plate
The GigaWedge
 

Astro Engineering is proud to introduce a long-awaited complement to the fabulous Meade 16" LX200 GPS and Classic SCTs. The GigaWedge is specifically designed to allow precise and permanent polar alignment of the 16" LX200, something which until now has been an unachievable task with conventional cut-pier mounts. Manufactured from fully CNC-machined, inch-thick aluminium and weighing in excess of 65kg (145lbs), the GigaWedge is considerably more rigid than a fixed-latitude cut pier, and at the same time precisely adjustable.

Click on the images above
for an enlarged view

With the GigaWedge, precise polar alignment to research-quality standard no longer means hours and hours of fretful work, only to be forced to give up and accept sub-optimal polar alignment in the end. This wedge allows the 16" LX200, which is widely held to be the finest instrument in the world of its kind, to be used to its full potential for the first time since its introduction. The GigaWedge is a mount that is as good as the telescope itself, and will be an absolute enhancement to the installation.

Product features include:

• fully adjustable from between 35 degrees and 63 degrees latitude

• precision adjusters on altitude and azimuth

• proven anti-vibration features

Go to top of page

Click on the images
for enlarged views

The GigaPier - the ideal complement

To achieve peak performance from the GigaWedge, we recommend using it with the ultra-rigid GigaPier, which has been tailored to work with the GigaWedge and is developed from proven anti-vibration technology. However, to avoid excruciating shipping costs for installations outside of the United Kingdom, a pier marry plate fitting kit (AC462) is available to enable the GigaWedge to be attached to locally fabricated concrete or steel piers. We can provide pier plans for local suppliers upon request.

Go to top of page

Click on the image above
for an enlarged view

shunt
Primary mirror stabiliser and lock
Reduces mirror flop and focus drift on 16" LX200 Classic

This simple spring-loaded shunt screws into the main mirror support from the rear of the 16" LX200 through the transit screw hole, and provides a controllable constant "pull" tension to the mirror. The stabiliser will reduce mirror flop/sag and image shift during focusing and provide a more positive action to focussing by reducing sluggishness. The device will also lock the mirror fully if required. All components are precision turned from aluminium, acetyl and stainless steel. Simple fitting in less than 10 seconds with full instructions included. Based on a design suggested in the MAPUG files. (This device is not necessary for the GPS model and was designed to address the needs of the earlier "Classic" version).

Go to top of page

Click on the image above
for an enlarged view

focusknob
Fine focus knob
Improve the sensitivity and feel of your Meade LX200 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 16” Meade LX200 Classic or the triangular knob used on the new LX200GPS model. Please note: this product will not fit the 14” LX200GPS

Go to top of page

Click on the image above
for an enlarged view

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

Based on a design used for our popular standard tiltable piggy back camera bracket 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 16" LX200/LX200GPS

Go to top of page

Click on the image above
for an enlarged view

shield
Rigid aluminium dew shield
A rigid dew shield for the Meade 16” LX200/LX200GPS

Our dew shield features a top-quality design, manufactured in lightweight aluminium with four nylon locking screws for a perfect fit. The high-gloss resin powder-coat finish is matched to the Meade tube for perfect visual complement. The low infrared-reflection matt black interior is especially optimised for CCD imaging work. Two versions are available: Full size 61cm(24”) and half size 30cm (12”) for observatory dome installations.

Go to top of page

Click on the image above
for an enlarged view

balance
3D Counterbalance Weight System
A total solution to telescope balance problems with the 16” LX200/LX200GPS

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. Manufactured from aluminium, steel and brass, the 3D system is easily attached and comes with three 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.

Go to top of page

Click on the image above
for an enlarged view

classic
LX200 Classic handset holder
Keep your handset safe and ready to use
 

Designed for use exclusively with the LX200 Classic handset (for LX200 GPS Autostar II handset use the AC323 holder). Our handset holder fits into any spare eyepiece storage hole, sitting comfortably on eyepiece trays or even the leg spreader of the field tripod. Convenient to use, the handset is fully operable from holder. Finished in durable satin black powder coating.

Go to top of page

Click on the image above
for an enlarged view

handset
LX200 Classic handset holder
Keep your handset safe and ready to use
 

Designed for use exclusively with the LX200 Classic handset (for LX200 GPS Autostar II handset use the AC323 holder). Our handset holder fits into any spare eyepiece storage hole, sitting comfortably on eyepiece trays or even the leg spreader of the field tripod. Convenient to use, the handset is fully operable from holder. Finished in durable satin black powder coating.

Go to top of page

Click on the image above
for an enlarged view

scopecover
Scope-Coat for 16” LX200 SCT
Custom telescope shower and dust cover
 

A top quality custom-fitted cover to fit the Meade 16” LX200GPS and Classic fork-mounted SCT. 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.

Go to top of page

AC608 version pictured

Click on the image above
for an enlarged view