Advice requested about Meade telescopes.

Hello group!

Does anyone know whether the Meade LX10 8" has Autostar capability?

Does it use the #497 controller or something different?

I'm thinking of buying one second-hand, and I;m not sure if the seller is
being totally honest with me.

Perhaps I should also ask whether this is a good telescope for a fairly
inexperienced (but keen) astronomer who wishes to start up an astronomy club
at his boarding school in the middle of Suffolk.

I teach a bit of science and the children are fascinated by both the
constellations and highly visible planets at the moment - trouble is, I have
a really cheap and nasty 2" refracting telescope on a wobbly tripod.

We are in a lovely setting with absolutely no light pollution due to the
isolated location of the school - on a clear night it is breath-taking
(especially in the cold snap we've been having just lately) - and even my
pupils are eager to star-gaze until their dorm-times.

Well, it beats watching the television or doing prep!!

Any answers gratefully received.
Many Thanks

StJohn