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Date: 29 Sep 2006 15:34:56
From: Fred Scharmann
Subject: Lightbridge question


I can see a lot of positives about a lightbridge telescope, but are there
any websites that tell the negatives about them?

Thanks






 
Date: 29 Sep 2006 20:40:34
From: Don't Be Evil
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question



Fred Scharmann wrote:
> I can see a lot of positives about a lightbridge telescope, but are there
> any websites that tell the negatives about them?
>
> Thanks

I haven't seen websites, but one obvious negative to many people is the
lack of computerized pointing, like Orion offers.

Greg



  
Date: 30 Sep 2006 10:19:20
From: William Hamblen
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


On 2006-09-30, Don't Be Evil <g626700-gg@yahoo.com > wrote:
>
> Fred Scharmann wrote:
>> I can see a lot of positives about a lightbridge telescope, but are there
>> any websites that tell the negatives about them?
>>
>> Thanks
>
> I haven't seen websites, but one obvious negative to many people is the
> lack of computerized pointing, like Orion offers.

How long will it be before JMI makes an adapter for their
digital setting circles, in case one of theirs doesn't fit
already?

Bud


 
Date: 29 Sep 2006 16:00:24
From: RMOLLISE
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question



Fred Scharmann wrote:
> I can see a lot of positives about a lightbridge telescope, but are there
> any websites that tell the negatives about them?
>
> Thanks

Well, in addition to the Sky and Telescope review, of course, take a
look at <http://cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1465 >

This is Tom Trusock's Cloudy Nights review. Tom, in addition to really
knowing his gear, is one of the best new writers in the astro-biz.

Only caveat? This review is from a while back, and I think Meade has
made some changes since it was written.

Finally, Meade is preparing a 16 inch version:
<http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=&pid=11470&m=2 >

Is that one gonna make Unc Rod buy a dob? Prob'ly not, but you never
know. ;-)

Peace,
Rod Mollise
Author of: _Choosing and Using an SCT_, and _The Urban Astronomers's
Guide_.
<http://skywatch.brainiac.com/astroland >



 
Date: 29 Sep 2006 18:26:42
From: Dennis Woos
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


>I can see a lot of positives about a lightbridge telescope, but are there
>any websites that tell the negatives about them?
>

You know, you probably can find at least one example of a LightBridge scope
at any major star party, and it is not that unlikely that someone in one of
the astro clubs near you has one. I wouldn't buy any scope not from a
premium vendor (AstroPhysics, Televue, Takahashi, TMB, etc.) without first
observing with at least one sample.

Dennis




 
Date: 29 Sep 2006 14:24:46
From: Jan Owen
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


"Fred Scharmann" <fjs3spam@adelphia.net > wrote in message
news:aOadnVEV99b16IDYnZ2dnUVZ_smdnZ2d@adelphia.com...
>I can see a lot of positives about a lightbridge telescope, but are there
>any websites that tell the negatives about them?
>
> Thanks
>

The reason you aren't reading a lot about how bad the LightBridge telescopes
are, is because they are pretty good telescopes...

The Meade bashers, and they are legion here, would be HAPPY to be bitching
about everything they could nitpick on these scopes, if there was much to
nitpick... Frankly, this is a VERY good scope... As I have said before, it
is not a premium scope, but it competes surprisingly well with even them...

The negatives.

There is some white paint in a few areas around the lip of the tube that
roll over inside the tube, and should be flat black...

I prefer Teflon altitude bearings to felt, but these work very well...
Personal preference. But NOT a fault...

I prefer Teflon azimuth bearings over roller bearings. but these rollers
work just fine, and the resistance is readily adjustable. Not a fault...

The altitude bearings are a little small in diameter, to MY tastes, but work
better than many of the early, REAL Dobsonians (most of today's so-called
Dobsonians are bastardizations of the original Dobsonian design).

They are smooth in both axes... That's what a Dobsonian is all about... I
have a lifetime supply of Teflon and started to modify my scope in both
axes, but after thinking about it, I decided there was no POINT... It's
just fine as it is...

I HAVE replaced the primary cell collimation springs with stronger springs.
You COULD just tighten the three primary adjustment screws a full turn or
two, to put more pressure on the springs (which I did with good results for
several months before I actually replaced them).

I put thumb screws on the primary and secondary collimation adjustments...
Just a personal preference... The original screws worked just fine...

I removed the primary locking screws after installing stronger springs... I
could have left the standard screws, or installed the upgrade screws, which
I HAVE, but did NOT install. No need... No need to change... The scope,
as delivered, is fine. Personal preferences again...

I installed a light shroud. But here at the house, or at several remote
desert viewing sites, I don't really need it, so I removed it... I still
have it, so I can install it as needed.

A nice addition, but certainly NOT a deficiency, is the Scope Tote. It
makes for easier handling of the OTA... Again, not a deficiency, but for
someone with a bad back like me, it makes life a LOT simpler...

I happen to like Rigel QuickFinders. So I replaced the Deluxe Meade 1X
finder with a Rigel... The Meade is perfectly OK... Works like a champ...
The Rigel is lighter, and adjusts more quickly, but overall it's just a
personal thing; NOT a deficiency...

Are you getting the picture now?

This scope, and probably the 16" that's coming to a theatre near YOU soon,
is a real home run for Meade... I suspect they will sell a LOT of them...
They should... It's a good scope...

Folks should pay attention to the S&T review... It said it like it is...

Now for the disclaimers... I have NO connection to either Meade or S&T...
I do have over 40 years of experience in amateur astronomy, and have owned a
lot of different scopes of different designs, and apertures, and have built
several myself... I am somewhat of a perfectionist where optics are
concerned, and don't accept poor or mediocre optics.

If you don't like what I have said here, go TRY one. You may be pleasantly
surprised...

--
Jan Owen

To reach me directly, remove the Z, if one appears in my e-mail address...
Latitude: 33.6
Longitude: -112.3
http://community.webshots.com/user/janowen21




 
Date: 29 Sep 2006 13:00:42
From: Starlord
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


In my opion the S&T artical about them tells the few things that you could
call neg, but could be fixed by just about anyone.


--
The Lone Sidewalk Astronomer of Rosamond

Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord
Sidewalk Astronomy
www.sidewalkastronomy.info
The Church of Eternity
http://home.inreach.com/starlord/church/Eternity.html


"Fred Scharmann" <fjs3spam@adelphia.net > wrote in message
news:aOadnVEV99b16IDYnZ2dnUVZ_smdnZ2d@adelphia.com...
>I can see a lot of positives about a lightbridge telescope, but are there
>any websites that tell the negatives about them?
>
> Thanks
>
>




 
Date: 30 Sep 2006 00:59:47
From: H Ransom
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


Yes. No major problem. The name. Who names a telescope the
Lightbridge!? Just name is "GW" or "Shirley" and get it over with.
Thats the one thing would make me not buy this telescope - the commercialism.
I would rather die and be eaten by cannibals that buy a
LIGHT BRIDGE!





Fred Scharmann wrote:

> I can see a lot of positives about a lightbridge telescope, but are there
> any websites that tell the negatives about them?
>
> Thanks



  
Date: 29 Sep 2006 23:30:18
From: Starlord
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


Well, my first real scope was an Orion DSE 12,5inch f4.8, now over here on
the mainland I still have my SG4, then I built my Babylon 8 and I'm using an
OPT 10inch f5 I'm calling Galactica. Don't like the name? Name it something
else yourself.

Of any reason to not buy a scope, because of it's name has to be about the
lamest I've every heard of.


--
The Lone Sidewalk Astronomer of Rosamond

Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord
Sidewalk Astronomy
www.sidewalkastronomy.info
The Church of Eternity
http://home.inreach.com/starlord/church/Eternity.html


"H Ransom" <cablerates@screw-em.com > wrote in message
news:451E07D3.B2255F82@screw-em.com...
> Yes. No major problem. The name. Who names a telescope the
> Lightbridge!?




   
Date: 04 Oct 2006 02:57:12
From: Wally
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question




Starlord wrote:

> Well, my first real scope was an Orion DSE 12,5inch f4.8, now over here on
> the mainland I still have my SG4, then I built my Babylon 8 and I'm using an
> OPT 10inch f5 I'm calling Galactica. Don't like the name? Name it something
> else yourself.
>
> Of any reason to not buy a scope, because of it's name has to be about the
> lamest I've every heard of.
>

Not sao~! What;s in a name? The PRODUCT! And this rose would
not be a rose by any other name, because its an overpriced POC to begin with.
Wake up Amerikan consumerista!



>
> --
> The Lone Sidewalk Astronomer of Rosamond
>
> Telescope Buyers FAQ
> http://home.inreach.com/starlord
> Sidewalk Astronomy
> www.sidewalkastronomy.info
> The Church of Eternity
> http://home.inreach.com/starlord/church/Eternity.html
>
> "H Ransom" <cablerates@screw-em.com> wrote in message
> news:451E07D3.B2255F82@screw-em.com...
> > Yes. No major problem. The name. Who names a telescope the
> > Lightbridge!?



 
Date: 01 Oct 2006 09:10:58
From: Don't Be Evil
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question



William Hamblen wrote:
> On 2006-09-30, Don't Be Evil <g626700-gg@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> > Fred Scharmann wrote:
> >> I can see a lot of positives about a lightbridge telescope, but are there
> >> any websites that tell the negatives about them?
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >
> > I haven't seen websites, but one obvious negative to many people is the
> > lack of computerized pointing, like Orion offers.
>
> How long will it be before JMI makes an adapter for their
> digital setting circles, in case one of theirs doesn't fit
> already?
>
> Bud

But, how much would that cost compared to the $240 extra for the 8"
Intelliscope w/controller?

I'm not saying thats the only consideration. The truss configuration
could be great for people with very small cars, but the availability of
low-cost GOTO is a factor as well.

Greg



 
Date: 07 Oct 2006 08:07:31
From: Shneor
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question



RMOLLISE wrote:

>
> Finally, Meade is preparing a 16 inch version:
> <http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=&pid=11470&m=2>
>
> Is that one gonna make Unc Rod buy a dob? Prob'ly not, but you never
> know. ;-)
>
> Peace,
> Rod Mollise
> Author of: _Choosing and Using an SCT_, and _The Urban Astronomers's
> Guide_.
> <http://skywatch.brainiac.com/astroland>

Interesting thing about the description of the 16" - it takes two
people to ("generally") set up. And it claims that the mirrors are
overcoated with magnesium flouride. See
http://www.astronomics.com/main/product.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/C8NSHJGLRKSU9M5NAE5XHKRLD4/product_id/MLB16D

Clears,
Shneor Sherman



  
Date: 07 Oct 2006 19:39:11
From: Phil Wheeler
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


Shneor wrote:
> RMOLLISE wrote:
>
>> Finally, Meade is preparing a 16 inch version:
>> <http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=&pid=11470&m=2>
>>
>> Is that one gonna make Unc Rod buy a dob? Prob'ly not, but you never
>> know. ;-)
>>
>> Peace,
>> Rod Mollise
>> Author of: _Choosing and Using an SCT_, and _The Urban Astronomers's
>> Guide_.
>> <http://skywatch.brainiac.com/astroland>
>
> Interesting thing about the description of the 16" - it takes two
> people to ("generally") set up. And it claims that the mirrors are
> overcoated with magnesium flouride. See
> http://www.astronomics.com/main/product.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/C8NSHJGLRKSU9M5NAE5XHKRLD4/product_id/MLB16D
>

"As the 16” Meade LightBridge is shipped directly
to the customer from the Meade Instruments
California factory, California sales tax applies
to any LightBridge order shipped to a customer
within the state of California."

Ouch! No point in mail order, then, for anyone in CA.

Phil


  
Date: 07 Oct 2006 13:53:35
From: Dennis Woos
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


> Interesting thing about the description of the 16" - it takes two
> people to ("generally") set up. And it claims that the mirrors are
> overcoated with magnesium flouride. See
> http://www.astronomics.com/main/product.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/C8NSHJGLRKSU9M5NAE5XHKRLD4/product_id/MLB16D
>
> Clears,
> Shneor Sherman
>

I got a laugh out of this blurb from the ad:

"Mighty globular clusters in the distant Andromeda Galaxy may begin to
approach the threshold of visibility for the exceptionally keen-eyed
observer."

Think this is a translation from Chinese?

In time we will get a sense of how good these scopes are. I wouldn't use
BK7 for the primary and secondary mirrors, and I wouldn't brag about
"diffraction limited". I also don't like the felt bearing business.
However, what matters is how the scope handles and how good are the views.
I certainly would like to try one out.

Dennis




   
Date: 07 Oct 2006 15:03:08
From: Jan Owen
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


"Dennis Woos" <dpwoos@gmavt.net > wrote in message
news:12ifqd1ljq0ur79@corp.supernews.com...
>> Interesting thing about the description of the 16" - it takes two
>> people to ("generally") set up. And it claims that the mirrors are
>> overcoated with magnesium flouride. See
>> http://www.astronomics.com/main/product.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/C8NSHJGLRKSU9M5NAE5XHKRLD4/product_id/MLB16D
>>
>> Clears,
>> Shneor Sherman
>>
>
> I got a laugh out of this blurb from the ad:
>
> "Mighty globular clusters in the distant Andromeda Galaxy may begin to
> approach the threshold of visibility for the exceptionally keen-eyed
> observer."
>
> Think this is a translation from Chinese?
>
> In time we will get a sense of how good these scopes are. I wouldn't use
> BK7 for the primary and secondary mirrors, and I wouldn't brag about
> "diffraction limited". I also don't like the felt bearing business.
> However, what matters is how the scope handles and how good are the views.
> I certainly would like to try one out.
>
> Dennis

I've had a 12" LightBridge now for more than 6 months, and I know how good
they are.

These aren't TScopes FarStars, or Teeter Scopes (which you can't GET anymore
anyway), or Obsessions, or Starmasters, but, for the dollars one will cost
you, they are surprisingly good... Pretty much exactly as described in the
S&T review...

I have to laugh at all the folks who keep trying to nitpick everything they
read or make up in their minds, with absolutely NO personal data. Just the
usual Meade bashing...

Oh, gee, golly!!! I read THIS about this new scope... No way!!!

Sorry, guys. When you've used the scope for a few months, come back and
tell us again...

Meantime quit complaining about something you know nothing about, and go
find out for yourself, instead of just making noise...

This time, Meade has a pretty decent scope out there, to make the usual
Meade bashers look just a tad silly...

No. NOT a premium scope, but it does get the job done just fine...

--
Jan Owen

To reach me directly, remove the Z, if one appears in my e-mail address...
Latitude: 33.6
Longitude: -112.3
http://community.webshots.com/user/janowen21




    
Date: 07 Oct 2006 23:07:47
From: Dennis Woos
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


> I've had a 12" LightBridge now for more than 6 months, and I know how good
> they are.
>
> These aren't TScopes FarStars, or Teeter Scopes (which you can't GET
> anymore anyway), or Obsessions, or Starmasters, but, for the dollars one
> will cost you, they are surprisingly good... Pretty much exactly as
> described in the S&T review...
>
> I have to laugh at all the folks who keep trying to nitpick everything
> they read or make up in their minds, with absolutely NO personal data.
> Just the usual Meade bashing...
>
> Oh, gee, golly!!! I read THIS about this new scope... No way!!!
>
> Sorry, guys. When you've used the scope for a few months, come back and
> tell us again...
>
> Meantime quit complaining about something you know nothing about, and go
> find out for yourself, instead of just making noise...
>
> This time, Meade has a pretty decent scope out there, to make the usual
> Meade bashers look just a tad silly...
>
> No. NOT a premium scope, but it does get the job done just fine...
>
> --
> Jan Owen

Wow, you are pretty defensive about this scope. Are you sure you could
handle negative comments even if they were justified? I think this attitude
is more usual for homemade optics, where someone has invested a lot more of
themselves in the final product. In any case, I am glad for you that you
are enjoying your LightBridge and, as I have already posted, I look forward
to trying one out myself sometime.

Dennis




     
Date: 07 Oct 2006 20:52:55
From: Jan Owen
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


"Dennis Woos" <dpwoos@gmavt.net > wrote in message
news:12igqs58drb0ccb@corp.supernews.com...
>> I've had a 12" LightBridge now for more than 6 months, and I know how
>> good they are.
>>
>> These aren't TScopes FarStars, or Teeter Scopes (which you can't GET
>> anymore anyway), or Obsessions, or Starmasters, but, for the dollars one
>> will cost you, they are surprisingly good... Pretty much exactly as
>> described in the S&T review...
>>
>> I have to laugh at all the folks who keep trying to nitpick everything
>> they read or make up in their minds, with absolutely NO personal data.
>> Just the usual Meade bashing...
>>
>> Oh, gee, golly!!! I read THIS about this new scope... No way!!!
>>
>> Sorry, guys. When you've used the scope for a few months, come back and
>> tell us again...
>>
>> Meantime quit complaining about something you know nothing about, and go
>> find out for yourself, instead of just making noise...
>>
>> This time, Meade has a pretty decent scope out there, to make the usual
>> Meade bashers look just a tad silly...
>>
>> No. NOT a premium scope, but it does get the job done just fine...
>>
>> --
>> Jan Owen
>
> Wow, you are pretty defensive about this scope. Are you sure you could
> handle negative comments even if they were justified? I think this
> attitude is more usual for homemade optics, where someone has invested a
> lot more of themselves in the final product. In any case, I am glad for
> you that you are enjoying your LightBridge and, as I have already posted,
> I look forward to trying one out myself sometime.
>
> Dennis

As I've said several times, here and elsewhere, these aren't perfect scopes.
And they aren't premium scopes. They are just very good scopes for the
money...

Their faults are well documented. They are discussed in S&T's review, and
I've pointed them out here, and elsewhere as well...

When you look at the LightBridge scopes overall, though, the faults are
relatively minor, and their strong suits yield quite a nice scope.
Certainly not the Far Star with Spooner mirror that I had originally
planned, but still *good enough*...

As for being defensive, I'd say I'm simply tired of folks failing to give
Meade credit where credit is due, but instead making negative comments about
Meade, and scopes they've never touched or used. Meade isn't my favorite
telescope manufacturer, but I think they've done a good job here, even WITH
some faults, and I've simply SAID so... And will say so again, if needs
be...

--
Jan Owen

To reach me directly, remove the Z, if one appears in my e-mail address...
Latitude: 33.6
Longitude: -112.3
http://community.webshots.com/user/janowen21




    
Date: 07 Oct 2006 22:22:01
From: William R. Mattil
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


Jan Owen wrote:
> "Dennis Woos" <dpwoos@gmavt.net> wrote in message
> news:12ifqd1ljq0ur79@corp.supernews.com...
>
>
>>
>>I got a laugh out of this blurb from the ad:
>>
>>"Mighty globular clusters in the distant Andromeda Galaxy may begin to
>>approach the threshold of visibility for the exceptionally keen-eyed
>>observer."
>>
>>Think this is a translation from Chinese?

Why do you find this funny ? is it not possible with 16 inches of
aperture ?


> I have to laugh at all the folks who keep trying to nitpick everything they
> read or make up in their minds, with absolutely NO personal data. Just the
> usual Meade bashing...

Even as a Non Believer in most of Meades products I find this comment
appropriate.


> Sorry, guys. When you've used the scope for a few months, come back and
> tell us again...

What would be the fun in that ?? <lol >

>
> Meantime quit complaining about something you know nothing about, and go
> find out for yourself, instead of just making noise...
>
> This time, Meade has a pretty decent scope out there, to make the usual
> Meade bashers look just a tad silly...
>
> No. NOT a premium scope, but it does get the job done just fine...
>


Well Put ...... You like the 12 then ? I was hoping for 12.5inch which I
could salvage the optics from for a project. But I might up the ante to
16 inch .....

Best Regards

Bill

--

William R. Mattil : http://www.celestial-images.com


     
Date: 07 Oct 2006 15:46:42
From: Jan Owen
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


"William R. Mattil" <wrmattil@ix.netcom.com > wrote in message
news:dMVVg.20391$Ij.18213@newssvr14.news.prodigy.com...
> Jan Owen wrote:
>> "Dennis Woos" <dpwoos@gmavt.net> wrote in message
>> news:12ifqd1ljq0ur79@corp.supernews.com...
>>
>>>
>>>I got a laugh out of this blurb from the ad:
>>>
>>>"Mighty globular clusters in the distant Andromeda Galaxy may begin to
>>>approach the threshold of visibility for the exceptionally keen-eyed
>>>observer."
>>>
>>>Think this is a translation from Chinese?
>
> Why do you find this funny ? is it not possible with 16 inches of
> aperture ?
>
>
>> I have to laugh at all the folks who keep trying to nitpick everything
>> they read or make up in their minds, with absolutely NO personal data.
>> Just the usual Meade bashing...
>
> Even as a Non Believer in most of Meades products I find this comment
> appropriate.
>
>
>> Sorry, guys. When you've used the scope for a few months, come back and
>> tell us again...
>
> What would be the fun in that ?? <lol>
>
>>
>> Meantime quit complaining about something you know nothing about, and go
>> find out for yourself, instead of just making noise...
>>
>> This time, Meade has a pretty decent scope out there, to make the usual
>> Meade bashers look just a tad silly...
>>
>> No. NOT a premium scope, but it does get the job done just fine...
>>
>
>
> Well Put ...... You like the 12 then ? I was hoping for 12.5inch which I
> could salvage the optics from for a project. But I might up the ante to 16
> inch .....
>
> Best Regards
>
> Bill
>
> --
>
> William R. Mattil : http://www.celestial-images.com

This is not a GREAT scope, but it is very nice, given the price... I was
about to have Ed Taychert make a FarStar with a Mike Spooner mirror. THAT
would be MY idea of a really GREAT scope.

But along came Meade with THIS thing... Hard to resist... So I BOUGHT
one... And haven't been sorry I did so since... Is the mirror as good as a
SPOONER mirror? I think not (and I do own a Spooner mirror for reference).
But it's certainly *good enough*, and that still counts...

Meade never said it was going to replace Hubble, though they are somewhat
(heheheheh!) prone to hyperbole. But I do get tired of listening to folks
here badmouth anything made by Meade, simply because it CAME from Meade,
when they have NO idea what they are talking about.

This is a scope that I think Meade is going to sell a BUNCH of. Probably
already HAVE...

So our usual Meade bashers are going to sound pretty hollow when it's all
over. Too bad. They could have bought one and enjoyed it for what it IS,
instead of spewing their sour-grapes version of what they feel they must
portray them as... Their loss. No one else's... Everyone else has the
opportunity to buy one and enjoy it for what it is, while the bashers just
wank away as usual...

--
Jan Owen

To reach me directly, remove the Z, if one appears in my e-mail address...
Latitude: 33.6
Longitude: -112.3
http://community.webshots.com/user/janowen21




   
Date: 07 Oct 2006 19:41:10
From: Phil Wheeler
Subject: Re: Lightbridge question


Dennis Woos wrote:
>> Interesting thing about the description of the 16" - it takes two
>> people to ("generally") set up. And it claims that the mirrors are
>> overcoated with magnesium flouride. See
>> http://www.astronomics.com/main/product.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/C8NSHJGLRKSU9M5NAE5XHKRLD4/product_id/MLB16D
>>
>> Clears,
>> Shneor Sherman
>>
>
> I got a laugh out of this blurb from the ad:
>
> "Mighty globular clusters in the distant Andromeda Galaxy may begin to
> approach the threshold of visibility for the exceptionally keen-eyed
> observer."
>
> Think this is a translation from Chinese?
>

Looks like it was written by a politician: "may
begin.. for the exceptionally keen-eyed observer".

Phil