RMOLLISE wrote:
Hi:

Meade Dobsonian optics have been pretty good over the decade plus that
they've been produced. The 12.5-inch mirrors have been better, usually,
but the 16s have generally be quite accepatble. I'd expect the new 16s
to be at least as good as the old ones optically. Probably better, as
GSO optics have a good reputation.

This is not a premium telescope, you will not get laser interferometry
results with one (!), and your scope will be drop shipped from Meade.

Frankly, the optics have always been the _one thing_ in Meade's dobs
(old and new) that have not been problematical.

The new dobs do have a few mechanical problems, but fewer than the old
ones.

There's also a Yahoogroup for the scopes, which should provide plenty
of guidance/information.

Where do you get the 10K figure?


Mirror most likely 1/4 or 1/8 wave, that's about the best $2000 can buy,
I think.
Now days for final polishing MRF machines are used, I don't think any
one sit there over Meade and hand figuring optics.
Our MRF machine can do 1/20 wave figuring, but it takes much longer.
We even polished 3/4" dia diamond wafer to 1/20 wave, it took over a
month on and off of polishing time.
JS



Jim Klein wrote:
As an optical engineer and optical designer for 30 years I would,
myself, insist on being at the optical tests or at least having a copy
of the optical test results.

You will be spending over 10K by the time your acquisition is over.
You deserve to know whether you are buying a 1/2 wave system or a 1/20
wave system. The difference is unbelievable when the atmosphere is
quiet.

I would also make very sure that the residual vibrations in the system
are acceptible to you. All systems have them but not all systems damp
out at the same rate.

Jim Klein

Guy Macon http://www.guymacon.com/ wrote:


I am considering purchasing a 16" Meade LightBridge in a
few months after they work out any bugs in the new model.
See http://www.meade.com/lightbridge/index.html

What's the general consensus on this model?