plate
Standard Locator Plate
Makes for safe and speedy telescope set-up
 

The Standard Locator Plate greatly speeds up and simplifies the mounting of all LX200 telescopes when used in Altazimuth mode on a standard field tripod. The locator plate fits to the top of the tripod (and can be left in place) and provides a precise key for the base of the LX200 to slot into. The locator system is so easy to use that the scope can be placed in position in darkness and the bolt and holes will be perfectly aligned without any adjustment. The Locator Plate is constructed of steel and is black-resin powder coated for durability. All fixings and instructions are included.

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The MegaWedge
The MegaWedge
An observatory-standard wedge for the LX200

This wedge is an extraordinarily rigid equatorial mounting for all Classic and GPS LX200 telescopes. Designed primarily for the demanding needs of the 12" LX200, the BC&F AE MegaWedge is a superbly rigid mounting for all models of LX200 under 16". The wedge is precision-machined from 15 and 20mm mild steel plate and will fit the Meade field tripod as well as our Standard, Custom and DIY observatory piers. Equipped with turned aluminium slow-motion adjusters on both latitude and azimuth registers, the MegeWedge also has a spirit level for fast set-up in the field. Finished in durable black stipple-finish powder coating and supplied with all fastenings and adjustment tools. The MegaWedge is suitable for latitudes between 63 and 37 degrees.

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The Standard Observatory Pier
The Standard Observatory Pier
A research quality pier for the LX200
 

As a result of research performed by Robert Dalby FRAS we have a close understanding of the causes of vibration in observatory installations. This knowledge has been exploited in the design of the Standard Observatory Pier. The performance of the Standard Pier is a testament to the quality of this research. The pier can be bolted directly to a suitable concrete floor. Manufactured from heavy steel and finished in black stipple-finish resin powder coating. Specification: 1010mm (39.75") high (without wedge).

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Deluxe Locator Plate
Deluxe Locator Plate
All the benefits of the Standard plus 1.25"& 2" eyepiece storage
 

The Deluxe Locator Plate has exactly the same function as the above Standard Locator Plate but with the added convenience of providing eyepiece storage around the base of the LX200. The Locator Plate is constructed of steel and is black-resin powder coated for durability. All fixings and instructions are included.

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Autostar II Handset Holder (#884)
Autostar II Handset Holder (#884)
 

The #884 Handset Holder provides a solution to the problem of where to place the handset when using the Meade LX200GPS. The handset holder supplied by Meade is in an awkward position for the initial auto alignment operations, as it is mounted on the fork arms and causes cable tangles or power "outs" if left in place. By moving the handset down below the base of the LX200GPS, the risk of tangles and power outages is eliminated. A "Delrin" plug fitted to the top rear of the handset holder simply fits into the eyepiece holder holes on the field tripod leg spreader. Supplied with Velcro strip for additional retention. Finished in durable black powder coating.

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custom
The Custom Observatory Pier
A research quality pier for the LX200
 

As above, but made to the customer's specification. Incorporating the same anti-vibration features as the Standard Pier fabricated to a height specified by the customer. The pier can be bolted directly to a suitable concrete floor. Manufactured from heavy steel and finished in black stipple-finish powder coating. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.

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nest
The "Owl's Nest" Altazimuth Mounting Barrel for Standard Piers
An "Owls Nest" adaptor for mounting all LX200 models in Altazimuth mode
on an observatory pier.
 

So named because of it's appearance, the Owl's Nest adaptor allows LX200, LX200 GPS and the LX90 to be Altazimuth mounted on our standard, custom and DIY observatory piers. As it is not possible to screw the mounting bolt on top of a pier into the base of LX200/GPS telescopes, this simple and robust adaptor barrel will enable you to mount the instrument on top of the Owl's Nest and still screw a fixing bolt into the base of the telescope. Finished in black resin powder coat and supplied with all fixings.

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Utility Tray
Utility Tray/Work Area for Standard and Custom Piers

 

The Utility Tray is robustly secured by four bolts to a welded accessory ring positioned near the top of the pier. The tray is 48cm (nearly 19") in overall diameter and has 15cm (6") of useable width. The Utility Tray has an edge security rim to make sure your valuable equipment stays off the floor!

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DIY Observatory Pier
The DIY Observatory Pier Kit for LX200
An affordable self-build pier with observatory standard performance.

The DIY Pier Kit provides just what the name says: a pier you build yourself. But don't worry this isn't a major engineering project were you start with a set of plans and build everything from scratch. We've done all the essential thinking for you, and provided a kit of parts that contains all the engineering hardware you need to make the actual connection between the top of the concrete pier and the bottom of an equatorial wedge. The actual pier body is made in concrete by the shuttering method using standard 300mm (12") industrial air-conditioning ducting. A list of suppliers who will provide an off-cut delivery service is provided in the comprehensive instructions.

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LX200GPS Anti-Power-Out Cable
LX200GPS Anti-Power-Out Cable
A bridging cable to reduce the risk of sudden power shutdowns
caused by the power lead being pulled from it's socket during a move.

The LX200GPS scope is rightly recognised as one of the finest telescopes made. And yet, as anyone who owns one of these magnificent instruments knows there is a very small number of minor "niggles". The risk of power "outs" during automatic set-up or during a GOTO move is just such a snag, caused by cables pulling on the power jack plug as the telescope slews from one position to another. Our "fix" for this is a simple right-angle plug that has a lower profile than most straight jack plugs. The cable has a 2.5mm female socket at one end, and a 2.5mm right angle plug at the other.

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The Combi Camera Adaptor
The Combi Camera Adaptor
A versatile camera adaptor for all LX200 Classic and GPS telescopes

With the addition of a standard T camera-mounting ring (for your specific camera*), the Combi allows SLR (single lens reflex) cameras to be attached to both the LX200 Classic and GPS. The Combi also functions as a 1.25" to 2" eyepiece adaptor. The adaptor is finished in black anodic dye. With the addition of the T-mount Extension Tube (AC330, see astro-photography section) the Combi will function as an eyepiece projection camera mount similar to AC325.

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

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megawedgepro
The MegaWedge Pro
The ultimate "observatory standard" wedge for the LX200 GPS and Classic

The MegaWedge Pro is our finest wedge for the LX200. Constructed of high precision CNC machined 20mm thick aluminium plate the wedge is both extraordinarily rigid and lightweight. We designed the MegaWedge Pro specifically to provide not just the last word in rigidity but the ultimate in smooth and precise Polar alignment adjustment. Ideal for use with all (especially the larger) LX200 Classic and new GPS telescopes. The wedge can be field tripod mounted. as well as mounted on our Standard, Custom and DIY observatory piers. Equipped with hand-knob slow-motion adjusters on both latitude and azimuth registers the MegaWedge Pro is a delight to use and will provide the perfect foundation for advanced astro-imaging projects. Like the standard MegaWedge above the Pro also has a spirit level for fast set-up in the field. Finished in black anodic dye and supplied with all fastenings and instructions (silver model pictured was produced for demonstration purposes only). The MegaWedge Pro is suitable for latitudes between 63 and 35 degrees.

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scopesleeper
Scope-Sleeper Dongle

A simple but effective device that allows you to leave your LX200GPS or Classic powered up continuously (probably the best way to store this type of scope in a observatory) retaining sky alignment but with the drive disabled. Scope-Sleeper should only be used with telescopes set-up in polar mode.

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propier
The MegaWedge Pro-Pier
A research grade anti-vibration pier designed for the MegaWedge Pro

As result of direct research by BC&F AE we have a close understanding of the causes of vibration in small observatory installations. This knowledge has been exploited in the design of the MegaWedge Pro Observatory Pier. The Pro pier uses our tried and tested anti-vibration design technology but with the benefit of a specially designed and CNC manufactured top plate for the high specification needs of the MegaWedge Pro. The pier can be bolted directly to a suitable concrete floor. Manufactured from heavy steel for the base and aluminium for the CNC head the Pro-Pier is finished in black stipple-finish resin powder coating. Specification: 1010mm (39.75") high (without wedge).

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pcdata
PC connection cable
Allows all LX200 telescopes to be connected to the serial port of a PC.

Fitted with 9-way D plug for connection to the serial port of your PC the cable fits into the RS232 modular port in the front panel of the LX200 (all models) to provide full PC connectivity ­ for upgrades and full remote operation by PC planetarium programs (check compatibility with software vendor). Cable is available in four standard lengths: 5, 10, 20 and 30m.

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shunt
Primary mirror stabiliser and lock
Reduces mirror flop and focus drift on 10",12" and 16" LX200 Classic models

This simple spring-loaded shunt screws in to the main mirror support from the rear of the LX200 through the transit screw hole, and provides a controllable thrust 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. 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.

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gpsmate
The GPS-Mate
At last - the ultimate upgrade for the LX200 Classic. Add the power and precision of Global Positioning System satellite data to your LX200 Classic telescope - at the press of a single button.
The GPS-Mate allows GPS functionality to be added to your Meade LX200 Classic telescope. In seconds the GPS-Mate will receive data from the GPS satellite network, derive the telescope's position anywhere on the Earth's surface to an accuracy of a few metres (a few tens of feet), calculate the time zone offset (based on longitude position) and upload all this data into your telescope, together with the date and time to sub-second accuracy. Simply plug the device into the Autostar handset and press the start button - it really is that simple! Unlike competing products, there is no complicated software to install and you can use it on any number of telescopes without paying an additional licence fee

The GPS-Mate is so powerful and simple to use you'll wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. The GPS-Mate is super-functional and upgrades the Meade LX200 Classic telescope regardless of age. It improves pointing accuracy and makes the telescope a joy to set up and use. Even when using the telescope from a regular position, the GPS-Mate still makes the telescope easier to use by eliminating the need to obtain an accurate time signal and input date and time information by hand. The GPS-Mate updates the time and date precisely with a single button push.

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Just look at these world-beating features:

• Super-sensitive and accurate: 12.5m (41ft) radius position accuracy, sub-second clock update accuracy.

• Easy for all to use - no software required or complicated instructions - just plug-in and play.

• No complicated software 'patches' and licences required for use with additional telescopes.

• No risk of Autostar errors due to low-volts power drain. Our unit has its own 9V power supply for greater reliability and less impact on the host telescope.

The super-sensitive GPS antenna means that the GPS-Mate works in poor conditions and even indoors near a window.

It works with all Meade ETX telescopes fitted with #495 and #497 Autostar handsets (that is, 90EC, 105EC and 125EC). It also provides full GPS functionality with Meade LX90, and all models of LXD55 and LX200 Classic.

The complete GPS-Mate kit comes packaged in a handsome foam-fitted black attaché case, and is supplied with a cable to allow attachment to all Mak-Cass ETXs, LX90 and LXD55, as well as a cable to fit all LX200 Classic and GPS models.

To compare the GPS-Mate with the competition:

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To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

All ETX telescopes, LX90, LXD55, LX200 Classic & GPS

The GPS-Mate
Global Positioning System telescopes setup aid,
complete kit for all scopes

AC500

189.99

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.

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handcable
10m Handset extension cable for LX200 GPS and Classic telescopes - the easy route to remote operation

This extension cable allows you to fully remote-operate your LX200GPS or Classic telescope from upto 10m (over 32ft) away! Low temperature tested high-visibility white cable. Simply unplug your existing curly-cable and plug in the new extension.

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