to clamp the scope rigidly in place, but also to allow quick star centering for CCD autoguiding work or simple, main-scope alignment for astro photography. The rings for 8" and 7" and 10" LX telescopes are asymmetric in design to avoid interfering with the finder scope. All rings are supplied with fasteners and fitting tool.

Please note: from the fact that the rings attach to the main castings at the front and rear of the LX OTA, there is naturally a lower tube length limit that restricts the length of telescope that can be attached in this way. That is, the clear tube length must be able to fit within the distance between the rings when mounted on your telescope. If the clear tube length of telescope you wish to attach is shorter than this distance, you will need to use the fully adjustable parallel rail system described below.

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focusknob
Fine focus knob
Improve the sensitivity and feel of your Meade LX SCT focusing ­
perfect for planetary viewing.

The fine focus knob is a precision CNC turned hand knob that simply fits on to your existing focus knob with two small grub screws. The 62mm (2.5”) diameter knob greatly improves the smoothness and resolution of the focus motion. The large knurled wheel allows fine adjustments to be made even with gloved hands. Made of clear anodised aluminium and has 100 graduations marked on the face to allow quick return to particular focus positions. The specially shaped hole in the centre allows the fine focus knob to be attached to either the round style knob fitted to the Meade LX10, LX50, LX90 and all models of LX200 Classic or the triangular knob used on the new LX200GPS ­ so if you do upgrade one day you can take this great accessory with you! Supplied with attachment key. Please note: this product will not fit the 14” LX200GPS

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deluxepiggy
Deluxe Tiltable Piggy-Back camera bracket
An ultra rigid camera support for the worlds leading research grade SCTs
 

Based on a design used for our popular standard tiltable piggy back camera bracket (above) our deluxe models are designed with the most demanding user in mind. Ultra rigid CNC machined platforms and perfect fit radius supports ensure the top performance of the support regardless of camera weight. All types of cameras can be attached from 35mm SLR to professional medium format. It supports cameras with 1/4 and 3/8 inch threaded tripod socket bushes. Probably the most rigid camera platform available for the Meade 12, 14 and 16 LX200

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visual
2” Push-fitting to SCT visual back thread adaptor

This adaptor barrel screws to the back of all popular SCTs (Meade and Celestron) and allows all standard 2” push-fit accessories to be attached to the SCT threaded back. New design has two nylon lock screws that help minimise the risk of sudden equipment rotation due to unscrewing of the adaptor. Two versions of the adaptor are available: AC307 standard length (41mm total length inc thread) for normal visual use, and AC478 Ultra Low-profile (31mm total length inc thread) for CCD camera and other photographic uses. Black anodic dye finish with two nickel-plated screws and two nylon screws.

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finder
50mm Finder Upgrade (Standard or Corrected)
Upgrade your existing 50mm Meade finder to the convenience of
90-degree view finding
 

Easy to install in seconds - the Finder Upgrades use your existing high-quality Meade finder optics to create a new finder that is greatly superior in comfort and performance. The upgrade kits consist of a precision CNC manufactured aluminium threaded barrel, quality star-diagonal and a 1.25” 27mm Kellner cross-hair eyepiece (with helical focussing). Simply unscrew the lens head and locking ring off your existing finder and screw them on to the upgrade barrel, then introduce the new barrel in to your finder-cage, insert the diagonal and eyepiece and its done! Two versions of the Finder Upgrade are available: the Standard version (with upright and reverted image) and a Corrected image model (with upright corrected image). The Standard version presents your eye with a view that is the right way up but reversed left to right. The Corrected model eyepiece view shows an upright image that is correct left to right, so that what is seen in the eyepiece matches the geometry of the naked-eye view but magnified (although the image may be rotated depending of the position of the star-diagonal). Works with all Meade 50mm finder scopes as supplied on LX90, LX50, LX200GPS and Classic etc. Full fitting instructions included.

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ac572
Deluxe SCT T-mount camera adaptor

A high performance low-profile camera adaptor for T-mount adaptor rings (T-ring adaptor for your camera sold separately - see below). The adaptor features a solid CNC-turned lock ring with inlaid rubber grips. The adaptor attaches to SCT rear-cell visual back thread with a precise lock-ring, and a standard T-mount to carry your SLR or other camera can be screwed onto the male T-thread on the adaptor. The SCT camera adaptor is ideal for close-coupling CCD cameras and accessories. Can be extended with AC330 below. Constructed from aluminium with black anodised finish.

*For a T-mount ring for your model camera click here

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coat
Scope-Coat
Custom telescope shower and dust covers
 

A range of top quality custom-fitted covers to fit popular Meade fork-mounted telescopes. Made from tough shower and mould-resistant polyurethane-coated nylon and with double-stitched seams for long service. The Scope-Coat is the ideal long-term indoor dust cover that is also tough enough for short-term outdoor protection e.g. at star parties. Easy to put on and take off. Featuring fitted Velcro retaining straps to minimise wind-wear and achieve a snug dust-resistant fit. The material is moisture-resistant and yet breathable enough to allow a dewed-up scope to be covered and still dry thoroughly. Supplied in nylon storage case. Please note: the Scope-Coat is not suitable for long-term outdoor telescope protection. Fits all Meade LX10, LX50, LX200GPS and Classic. Celestron fit: see main menu listing on left.

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AC608 version pictured

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polar
Polarmate
Precise Polar finder for all equatorial wedges
 

At last a quick and precise system to polar-align equatorial wedges’. A high-precision CNC-machined attachment block milled from solid aluminium, the Polarmate fits precisely to the top of the wedge’s tilt plate and carries a miniature polar scope that can be set to the local overhead right ascension (RA) angle. The small polar scope, which is equipped with a comfortable rubber eyecup, has a fine reticule that shows the location of Polaris relative to the north celestial pole. The Polarmate delivers precise and repeatable polar alignment literally in seconds.

Far more precise and immediate than the electronic methods provided on the telescope handset, the Polarmate does away with the need for repeated running of firmware-based polar alignment routines. Use the included quick reference chart to quickly estimate the overhead RA hour (or use your favourite planetarium program to give this number) and simply set the hour angle on the Polarmate’s RA index. Then adjust the wedge in altitude and azimuth until Polaris appears in the circle displayed in the alignment scope. Remove the Polarmate and attach your telescope and it’s done - simple, precise, and quick.

To illuminate the reticule, a night vision-saving red LED hand-held illuminator is included. The Polarmate is ideal for setting up your equatorial wedge for critical astrophotography work and enables you to achieve very accurate equatorial alignment to observatory standard in seconds. Fits Meade Standard and Super Wedges, and our own MegaWedge and MegaWedge Pro as well as the GigaWedge for the 16” LX200. The Polarmate requires no tools and fits with the aid of a single thumb knob. Full instructions included.

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The Polarmate AC602

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The polar scope with RA setting indexThe polar scope with RA setting index
Inset: rear view shows eyepiece and RA lock

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The Polarmate ready to align a Meade Standard wedge

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