LX200 Classic 10" and 12" Mirror Stabilizer / Lock
Installation and use Instructions
This stabilizer reduces primary mirror shift while focusing and reduces mirror
flop encountered when the telescope slews through certain angles. The stabilizer
fits where the shipping bolt originally locked the primary mirror cell for shipping.
Loosen the adjustment nut on the stabilizer rod all the way towards the red cap
on the rod. Insert the stabilizer rod through the lock-bolt hole in the rear casting,
which is next to the focuser knob. There may be a plastic plug in the lock-bolt hole
in the rear casting that must be removed before inserting the stabilizer. Screw the
rod into the primary mirror only finger tight, 10 turns maximum or until resistance
is felt. Don't further tighten the rod, and never use a tool to tighten it.
For visual use, compress the spring down to about 3/4 of its original length by
tightening the adjustment nut. The torque applied to the primary mirror cell will
reduce the amount of image shift when focusing. Compressing the spring further
will increase the torque and further reduce image shift.
Don't fully compress the spring if the SCT focuser is to be used. If large changes
of focus are needed (as when the eyepiece is changed) check that the spring does
not become fully compressed when focusing.
If you feel increased resistance when turning the SCT focuser, check that the
spring has not become fully compressed. Never force the SCT focuser!
If a secondary focuser is used for astrophotography, the primary mirror can be
locked by compressing the stabilizer spring almost all the way. Always unlock the
mirror by releasing the spring tension if the SCT focuser is to be adjusted.
Remove the stabilizer before moving or transporting the telescope to prevent the
possibility of damaging the telescope or stabilizer if it is bumped.