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How To Set Up Meade 12 Inch Telescopes Without Help
This article shows how to build a system for one person to transport and set up Meade LX200 or LX600 12" telescopes.
WARNING: Watch the ENTIRE article before building the system. If you have ANY questions, please email me with the link at the bottom of this page.
The LX200 weighs 73 lb, and the fully assembled LX600 weighs around 90 lbs. Both are too heavy for many people to lift. While the LX600 can be separated into 2 parts to reduce the weight, it is hard to lift the tube assembly up onto the fork and base, and separation/reassembly takes 20-30 minutes. With this system, you only have to lift about 30 lbs (35 lbs for the LX600 with Starlock, counterweights). The system can be easily adapted for any short, heavy telescope.
Suggestion: Whether or not you build this system to set up a telescope, you will find it very useful to build a tripod dolly. With a dolly, you can leave your telescope set up on the tripod, then wheel it outside for use. The video playlist below shows how to build a dolly. Note: the 3 videos in the playlist will play in order. Just pause the video to continue reading the current article
Click below for a video demo of the system.
PARTS LIST:
Notes:
If you don't use the same lift table and garden cart, make sure the lift table will fit in the garden cart.
The parts list is approximate -- check as you read the entire construction article.The lift table and cart are the heart of the system.
The list of bolts may be inaccurate.
Choose bolts that are just long enough to attach nuts. All nuts are nylon stop nuts.
Choose bolts that are just long enough to attach nuts. All nuts are nylon stop nuts.
Pittsburgh 500 lb. hydraulic lift table (Harbor Freight $170)
The lift table lets you lift the telescope for storing in your vehicle, or for mounting on the tripod.
800 lb.Gorilla Utility Cart (Home Depot $104).
The cart moves the lift table and telescope over any surface (cement, grass, gravel, etc.)
Lumber (trim to final size at home):
2x2 6' (guide boards for casters)2x4 12' (parts of vehicle support board, lever support)
2x3 10' (lift table supports)
Plywood (keep left over pieces after store cuts, trim to final size at home):
1/2"
4x8 -- have store cut 2x4 from end for connector board, and cut 3x6, for bottom of garden cart)
You should also be able to cut the extension from the 1/2" plywood.) You could use 3/8 plywood for the cart bottom.3/4"
4x8 -- have store cut 2 2'x6' pieces for tele support board and hinged board
4x8 -- If you'll be taking the cart to the observing site, you'll also need a 2'x6' ramp, cut from 3/4" plywood.
Hardware:
2 5" strap hinges (these are triangle-shaped on both sides)
2 10" 90 degree steel corner braces
8" 90 degree steel corner brace
4 2" casters, without swivels (that's what I used -- suggest you get 2-1/2" casters)
2 3' pieces of sched 40 PVC pipe (levers)
Package of 2'x2' interlocking rubber floor pads (cut with scissors, attach with hot glue gun)Notes:
Use 1/4" bolts where they support part of the telescope weight,Use #10 machine screws when drilling through the edge of a 1x2, and to mount the 2" casters.
Choose bolt lengths just long enough for the nuts, washers, etc.
Use general purpose wood screws elsewhere.
Countersink all wood screws, and insert them through plywood into wood.
Use countersunk flat head bolts for brace at front of lift table frame, countersink hex bolts on top of table top extension
Glue a rubber pad on every wood piece that touches the telescope.
The following list is approximate. Check bolt lengths based on the wood thickness to be bolted.
2 1-3/4" 1/4" flat-head bolts, 2 washers, 2 nuts. (Connect 2x2s to table top extension.)12 1-1/4" 1/4" hex-head bolts, 24 washers, 12 nuts. (Corner braces, hinges)
2 2-1/4" 1/4" hex-head bolts, 4 washers, 2 nuts. (Top lever supports;)
4 #10 3-1/2" machine screws, 4 washers,, 4 1-1/4" fender washers, 4 nuts. (These connect the 2 guide 2x2s to the end 1x2s.)
+ 16 or so 1/4" bolts for vehicle support platform
+ 2 1/4" bolts for the garden cart bumper
Assorted wood screws 3/4" through 2" (these are sold by the pound)
The video below shows the tools needed for building the system, and gives woodworking tips.
Finish the levers.
The final length of the levers depends on how tall you are. Here's how to determine the length:
Follow the steps in the above demo video: "How To Set Up...."
Start with the telescope bolted to the tripod, strap it to the hinged support board (with ratchet tie-down), unbolt the telescope from the tripod.
Raise and lower the telescope on the hinged board several times to see how long you want the levers to be. Remove and cut the levers to length. Sand and deburr both ends of the cut levers, then wrap several turns of duct tape around the upper ends to make the levers easier to grip.
Final notes on moving the telescope with the lift table and cart.
Since the cart takes the same amount of space with or without the
telescope, you can just leave the telescope on the cart for storage. But the system will easily move the telescope from the cart to a (sturdy) workbench or other table or shelf for storage. I recommending bolting it down for safety, if you live in California. (Earthquakes)
The demo video above shows how to use the system. If you have ANY questions building or using the system, don't hesitate to email me using the link below.