Q: I've heard the LXD55 or LXD75 mount was not very stable?
A: While it's true the mount is a bit undersized for the 10" Schmidt Newtonian scope, it still provides a very sturdy support for the other OTA's in the series. In addition to that, with good balancing and a tuned mount, the 10" OTA rides comfortably on the LXD55 or LXD75 mount. The weakest link in the mount really isn't the mount - it's the tripod. There are a few things you can do to stabilize the tripod such as filling the legs with sand, using leg dampeners, or even replacing the entire tripod with a larger one.

Q: Do the motors on the LXD55 or LXD75 have a high rate of failure?
A: True, the motors and electronics are one of the most popular item to be replaced. But they usually don't go bad after using them for a while, it's more common to see them sent back immediately after buying the telescope because the drives are only slewing in one direction or are stuck in high slew mode or are just not tested good enough at the factory.

Q: Are the LXD55 or LXD75 optics good for photography?
A: The optics are the strongest point of the LXD55 or LXD75 telescope. Having a large surface area with a fast F/ ratio makes for an outstanding wide field, and bright view of the heavens. This means clear and sharp results on film, CCD, or CMOS - done quickly with the help of shorter exposure times. The AR series refractors will show some false color when photographing due to the achromatic lens design and having higher F/ ratios will increase exposure times. But the refractors are great planetary imaging scopes! Examples >>

Q: I've heard there is a quality control problem with the LXD55 or LXD75 series, and that some people are getting used scopes when purchased as new?
A: True, there are some flaws in the process of manufacturing the LXD55 or LXD75. From what we understand, the LXD55 or LXD75 mounts are made in China and assembled in the USA. The optics are USA manufactured at the Meade manufacturing center and assembled in Chinese manufactured tubes in the USA as well. Throughout this entire exchange, we feel as if there is a quality control problem. And from first hand accounts sent to us by our readers - there have been cases of Meade sending a "previously owned" LXD55 or LXD75 mount to a new customer. This is likely a re-manufacture mount rather than 'used' but for sake of argument they have been used before.Your best bet is to use a known vendor to buy from, and if you can buy local, that way you can inspect the mount and optics before you get them home and find any surprises. It'll save you and Meade time.

Q: Can the LXD55 or LXD75 be auto guided?
A: Yes! You can either use the new Meade LPI system, or even a webcam using software such as GuideDog to do the guiding for you. People are always experimenting though, it's best to google search frequently or visit sites like this to attain the latest results from users.

Q: Can I remotely control the LXD55 or LXD75 using PC or Mac software?
A: Yes! The AutoStar controller allows for a serial connection to a PC. If you are running software such as Starry Nite Pro, you can connect to the AutoStar using a standard Meade 505 cable and selecting the standard 'generic' LX200 protocol from the program menu. Then you will have full control over the scope including GOTO slews from your desktop.

Q: Can I use other Optical Tubes or Telescopes with the LXD55 or LXD75 mount?
A: Of Course! All you need is a CG5 style rail or dovetail and you can use any scope with the mount (within weight limit).

Q: Can I purchase the LXD55 or LXD75 motors seperate, so I can build my own Goto mount from a CG5 or something?
A: Meade doesn't sell them or any other LXD55 or LXD75 part seperate (unless you count the AutoStar). You might sometimes find them used on http://ScopeTrader.com or http://Ebay.com though.

Q: Will a HyperTune from LXD55.com increase the mounts longevity and correct most faulty issues with usage?
A: First of all, you should visit http://LXD55 or LXD75.com/HyperTune and read the procedure notes
But yes, HyperTuning the mount will solve most if not all of your LXD55 or LXD75 mount woes. But it can't be a replacement for a failed component, or simple user error.
HyperTuning is one of the first things many owners do after purchasing their mounts, and they are usually glad they did.

Q: Does the LXD55 or LXD75 and LXD75 use the same electronincs?
A: Yes, the motors used are both DC standard servo type motors and the electronics are identical - each uses an Autostar Controller. LXD55 or LXD75 motors will fit onto an LXD75, and vise-versa.

Q: What is the biggest difference in the LXD55 and the LXD75 mount?
A: The LXD55 mount when compared to the LXD75 mount is strikingly similar. As a matter of fact - they are almost identical. The electronics are the same, the worm gears are the same, the axis gears are the same, even the lock-down mechanisms are the same. So what is the biggest difference? The LXD75 mount does incorporate much needed axis bearings. These help the axis's (especially the RA) to move without much friction, thus increasing the mounts overall performance to track and guide without error.

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