DSI II (One-shot Color)	DSI Pro II with RGB Filter Set

Meade Deep Sky Imager II with Autostar Suite

   The user-friendly astrophotography revolution continues. Introducing the new DSI II. It combines ease-of-use with a larger chip, greater sensitivity, higher resolution, and dramatically lower thermal noise. Meade engineers have invented a remarkable new way to reduce noise without a cooler. This means you can take exposures for hours at a time. And the new thermal monitoring sensors automatically match your dark frames to ambient temperature so it’s nearly impossible to take an uncalibrated picture. The software includes a new zoom feature for easier focusing and the squared pixels of the new larger chip make processing simpler and images more beautiful than ever. The DSI II is the world’s first un-cooled camera with low thermal noise. And that’s as cool as it gets. For further details, please see the DSI and DSI Pro sections.

Meade Deep Sky Imager (DSI) with Autostar Suite

   The new Deep Sky Imager is the latest innovation from Meade Instruments and represents a revolutionary breakthrough in CCD astro-imaging. The Deep Sky Imager is a high-performance, easy-to-use color CCD camera that allows every astronomer to shoot and process stunning deep sky photographs of galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and planets their first night out. Please see our CCD Imaging page for more detailed information.

Meade Deep Sky Imager Pro

   The new Deep Sky Imager Pro is the latest innovation from Meade Instruments. The Deep Sky Imager PRO is 2.3 times more sensitive and has 4 times the resolution of the color Deep Sky Imager. It is a high-performance, easy-to-use monochrome CCD camera that allows every astronomer to shoot and process stunning deep sky photographs of galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and planets. This CCD camera is designed with the intermediate to advanced amateur astrophotographer in mind. Purchase the new Deep Sky Imager Pro with our high quality RGB filter set and produce stunning RGB and LRGB images. Please see our CCD Imaging page for more detailed information.

Meade Wireless Autostar II

   A milestone leap in telescope control, now you can operate your LX200GPS or RCX400 telescope wirelessly from over a hundred feet away! Just plug in the wireless receiver into the handbox port of the drive base, turn on the Wireless AutoStar II controller and you'll have wireless control of every feature of the telescope. The system uses radio frequency signals instead of infrared, so you won't have to be in direct line of sight for proper operation. Each controller is on a separate communication code so that any number of astronomers observing together using Wireless AutoStar II controllers will not interfere with each other.

   The latest in technology from Meade, the Wireless Autostar II features enhanced ergonomic design for hand-held comfort. The adjustable brightness, red back-illuminated buttons with improved tactile-response send instantaneous commands to the telescope. Those familiar with using the corded version of the AutoStar II will easily master the Wireless AutoStar II with its new button arrangement and familiar two-line, sixteen character scrolling LED display.

Meade #1220 Field De-rotater

   Meade LX200GPS telescopes may be operated in the altazimuth mode (i.e., without polar alignment) for all visual applications and for photographic or CCD imaging exposures of up to about five minutes' duration. Most LX200GPS owners use their telescope in the altazimuth mode the great majority of the time. During longer photo or CCD exposures in the altazimuth mode, however, an effect called field rotation becomes evident.

   Simply put, even if the telescope is perfectly guided on a central star during a long exposure, stars at the edge of the field appear to rotate about the field center during the exposure. As a result, stars away from the field center appear as small concentric arcs on the film, rather than starpoints. This effect, which in no way relates to the accuracy of the telescope's computer or internal alignment, occurs on all altazimuth-mounted telescopes, whether large observatory telescope or LX200GPS, and is caused by the telescope not being polar aligned.

   Field rotation with an LX200GPS (or with their predecessor LX200 models) can be cured with the simple addition of an equatorial wedge. The wedge enables precise polar alignment, negating all field rotation. Alternately, the optional #1220 Field De-rotater may be attached to the rear cell of any 7", 8", 10", 12", or 14" Meade LX200 or LX200GPS model, simplifying field operation of the telescope, since no wedge is required. With the #1220 De-rotater attached to the telescope's rear cell, other accessories (T-Adapter, Off-Axis Guider, etc.) can in turn be threaded to the #1220 unit.

  The #1220 is easy to use! Just align the LX200GPS telescope as usual, using the GPS alignment procedure or one of six other available alignment procedures, and, automatically, signals are fed through one of the RS-232 ports on the LX200GPS control panel to the Field De-rotater, causing it to rotate at the correct speed and precisely counter the effects of altazimuth-induced field rotation. The #1220 Field De-rotater is powered through connection with the RS-232 serial port.

LX90 Adapter Plate

This adapter allows you to attach your LX90 to a standard Meade 8" or 10" wedge.

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Meade Tube Balance Weight Systems

   These permit the balancing of heavy or long-lever-arm accessories attached to the eyepiece end of the telescope. Each weight assembly attaches to factory-threaded holes provided on the underside of every Meade 8", 10", 12", or 14" SCT's or 7" Maksutov. Three differing weights are supplied with each unit, permitting considerable variation in the total weight available for balancing.

Proto Precision Machining Counter Weight Systems

These counter weight systems will give you the ability to use heavy and long arm accessories without sacrificing the telescope's balance.

Proto Precision Machining Dovetail Bracket and Balance Weights

   This dovetail bracket and balance weights will allow you to use the dovetail plate as a base for a counter weight system. The dovetail bracket and two 2.5 pound balance weights are included.

SmartAstronomy's SmartCase

   SmartAstronomy's Smartcase is designed to protect the Autostar controller keypad from dirt, dust, and moisture from dew. Microscopic dust and dirt will find its way inside your Autostar controller causing the keypad to have slow response or no response. Moisture from dew also becomes a major factor in keypad commands. Damage of the controller housing and circuts from accidental falls can also occur. The Goto telescope depends on the commands sent from the AutoStar Keypad. If the Autostar controller doesn't work, neither will your telescope! The SmartCase is fully padded for protection against impact and all materials are waterproof to protect against moisture from dew. The transparent front allows the display to read easily, and maintains the feel of the keypad in all temperatures. The SmartCase fits Autostar models #494,495,497 for use with all Meade LX series scopes, ETX scopes, and LXD55 scopes.

ScopeTronix 9 pin computer serial port cords
Allows you to connect your AUTOSTAR computer controller to your PC.

    These cords allow you to connect your Autostar to your PC. This will allow you to update the software in your Autostar using the program on Meade's website. You can also connect to programs like Chris Marriot's excellent SkyMap Pro. Then you can simply click on a detailed star map and your LX90 will automatically slew to your choice. The CCRD9 fits the #495 and #497 Autostar only (ETX 90/105/125/LX90).

Description	Item #	Price	Add to Cart
Autostar to 9 pin serial port Cord	STCCRD9	$19.95

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Connect your 9 pin or 25 pin computer serial port to the Magellan II or LX200

    These cords allow you to connect your Magellan II or LX200 to your PC. If you have a Magellan II with a revision of less than v1.6 you can update it to v1.6 using this cord and the Meade software. You can also connect to programs like Chris Marriot's excellent SkyMap Pro. The Magellan II will send position information to the computer and SkyMap Pro will show exactly where the LX50 is pointed on a detailed star map. The LX200 provides complete computer control of the scope. If you have a laptop you will most likely need the 9 pin version, older desktop computers usually require the 25 pin version. The LXCRD9 fits LX200 (GPS and Classic) and the Magellan II.

Meade RS232 to USB Adapter

   Meade RS232 serial port to USB adapter allows use of LX200GPS scopes with laptops that only have USB ports. PC Software included.

8" Deluxe Latitude Adjuster

    Replace that rinky-dink stock adjuster with this deluxe unit and never look back. Unlike other adjusters on the market the ScopeTronix adjuster includes a ball nut and push bar which mounts on the tilt plate. This allows the adjuster to push evenly in the center. Other adjusters push off center directly on the tilt plate (ouch!). This has the effect of twisting the tilt plate to one side throwing off your polar alignment. Includes stainless steel mounting hardware and wrench for installation. As an additional benefit the solid steel cross bar ties the sides of the wedge together making it significantly more rigid. The adjuster in the picture on the right is unpainted for clarity, all units come finished as in the picture on the left. Note: the Deluxe Latitude Adjuster fits the Standard Meade Wedge Only, it does not fit the Super Wedge.

LX50 Dec Fix Kit

   The LX-50 is basically a fine scope for the money, however some things could have been implemented a little better. The dec drive leaves a lot to be desired in speed regulation and smoothness. You know the routine, one button push and the drive barely moves, the next push and the thing takes off at full speed. This also wreaks havoc with auto guiders (or even manual guiding). The "Dec Fix Kit" is designed to address this problem. The original stock dec gear ratio used on LX-50's (until very recently) is 1.8:1. I have performed extensive testing with numerous ratios and found the ideal ratio to be around 7.7:1. This provides nice smooth motion at all 4 speeds, slows the drive down so it much more closely matches the RA speeds, and increases torque by over 400%! This allows for much easier manual guiding, easier centering, and helps eliminate false auto guider calibrations and guidestar loss. After just a few minutes installation your dec drive will be more powerful, smoother, and will even sound much better!

You can purchase the Dec Fix Kit at AstroHut. The rights to this product
have been handed over to AstroHut. You will be leaving this site.