How Do I Balance My Bushnell GOTO using heavier lenses????

Bryan · Guest

I recently purchased a Bushnell 4.5 goto reflector. Thanks to this site, I've been able to use it and get the goto working correctly. I do have one problem though. I purchased a nice set of quality lenses and my telescope can't seem to move with them installed, unless I'm pointing the scope up when I put them on. Last night I had a 2x Barlow and a 9 mm attached when I turned it on and it couldn't even finish the level execution of the diagnostic. Is the motor so weak that you can't use better quality lenses than the junk that came with this scope? Or, is there a way to counter balance the scope? I'm afraid that if the motor couldn't move with the new lenses, why would it be able to with lenses and a counterweight?

Please Help!!!! Please Help!!!! If anyone knows, you can email me directly at bryanscottwilliams@yahoo.com or, post a response here.

Thanks for all the insight I have found on this site. It's been a lifesaver!

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5512

Hi

There is no manufactured accessory that you can add, at least, not that we carry. However, there are folks who simply tape a weight to the end of the tube - large batteries and so on - on a trial and error basis until you get the balance you need. Keep in mind, too, that the barlow pushes the eyepiece out away from the tube, thereby magnifying its effective weight.
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Guest · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 11:34 am Post subject:

So, would you suggest doing my alinement with a weaker power lens, getting where I want the telescope to be and then changing lenses? I'm still thinking that even with counter weights the drive motor won't be able to move the scope. I guess I'll just have play around with it. Thanks again for all your help. It saved me from sending this back. For a $225.00 scope, this things alright.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5512

Hi

You can certainly try it and you should be using a lower power lens to find objects, anyway. You're right about the drive motor. Won't handle a lot of weight, so go easy on adding any weights to the tube. Best of luck.
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Guest · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 12:42 pm Post subject:

Thanks so much, really. I got absolutely no help from Bushnell on anything I had questions about. The only reason I purchased this telescope is to get familiar with the sky and using a goto. I'm saving right now to buy either a Meade LX-90 ACF 12" or a Celestron CPC 11" GPS (XLT). Been doing some research on both and can't come to a conclusion. I really like what I am reading about the Meade with all the new features and the fact that the lens/mirror is actually bigger than the advertised 12". What would you suggest? Does one have better optics over the other? The Celestron is certainly a few $$$ less.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5512

Hi

You can't go wrong with either, but if you are in a hurry, you should know that getting the Meade is not going to happen anytime, soon. Meade is in the process of moving production of the LX to Mexico and I would say later this summer, at the earliest. The CPC is readily available and, feature for feature, very similar scope.
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