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LXD55 to CG5 Modification 8-8-2002
Submitted by owner Todd Strackbein
I performed the following modifications to my setup. (I also use setup
for my C9.25)
- Replaced finder scope on 6" OTA (not necessary but I had a slightly
better 6x30 laying around).
- Replaced aluminum leg inserts with oak (painted black) by cutting
to size and notching corners full length on my table saw, adding hardwood
dowel and rubber feet at leg bottoms. Provides excellent dampening
compared to stock legs.
- Added Velcro to top of legs and the Autostar to help keep from
flopping around when not being held
- This is the big one.....Moved drives/Autostar over to my CG5. Since
my CG5 had much smoother movement and no slop in the gears I decided
to give it a try. Parts fit perfectly with very minor modification.
I removed slow motion knobs and drive systems first from my CG5. After
removing motor drive units (DEC & RA) from LXD55 mount both sets of
gears attached to mount gear shafts had to be moved over to CG5 gear
shaft. Alan head size required is .05" (very small). I had to leave
them loose until I could determine where the gears would match up.
Then I installed DEC & RA motors to CG5. The motor drive units fit
with minor modifications. Main alan head bolt holding DEC drive in
place had to be replaced with a 1/4" shorter bolt. RA drive needed
a very small shim (between motor assembly and casting where main mounting
bolts hold drive to mount) to position gears closely together. This
requirement may be different from mount to mount. I then could tighten
gear to shaft after finding proper alignment. I have a very good match
up of gears and very smooth operation. GOTO works perfectly and no
other modifications to anything was required. Note: This was not the
newer ball bearing mount. I'm not certain they are the same. I
wouldn't recommend this to anyone remotely satisfied with their LXD55
mount. I'm a tinkerer and have most likely voided any warranty I had.
Can't help myself.
- And finally, I replaced the platic eyepeice pan from the LXD55 with
the metal pan from the CG5 setup .I also did the update to my hand
controller today. Quiet Slew is to slow for me!
All of the above were relatively easy modifications with all parts
(except for the finder scope) available at my local hardware store.
The 6" SN OTA works great and has provided some surprisingly sharp
images. I'll send some digital camera pics when the weather clears
up.
Good luck and Clear Skies, Todd
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