Print

[jtc125]

I am new to this forum. I purchased a Meade LX70 8” with a LX70 mount and dual axis motors earlier this year hoping to get into AP later.  I have been looking for a GoTo conversion when I found AstroEQ. This sounds promising. I am considering this conversion but am still looking at the requirements to convert.
Is there any reason why the AstroEQ would not work on the LX70 or if there any special requirements.  Also, in my research I was trying to verify the mount class. I have seen on Cloudy Nights where it has been indicated as an EQ5 class mount but also have seen comments that it is a Synta EQ5. I also found on another website where it said regarding RA gear/worm tooth count that the Meade LX has 180 teeth. I performed a check by marking a 90 degree span of RA rotation which took 36 turns of the RA hand control thus equaling a worm gear ratio of 144:1. This matches the EQ5 gear ratio chart. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

[TCWORLD]

Hi,

The LX70 does appear (from looking at the pictures anyway), to be effectively just an EQ5. A ratio of 144:1 somewhat confirms that.

I don't see any technical reason why you should have any problems converting the mount to Go-To with an AstroEQ.

Tom.

[jtc125]

Thanks Tom. I appreciate the confirmation. I was excited to find the AstroEQ and look forward to beginning a project in the near future.  I still need to look at the DEC motor mounting options. 
Jack