LXD55.com Archived News

LXD55.com Archived News List

11/12/2006

Contacting us and delays

Dear Friends,
It has come to me attention that recently there have been a few people and groups that have tried to contact me using email and have had no responses.I would like to sincerely apologize for that.
The explanation...
Over the past 5 years here at LXD55.com and others sites we host, things have always stayed very busy with online ordering and HyperTunes and for that I thank all you great customers.
As the years of progressed so have the emails and as of today from all the websites, groups, forums, photos, classifieds and more - we receive over 300 emails a day on average. As you can imagine the SPAM is overwhelming! So to combat that I've recently tried a new approach and I'm afraid it's broken communication with allot of people as well as alerting us to new orders from those using Paypal.
We have now switched back to previous methods of receiving emails, so if you have tried to contact me regarding an order status, HyperTuning, or just to say hello - please resend your message.
LXD55.com is in NO WAY going out of business as some of you have feared! On the absolute opposite of that, we are building a brand new shop / house / observatory that will help US serve YOU better in the future and for years to come. We hope to expand our inventory and introduce some exciting new products and free services to everyone on the web.
Thank you, Richard Harris

10/4/2006 9:19:47 AM

Encoder wheel replacement kits are now shipping

Hello everyone, encoder wheel replacement kits are now shipping. For those that have had these on backorder, your kits are shipped and you should have received an email from the system with tracking information.
It's been a long wait for these and there are limited quantities so please order quickly to make sure you don't miss getting a set in this batch!
Order your encoder upgrade kit here >>

7/21/2006

No Wait Time for HyperTune Service

Got a sick Gem mount such as an LXD55, LXD75, LXD650, Orion, CG5, or other?

There is no wait time right now on HyperTune service for your mount!

Click here for all the details on this well known service http://lxd55.com/hypertune/

If you already know about the HyperTune and are ready to send your mount to us, sign your mount up for service here http://lxd55.com/hypertune/request.asp

6/1/2006

Teflon Bearings in stock!

Do you know why this guy is so happy?
He just installed new Teflon bearings into his telescope mount and he can't believe the difference!
Telfon Bearings for the LXD55, LXD75, Orion, CG and other mounts are in stock and ready to ship.
These make your mount run MUCH smoother - just look at the customer comments or check the messageboards.

Order here >>

4/2/2006

The LXD55.com 2005 Member Screensaver

The 2005 LXD55.com Member Screensaver is now available.

This is completely free, and shows off all the great Astrophotos all you members submitted in 2005 to the Astrophoto gallery.

Great work everyone!

Download the screensaver here > (20 meg download)

Enjoy!
Richard

1/3/2006

A new year, site changes, and more..

Hello everyone, it was an incredible 2005 thanks to all you wonderful supporters and LXD55 owners out there. You guys really make this effort worth doing!
I am going to be making some much needed site changes here (as requested by many) so please excuse the repair and improvements over the next few weeks.
The messageboard system is going to get a major update, along with the link section, Rig Pics, and just about every other portion of the site.
As always - I'm open to any suggestions (good / bad / ugly) that you might have regarding this site and it's content (as well as others I operate) so please, if you have any advise or comments, or just want to say hey than email me by clicking CONTACT US on the tube menu.
Thanks, and here's hoping for a clear 2006!
Richard

12/4/2005 10:04:40 AM

On HyperTune slot available!

Contact me ASAP to claim it and get your mount HyperTuned before February!

notify@lxd55.com

11/3/2005
Stake your claim on the map!
Add yourself to our Frapper map so we can create a list of LXD55 and LXD75 owners around the globe!
http://www.frappr.com/lxd55andlxd75owners

2/22/2005

Just a few updates..

We are still waiting on our restock order of Teflon bearings and HyperTune kit supplies. We hope to have them out for delivery by late next week.
Thank you everyone for being patient.

Several have also inquired about the new video produced by us "A Night Out using your telescope". We are working as fast as possible to get it out to the masses and it's really going to be great, so just bare with us a little longer there.

HyperTune service work has got us very busy with everyone gearing up for Spring viewing. We have made a small change to the Extreme Polar HyperTune, being it will no longer incorporate a polishing of the exterior surface. It simply takes to long for the end result and costs us valuable service time. So we have taken that part out.
The service is still being offered with the alignment, cleaning, etc. of the scope however. And when you get your mount HyperTuned by us, having the polar scope aligned to the mount helps tremendously with sky alignments during setup.
Clear skies everyone!
Richard

1/5/2005

A small token of our appreciation to you!

A few weeks ago we put an annoucement stating you could help our efforts here at http://LXD55.com and abroad (http://lxd75.com, http://scopetrader.com, http://lx200.net) by giving.
We have come up with a "Hall of Fame" list of those who have contributed in this manner. You can get to the list by CLICKING HERE
We also want to extend to everyone a Happy New Year and a wonderful season of viewing the Heavens!
Richard Harris

12/1/2004

LXD75.com goes online

Today is the launch of...

LXD75.com!

We are excited about this new launch and hope that you can find the site as useful and resourceful as LXD55.com is.
If you are a new LXD75 owner, or just want information relating to the scope be sure and stop by and help us build the community there.
Richard

10/29/2004

NOW SHIPPING - Encoder wheel replacements!

Need an encoder wheel for your LXD55 or LXD75 telescope? Have mis-aligned GOTO's or bad tracking? What about bent or broken encoders?
The first wave of encoder wheel replacements are NOW SHIPPING!

Order your set today, check our online store for details and ordering.

8/13/2004

Yes, we HyperTune the LXD75

Many have asked and the answer is YES we also HyperTune the LXD75. The difference between the LXD55 and LXD75 is very little and the LXD75 also greatly benefits from regreasing, poilishing, backlash adjustments and more, just like the LXD55.
The disassembly and reassembly are almost identical too, so the HyperTune DIY kit and DVD do apply to the LXD75 as well. There is an 'addition' kit to the LXD75 DIY HyperTune kit which basically points out small changes in the mount. If you have a new LXD75 that is stiff in the axis's or not GOTOing where it's supposed to, consider a HyperTune :)

8/5/2004

Online orders update

Hello everyone, Richard here!
Orders for the next round of Teflon bearings are starting to ship! If you are on the backorder list please be patient - we are working as fast as possible to get your order to you.
You will be notified via email the minute your order ships.
Thanks go to my wonderful help for this effort! I couldn't do it without you!! ;)
Onward -
In addition, along with the HyperTune service you can now order your service WITH the bearings together, so if you want a complete mount tuneup performed by us including the Teflon bearing upgrade you can request that from the HyperTune page.

7/2/2004

Teflon Bearing Shipments

..the Eagle has landed!
The Teflon replacement bearings are in, and after close inspection and a test install check, we are pleased to report that they are a perfect fit!

Orders are commencing by tomorrow.

Many of you have ordered additional items with your Bearing kits but requested they not be shipped until the bearings arrive and are shipped together.
Please be patient while we work through all the pre-orders -making sure to get to you exactly what you ordered.

If you have been waiting to order, now is the time! We do have additional kits remaining from this first shipment and you will likely receive your upgrade kit within a week of ordering if not sooner. Order Here..

Rich

6/7/2004

Getting ready for the Venus transit

Tomorrow, most of the world will be able to witness a wonderful Astronomical event, called an "Inferior Conjunction" of the planet Venus.
To help you prepare for this event, here is a short list of things you will need to remember:

Never point your scope at the Sun without proper eye protection, eye damage is often painless, so there is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late

Taking pictures while viewing the Transit can be damaging to your equipment also, take precautions there as well.

The AutoStar controller does not have the Sun in it's database - for obvious reasons. One of the safest methods to point your scope to the Sun, is to point it by watching the shadow cast by the end of the scope on the ground. When the shadow completely disappears - you are pointed towards the Sun.

Make sure you cover your finder scope, this is often overlooked and damage can occur to those optics.
Finally, here are some links relating articles of tomorrows event
When can you see it? Get viewing times here >>
http://www.transitofvenus.org/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5138018/

Have fun, and be safe!
Oh, and share your LXD55 Venus Transit pictures with us when you get em!
Rich

5/23/2004

Hey guys.
Something horrible happened in my family yesterday - my father (age 67) had a massive heart-attack and is currently awaiting open heart surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday (May 24th or 25th).

During this week, I will be delayed in responding to your comments and questions.

Please hold my father, Albert Harris in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you.
Rich
************Update************
My Father is soon to be released from the Hospital!
They were unable to operate on him at all, but with medicines, change in diet, and living a smoke-free lifestyle, the Doctors are hopeful they can operate in the next few months. He is in good spirits and ready to go home!
Thank you all again for your kind remarks and patience during my time of absence.
Rich

5/17/2004

The LXD55 Replacement?

It's official folks!
Meade has announced a new LXD75 Series of equatorially mounted telescopes available with or without Meade's Autostar suite and computer controls. The LXD75s includes Schmidt-Newtonians, Schmidt-Cassegrains, achromatic refractors and a single Newtonian model. The new telescopes feature a high-performance equatorial mount, heavy-duty, all-metal field tripod and precision drive system. Volume shipments are expected to commence in July.

Details to follow very soon, but what we know so far is that the Optical Tubes are the same as with the LXD55 series, and the mounts machining is much the same, but there is some speculation about bearings inside the mount. Better worms, and gears along with PEC are also welcomed additions.
Check back here for more information by Friday of this week.

2/25/2004

New Lens Cleaner

LXD55.com is proud to be carrying a new lens solution for cleaning your optics.
We reviewed the product before deciding to carry it and that review can be found in the reviews section or by clicking here.
This is a great solution and will do your lenses proud!

In addition, the new F.A.Q. is online, find it in the support area or click here.

2/4/2004

Febuary Events

There are a few new photos in the Rigpics section Get those here
We are gearing up for the new video release soon, so for all those asking - it'll be here soon :) It is going to be chocked full of information about using your scope!
Also, we are about to launch an addition to the online photo gallery, "picture of the week", AND an expanded section for those who want to submit photos using LXD55.com is now a proud member of the Planetary something 'other' than an LXD55 scope.

Society, you'll begin to see that logo appear on the site

The much anticipated bearing upgrade for the LXD55 mount is going well too. Prototypes have been tried, and different configurations tested. We are shooting for a March release there.

Some new products and services will begin to fill the online store this month as well. Some Excellent lens cleaning solutions, some eyepiece filters, and more!

Thanks to all for the wonderful comments on the site, and for all your contributions to the galleries, forums, and other sections!

1/2/2004
2004 and LXD55.com
It was an exciting 2003 for us here at LXD55.com!
There are some new additions coming to the site this month and following.

The pre-order of the new "A Night Out With your Scope" DVD Video, covering everything from setup to Astrophotography with your scope.

A New Weekly Audio Web address for site subscribers -which will cover much more than just the LXD55 scope.

Expanded Photo gallery section

New items in the Store for you to 'trick' out that scope with :)

Much, much more!
All of your gallery entries, your messageboard posts, your User Tips, and everything else helps to make this a great place on the web!
Thank you everyone for a successful 2003!
Richard

12/24/2003
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
From all of us here at LXD55.com,
MERRY CHRISTMAS
May your holidays be Christ filled and safe!
Richard

11/25/2003

Small Price Increase on DIY HyperTune kits

Due to my suppliers charging more, I'm afraid I have to raise the price of the HyperTune DIY kits just slightly starting in January os 2004

Prices currently are $80 for the kit, but will increase to $90 for the kit in January.
The DVD by itself will remain the same price.

The $80 kit price will remain though until that time.
Go here to reserve your kit at the old price

Thank you everyone for your support and Happy Thanksgiving!!

10/27/2003

Current wait time on HyperTuning is 14 days!!

Get in early - BEFORE Thanksgiving!
That's right everyone, you can get your mount shipped, serviced and returned in just a matter of a couple short weeks.
The service que fills up fast, so don't wait.

Click here and learn more and sign up for service

10/6/2003

And now for something EXTREME!

There is also a new Emergency Mount Service available, for those among you that are in need of emergency / quick turn around service work.

9/22/2003

A few new items in the Online Store

There are a few new items for you to check out and new look to the Online Store here at LXD55.com.
From Dew shields to HyperTuning, we are gearing up to offer you everything under the sun for your LXD55 scope!

Click to go to the Store now!

9/9/2003

Getting a ScopeTrader.com account is now even easier!

If you are a current member of LXD55.com and would like to have your account credentials copied over to ScopeTrader.com, send us an email telling us so by CLICKING HERE

With a ScopeTrader.com account you can buy, sell and trade, or even AUCTION your Astronomy related equipment online free- and safely!
We are constantly evolving the ScopeTrader experience into a complete one stop solution for all your Astronomy equipment needs.
Join today by requesting your LXD55.com membership be copied over (same username, password and residential information apply) or by manually filling out the online form here and that's all there is to it!

8/26/2003

Happy Birthday LXD55.com !!

Can you believe it!
Today marks the one year anniversary of LXD55.com's launch.
I think we have grown allot, and have shared some wonderful experiences using these scopes.

Thanks to everyone for making this site such a huge success.
A special thanks to my loving wife and kids! For all the nights of not seeing me while this site was in development, and for putting up with my excitement every time one of you joined the site!

Here are a few facts about LXD55.com I thought you would find interesting:

LXD55.com to date, has received over 2.5 million web hits and over 50,000 unique visitors since August of 2002.

We have over 600 registered members worldwide

Over 200 HyperTune kits or services have been issued worldwide

Thank you all, you make this entire endeavor worth it!
Let's continue to make this place the elite LXD55 spot on the web!

8/4/2003

Sale at LXD55.com

Throughout August, there will be a sale inside the LXD55.com store.
This includes T-shirts, HyperTune services and more!

Supplies are limited, so get em while they are hot, there are some huge savings!

7/31/2003

Introducing ScopeTrader.com

Say hello to the newest astronomy classifieds on the internet... http://scopetrader.com

This is going to grow into the best astronomy classifieds on the internet.
There are a ton of value added features, such as RESERVING items, direct ad editing, automatic picture previews and much more!

One of the best things that's going to come from ScopeTrader will be the searching for classifieds and Vendor products all in one!

If you are signed on and listed as a vendor with ScopeTrader.com then when a visitor searches for a certain product in the classifieds, they also have the option to search vendors at the same time -and have both results displayed to them at the same time!

So if you carry a certain product or one of a kind item, in addition to all other astronomy gear - this will be the place to get listed and exposure for those products!

7/22/2003

LXD55.com T-shirts are here!

The new T-shirts are finally in, and you can get your hands on a great looking Astronomy T-shirt now!
Be a supporter of LXD55.com by purchasing your shirt today and look great doing it!
Made of White, pre-shrunk, extra thick FOTL shirts.

Order your shirt by clicking here

Or visit our online store to get yours!

7/7/2003

LXD55 AstroPhoto Challenge 2003 Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the LXD55.com 2003 Astrophoto Challenge!
Winners can be found here

Wonderful prizes are to be given out, and if you haven't been notified you have won yet, email us to make sure and claim your prize!

A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who entered.

6/1/2003

Do It Yourself HyperTune Kits are in!!

The HyperTune Do-it-yourself Video and kit is here and
shipping now!

The're here! The're here!

As most of you know, this has been a long time in the making.
First of all, thanks to everyone for your input and patience.
The video itself is over 2.5 hours long, condensed from 4 hours of footage, so the quality of the video itself is that of VHS.
You can buy the DVD by itself, leaving it up to you to get the parts and tools needed to upgrade your mount, or the with the entire kit - which will get you most of what you need to get that LXD55 mount in shape.

Note: This DVD will play in most home DVD players and almost all PC-DVD players. We have tested it in several different players, and 4 out of 5 of them play the disk. If you have an older player, you may want to consider the PC-DVD version and playback the disk with your computer.

The next supplies are still somewhat limited as we are still recovering from the first round of pre-orders, but we have kits and DVD's ready to ship out this week for those that have been waiting.

Get all the Information, by clicking http://lxd55.com/HyperTune/Do-it-Yourself-HyperTune.asp

Also - The site has had a few additions here and there, and there are some great new pictures in the Rig Pics section - be sure to check those out too!

5/31/2003

Today is the last day for your Astrophotos

Today is the absolute late day for you to enter a picture into the Astrophoto Challenge contest.

If you haven't done so already, you should check out all of the great prizes to be given out.

Results will be given within a few weeks.

This is your last chance!

Let's see your astrophotos!

5/13/2003

New HyperTune Tracking Information

Greetings all! A new service is available to allow HyperTune customers to track their order and mount progress online!
It also includes interactivity with myself as I work on your mount.
No more wondering if your mount arrived okay, if we got your payment, or when you will get your mount back! It's all there online - and updated daily.
If you have recently requested the HyperTune service, you will be in the new system already, and you should have gotten an email.
If your mount is currently on it's way to us - or already here being serviced, you will be converted into the new system within 48 hours and you will receive email confirmation regarding where to track your mounts status and more.
We hope you find this new service beneficial!
Eventually, all orders from LXD55.com will be in this system.

Richard

5/8/2003

AstroPhoto Challenge Coming to an End

May 31st is the official deadline to get your AstroPhoto Challenge entrees in.
There are some excellent prizes to give away, so if you haven't entered - you should!
Crank up that LXD55 scope for a night of picture taking, then enter your photo or photos into the contest anytime on or before May 31st.

Finally judging decisions will be made and announced on or by June 30th.

4/23/2003

HyperTune Price Increase

Greetings all!
The HyperTune count is rapidly approaching 100 mounts now and the introductory price of $115 for the HyperTune level 1 service is about to come to an end.
Starting May 1st, the price for HyperTune level 1 service (The mount only) will raise to $155.
HyperTune level 2 service will be unaffected by this increase.

If you are wanting to get in on the $115 dollar price , you have until April 30th.

Thank you all for your comments and letters!
LXD55.com is almost at 500 active members.
Lots of information coming, tutorials, and oh yes - - the long awaited "How to" Video section!

Clear Skies
Richard

4/19/2003

A few new items..

There are some new Rig Pics, and reviews posted on the site as of today. Be sure to check those out!

The Do-it-yourself HyperTune video is still on schedule to all of those who have pre-orders waiting!

Spring skies are wonderful, but boy I'm going to miss those ole' Winter favorites!

A huge update to the Harris Observatory contruction page is under-way, coming soon..

4/1/2003

Do-it-Yourself HyperTune Pre-ordering

Now available for pre-ordering-
The Do-it-yourself HyperTune kits and videos

So many of you have requested this, we are trying to expedite the production, we are hoping for a early April or mid-April release.

You can place a pre-order now, and secure you get one of the first batch of kits that go out.

There are limited quantities..

Go here for all the information

3/24/2003

United States Support

Off topic a little..
During these unique moments in history, it's hard to know what to do or say to each other to help Support the United States and it's allies -

I found this little program, which hardly uses any system memory and does a good job of keeping you patriotic ;)
It puts a simple little USA waving flag on your desktop and windows as a reminder to keep our troops and our allied troops in your thoughts and prayers.

Enjoy..
Get the Application Here

3/12/2003

HyperTune News

NEWS---NEWS---NEWS---NEWS
Updated on March 12th, 2003

There have been several requests made to me about HyperTuning the mount without field testing.
By popular demand, this is now being offered!

We are finding that in 98% of most mounts tested after HyperTune service, there isn't any additional tweaking or modification that needs to be done anyway, so the field test becomes moot.
However, since the mount will not be field tested, we can only test and insure the mounts accuracy by laser-light or terrestrial testing.

The entire mount is HyperTuned as described above only without the field test.
The good news? You will get your mount back in 7 to 10 business days! Field tests are what backlogs the entire HyperTune service, so without it, your mount will be returned to you much faster!

You now have the opportunity to say YES field test my mount, or NO do not field test my mount, on the HyperTune request form.

Get your mount HyperTuned here

Note: If you currently have a HyperTune order in progress and wish to change your order to a non-field tested request, please contact us at notify@lxd55.com

3/10/2003

Updates to the Ozark Hills Observatory Page

Hi all!
I added some new items to the Ozark Hills Observatory Page, (a.k.a Cheap Ole' Observatory)
Construction is coming along nicely, and just in time for Spring!

Go to the Ozark Hills Observatory Page now

3/5/2003

The LXD55.com AstroPhoto Challenge

The LXD55.com AstroPhoto Challenge has launched!
Click here to go to the contest now!

It's going to be VERY fun and exciting to see what results we gather from these wonderful scopes!

And how bout those prizes?! Let's give it up for all the sponsors!

Official contest times are:
All entries must be received by April 7th.
Contest results will be in by or before April 30th, and the winners notified.

Official contest rules are here

Join in on the contest for a chance to win some EXCELLENT prizes!

2/20/2003

The LXD55 HyperTune -revised

Now offering entire scope service!
Get your complete LXD55 scope serviced from head to toe, with the LXD55.com HyperTune Level 2 Service

Tired of your mount not working right?
Bad Goto slews, tracking errors?

Get HyperTuned!
Introducing the LXD55.com exclusive HyperTune Service.

Get all the NEW Details here!!

2/4/2003

Observatory project updates and more

There are some updates to the observatory project I've been working on - now known as the "Ozark Hills Observatory" Check that out here

Also, there are some new price changes and some new AstroZap dew shields in the LXD55.com online store.

In addition to all that, there are some new great reviews added, astrophotos added and more.

Thank you everyone for all your wonderful contributions and growth of this site. There are many updates still to come, which will include an enhanced message board, a slightly different site look and feel, and yes coming very soon - - the Great LXD55 astrophoto challenge!

1/27/2003

Survey up again

As some have noticed, on the lower right hand corner of the main LXD55.com screen, is the "How do you like your LXD55" survey.

This survey started a long time ago, but was taken off the site.
I've brought it back, retaining all of the old comments and results.
So please add your vote and comment to the Survey.

1/10/2003

Account Preferences - - UPDATED

It has come to my attention that some of you are un-aware on how to change your account preferences -I'm very sorry for the confusion.
Things like, password changes, email address changes, Site alerts and more can all be changes in the Lower left hand corner under the Telescope Tube menu, "Account Preferences" is the name.
You only see this AFTER you log in to the site.

If you have any other problems, please contact us at notify@lxd55.com
Thank you all! More exciting LXD55 discoveries and scope news coming soon!

1/2/2003

Updates to the Harris Observatory Page

Due to the high volume of questions and comments about my observatory project, I will most likely add a menu item somewhere on the site for people to click to get there.
For now - more updates are here!

12/31/2002

Sky and Telescope review -Overview look

Sky and Telescope publication was nice enough to send LXD55.com a copy of their in-house review of the LXD55 scope.
I read over the review and have collected a few thoughts along with some of their words in a compiled 'Overview'.
You can read the LXD55.com overview here
It's also available on the reviews page.

12/25/2002

Merry Christmas to all!

Hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season!
Let's not forget the true meaning of the CHRIST mas holiday.
In the coming year there are going to be some exciting updates and much more additional content added to the LXD55.com domain!

Merry Christmas, and happy new year!

12/20/2002

Updates to the Harris Observatory Page

Just to let you all know, there is an added picture and some more information gathering on the Harris Cheap Ole' Observatory Page

Still lots of work to do -

12/16/2002

New Review and Rig Pics added

Get em while their hot!
Some great new pictures in the Rig pics section!

Also, there is a nice write-up in the reviews section of the SC8 coming in to us from Robert Kuna, thanks Robert!

12/13/2002

First time setup and unpacking video - - Updated

The 1st video for the GEM LXD55 scope is available for purchase. This video is completely FREE, but in order to cover media cost, packaging and shipment, there is a small fee attached to receiving it.

Hopefully, it will give you a good idea of what setup is like using a GEM scope, and what to expect with the LXD55 model. Video runtime is about 35 minutes.
Some of you made me aware of the ordering problem on the video ordering page, thank you! This is now corrected and you can now order correctly from there.

Get a copy here

12/12/2002

Coming very soon

Just to give everyone an update as to what I'm working on..

An exclusive look at what Sky and Telescope magazine had to say about the LXD55 series telescopes.

A new review of the lensplus camera adapters for use with your digital cameras and scope.

Updates to the "Cheap Ole" Observatory page as mentioned in the discussion groups forum.

Also coming, is an updated discussion groups forum, with new features that will hopefully make some of you happy :)

Updates to the Astrophotos sections, new reviews, new user submitted information and more to come.

11/30/2002

Reviews, Tips, and Rig pictures added

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and you gave thanks for all your blessings!

There are some great new tips and user pictures added to the site under Support, and Rig pics so be sure and check them out!

11/20/2002

Message Board is online!

Sick of Yahoo advertising? Introducing the LXD55 Messageboard! You must have an LXD55.com account to access this resource!

Special thanks go the newest member of the LXD55.com development team, Michael Haynes for aiding in the development of this portion of the site!

As always, please make us aware of any problems or enhancement issues you would like to express.

11/8/2002

USE THE CLASSIFIEDS

Comon! It's free! It'll work for you! Got telescope parts, eyepeices, complete scopes, misc stuff, cars, antiques, list it here!

11/5/2002

Updated Prices on all AstroZap Dew Shields

Get em while thier hot! Dew season is upon us and it's time to make the investment! These are ultra nice shields which protect your corrector lens and accent your LXD55 nicely.

Check out the reviews section for a complete LXD55.com review..

11/1/2002

All Classified Ads for November are free!!

As a special launch promotion , placing an ad in the Classifieds section for the month of November will be free!

"Wanted" and "Free" ads are always free - but now you can place an ad absolutly free for the month of November!

Why place an ad here? How's over 150,000 people a month looking at your ad sound?
Got something to sell, sell it at LXD55.com Classifieds!

Looking for something? A new or used scope? Parts, eyepieces? Try looking in the LXD55.com Classifieds section!

10/31/2002

Classifieds are online!

The new LXD55.com Classifieds section is online!
Check it out under the menu item Buy Stuff!

And you will finally get to use that LXD55.com login you signed up for! :)

This will be a work in progress for months to come, but the main sections are built and can be used! Feel free to use it, and make sure you read the rules and regulations, and ask questions if you have any!
Hopefully this will be a great place for people to buy and sell Astronomy and Non-Astronomy related stuff!

Revisions to come real soon:
Ad Search feature
See other users feedback -coming very soon
And more!

10/29/2002 11:07:53 AM

Subcribers are now alerted

From this day on, only users who have an account with LXD55.com will be alerted on Site updates.

See the news blurb below for more information.

10/25/2002

Transfer of accounts

If you haven't done so already, please sign up for a new LXD55 Portal Account now. For those of you who have signed up under the Site Subscriptions, you will want to remove your name from the list - as in the next few days as the old system is transfered to the new you will no longer get important updates and information from the site, this includes the up-and-coming message boards and classifieds section.

10/23/2002 10:09:24 AM

New rig picture of the sought after SC8

Thanks to Micheal Gavan for submitting this picture. He's one of the lucky 'first batch' of people to get his hands on a 8" Schmidt Cassigrain on the LXD55 mount -the SC8! He's proud and wants to show it!

Get the new picture here

10/17/2002

Get your LXD55 Portal Login now..

You can now sign up for a full account on the LXD55 Portal.
This is phase 1 of creating a 'By access only' site for submitting classified ads, posting to the discussion groups, and more! This does mean that the Site subscription feature is going away.
For those of you who have added yourself to that list, you will still get email alerts for the time being, but I will eventually phase that out and make you get an account.

Get Account Here

10/14/2002

New Review and photo added

A new SN 10" review is here -thanks to Alan Prowse! Get the review here!

There is also a new personal photo added of a SN 8" model with a GPS and dew shield onboard! Get the Photo here

10/10/2002

LXD55.com logins are coming....

Soon I'm going to initiate phase II of the LXD55 Portal site - logging in!!

I know some of you will not like it - so I will have a "passive" door as well, but with that passive door you will not be able to access certain things anymore.

Why all this you say?
It's all about you I say!

In order to allow a new discussion groups forum to work right, selling, buying, and advertising out here, posting other things - it only makes sense to have you guys get 'accounts' on the site to help with some redundant typing and such!
And I WILL let you save your password so you won't have to login each time..

Please give me your feedback on this by EMAILING ME HERE

10/9/2002

Need Web Development work?

I'm accepting jobs, and can develop in all flavors of web languages.. Contact me at rharris@elvis.com

10/9/2002

Round of applause to all viewers and subscribers..

The LXD55 Portal has been running 8 weeks now, and I've surpassed over 150,000 sessions, and STILL climbing fast!

Thank you for your support!
Richard

10/7/2002

Get an NICE upgrade case for your Meade Eyepieces!

Did you get a Meade Eyepiece deal?
Think the case is too small?
YOUR RIGHT!
I got a good deal on these little cases and I'm going to pass it along to you!
Right now get a supersized deluxe aluminum case from LXD55.com for $45 including shipping in the US!
These are nice cases, ready for you to customize for your needs (pluck foam)! They hold many more eyepieces than the little Meade case you get with the eyepiece deal! Size is 460mm X 325mm X 150mm

Click for larger image.

Order RIGHT HERE to get yours! Fast shipping!

10/4/2002 11:35:02 AM

LXD55 Subcribers now are alerted!

Now, all people who have subcribed to site updates will be alerted anytime there is a new User-tip, astrophoto, Guestbook sign in, or News alert added (hence this first email!)

This is soon to be implemented in other areas as well, but for now those are the only ones! Stay tuned for more content.

If you have already subscribed, ignore these instructions!
To subscribe to the Site - add your email to the right, and select subscribe then submit!

To un-subscribe from the site, enter your email address, select unsubscribe, then submit!

I know it's been a while since some updates, but they are coming folks -I've just been busy building the back end to the LXD55 Portal!
Stay tuned!

9/24/2002

The NEW Astrophoto gallery is online!

You can now submit astrophotos yourself -without my intervention! ADD away all you shutter-bugs!
Currently I am limiting the file sizes to 35k, so resize or compress your files to accommodate!

Also, the page loads kinda slow right now, but I'm going to enhance that so it only shows 10 photos at a time... (hence making it load faster)..

Go there now!

Clear skies..

9/17/2002
Wanna see a bent Optical encoder?
This is a motor assembly from the Dec drive of my new replacement LXD55 mount. Yes, that's the optical encoder -BENT! It's a short Gif animation file. (600K download).
This is a rough cut video but you can see from the images that it's bent, and it may give you an idea of who fragile that little peice of aluminum is!

This is what happens when a new mount gets banged around in shipping, and the plastic motor drive covers end up hitting the VERY thin optical slit plate.

See the animation here.

9/13/2002

Another Plug for the LXD55 Shirts!!

Just a Reminder, order an LXD55 Scope shirt today! Get it in any size, and if you order more than one - the price is $18 per shirt.
These are good quality cotton shirts!

If you don't use Paypal, then you can Email your order HERE and then you will be given intructions on where to send your check or money order to.

Other wise you can order online RIGHT HERE!!
Thanks again!

9/11/2002

AstroZap Dew Shields Review

In House review by Richard Harris of the AstroZap Flexi-shields and Aluminum shields. Check it out in the Review section.

Special Note:You can also order these now from the LXD55 Portal Here.

9/10/2002

New User Tips Section is Up!

I've finished the "User Tips" Section!
The option is added to the menu on the left, and will be accessible there from now on!

Please use the User Tips section for adding your experiences and owner related information about the LXD55 Scopes.

I hope to see this section grow on the site, and become a repository for the entire LXD55 scope community!

9/4/2002
The T-shirts can NOW be pre-ordered!
I've setup a ordering page where you can order a T-shirt from the LXD55 Portal! The graphics on the "sample shirts" picture is somewhat rough, but the actual image will be better. I'm currently accepting pre-orders. Once I get an order of 20 I will get them printed. I'm guessing it wont take long, so order yours now! Order HERE

You can also leave a cash donation here if you wish. Thanks to all!

9/4/2002
Site Updates
Photos added to the Astrophoto section, Photos section (more proud owners), and some more support articles added! Enjoy all!