Telescopes & Mounts

I have had a number of telescopes ranging from a very early 6” newtonian reflector to my current multiple setups which include a Meade 10” LX200 SCT and a Vixen 103EDS APO refractor. At one time I had a Coronado 90 MAX solar telescope, my Vixen 103EDS APO and my Meade LX200 all on the same mount up in Overgaard. My dome selection, a TI 10’ dome, however, ended up being not one of my better decisions. The dome has not operated properly since I installed it and it has been the bane of my astronomical existence since that time. I got tired of not being able to consistently use my setup in Overgaard so this past year (2021) I purchased a Skywatcher EQ6R-Pro mount and put my Vixen 103EDS refractor on that mount and I’ve been using it in Phoenix with some very good results.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my Astro - Physics AP1600 mount that my LX200 is currently mounted. That OTA (Optical Telescope Assembly) is way under the capabilities of an AP1600 but it is my hope to someday upgrade the LX200 to something far more worthy such as a Planewave 14” CDK or larger. Until then, I’ll work in Phoenix with my Vixen and work with my son Matt to fix the issues with the TI dome so I can get the Overgaard Observatory working properly.

Below are some pictures of my current mounts and telescopes. The Coronado 90 Max was on loan to me from a very dear friend of mine who unfortunately passed away from Covid 19. I have since returned the telescope to the family and hope to purchase a nice LUNT solar telescope in the not so distant future.