The LightBridge is a lightweight and compact scope yet with a 12"
aperture it is one that you can do some serious observing. It breaks
into relatively light pieces that will easily fit in most cars.
This is the "Deluxe" model of the scope. "Deluxe" means it has a
much better azimuth bearing than the regular version.
The scope is normally only supplied with a red dot. During field
tests SJAA determined this was not adequate. We replaced the
Meade Red Dot a 6x30 correct image finder. While the Meade red dot was
a very good red dot, it was heavy. We replaced it with a Orion EZ
Finder II.
The focuser is an outstanding two speed focuser that holds eyepieces
with a compression ring instead of a screw.
The scope is supplied with a dust cover that fits on top of the
mirror. Leave the mirror
covered until the secondary and the finders are installed and the
secondary cover is removed. Replacing this cover should be your
first step when breaking the scope down.
Traveling with the scope
The scope collapses into components that are relatively light weight
and packs easily into a car.
Note the pads around the mirror box. These are as much for your
benefit as the scopes. Without the pads the scope vibrates while
traveling. Placing the pink pad underneath and at the front of
the scope(hidden by mirror box) and the spacers on the sides protects
both the scope and your sanity. A pad is also supplied for the
secondary ring. The mirror box is the heaviest part but it weights
about 40 lbs.
Accessories
A (rather poor) case contains all of the loose parts. Supplied
with the scope are
6x30, Orion RD finder
Meade 26mm Wide Angle
35mm extender
shroud
laser collimator
2 screwdrivers
accessory case
fan battery pack
Important Assembly
Instructions
The Instructions that come with the scope contains a major error!
Never remove the mirror cover
until right before you collimate!
While the secondary ring is relatively light. The way Meade
recommends requires you to balance the ring on a small ledge on the
trusses while simultaneously screwing the truss in. There are
some other ways to do this.
Alternative 1 - Get help
Assembling the secondary ring with two people is the easiest and safest
method.
Alternative 2 - Assemble the Secondary on the Ground
Invert the secondary tube on a foam pad and connect each of the trusses
to it. You will end up with something that looks rather ungainly.
However, this assembly can be easily picked up and inserted in the
clamps on the mirror box.
Note the pins on the clamps. These fit into holes in the
trusses. Expect that you will have to jiggle the truss a bit to
get everything in its correct place. When properly installed the
clamps should fully close.
Alternative 3 - The Meade Way
You will have to balance the Secondary while simultaneously screwing
the clamps in. There is a ledge on the clamp but it is
small. Also the hole in one truss does not seem to exactly align
to the ledge.
Scope Specs
The scope is supplied with a 26 mm Meade WideAngle
Eyepiece. The eyepiece FOV is 70º.
