Clearline Technology uses modern materials, components, and processes to create replacement parts for the venerable Meade Instruments LX-200 telescope such as its new Meade LX200 Hand Controller. Among its current lineup are the Motor Encoder Board – LX200 Classic/LXD650/LXD750; Calibration Tool for LX200 Motor Encoder Board; and a Boot-Up Emulator for the Meade LX200 Hand Controller.
They have announced they are now making available a replacement for the original Meade LX200 Hand Controller for the 8″, 10″, and 12″ Meade LX200 “Classic” telescopes, version 3.0 0 or above.
Clearline Technology’s new replacement controller offers a new power efficient design, functionally equivalent and in the same form factor as the original. The controller offers true “plug-and-play” replacement out of the box with nothing new to learn to use all of the original controller’s functionality as the replacement controller performs all of the functions as detailed in the original Meade telescope manuals.
The Meade LX200 Hand Controller uses roughly 75% less current than was required by the original. With this low operating current, a copper pad heat sink design helps keep thermal heating minimal, even using an 18-volt power supply. If you use a battery supply, you should see longer battery life. The bypass capacitor is properly derated and the keypad flex cable is routed well away from it and any power supply voltage.
The replacement controller is priced at $140.00US with spiral cord included. It is available to be shipped internationally and the PCB is available separately, without case and keypad at a reduced cost.
The company also just released their Meade LX10 Main PCB, which offers a direct replacement for the original Meade LX10 front panel PCB, with all connectors and RA tracking motor control functionality. The new panel contains all new components and features a new control circuit designed to reduce temperature variation in tracking speed. It is priced at $38US.
You can learn more here
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