HyperTune Telescope Service

Updated on 3/18/2008 6:11:15 AM
Current Wait Time is 5 weeks

Did you know?
Every mount or scope that is HyperTuned is given a tracking number which you can use to log into LXD55.com at anytime and check the status of your service.

Q: What is the "HyperTune"?
A: The short answer, is -you send us your LXD55 / LXD75 or other GEM telescope that is not performing like it should and we send it back to you, working better than any factory telescope ever would! GOTO slews, tracking when doing astrophotography, and more improve dramatically after this service is performed.
( Click here for the complete HyperTune FAQ )


How long does the service take?
Turn-around times are dependant on how many mounts we have in the shop at your time of request.
Once your service request is sent to us, we try to keep your notified of your mounts position in the service log and service itself.
You will be notified when your mount is finished, and ready to ship back as well.


Check back anytime at the top of this page, for current wait times.



We also service the CG4, CG5, Orion, and other GEM telescopes.
The Meade LXD750, LXD650, Celestron Advanced series and more can all be HyperTuned!
Over 500 served and still counting!

 

What the service entails is dependant on what level of HyperTune you are want.
There are now 3 levels we offer, level 1 is for the mount only and level 2 is everything including your OTA, and the new level HyperTune Express is our "keep my mount healthy" service. Read below for details of each level.

 

HyperTune Express
The Mount / Autostar only tune up
This service offering is for those owners who want their mount to stay in top notch condition or for those who are having minor difficulty and don't want to pay for a complete HyperTune.
Your mount is refilled of it's greases, adjusted to perfection, cleaned, updated, minor repairs are included, then it's sent back to you.


Including but not limited to..

1) Reset all worm gear meshings, check for grease filling (clean if necessary)
2)
Adjust all backlash settings in RA and DEC
3) Tighten, reset, or replace set screws from motors and gears
4) Train RA and DEC to Autostar using custom encoder ratios if needed
5) Align polar scope parallel to dovetail plate
6) Dovetail stress checks and tightening (add shims if needed)
7) Flash firmware if needed
8) Alignment tests are performed and your mount will be marked for home position.
9) Overall we look for any obvious signs of wear and tear and repair or adjust the issues as needed.
10) Your mount is sent back to you working better than new with updated firmware and peace of mind that nothing is pending malfunction.

Benefits of this service are turn-around times of around 10 busines days, and it's an inexpensive option to get your mal-functioned mount working great, along with having any upgrades installed professionaly by us (Teflon bearings, encoders, etc..)

Note: If during the Express service something is found to be broken or out of tune badly, a complete HyperTune service may be recommended to you.

 

 

 

HyperTune Level 1
The Mount standard HyperTune:

Including but not limited to..

1) Complete inspections and dismantle of the mount GEM head.
2) Each part is then inspected and cleaned -removing all metal burrs, shavings, thick grease and foreign objects (which all mounts have).
3) Then each part goes into a polishing session, where moving inside parts only, are each high resolution sanded, machine buffed, then finally -hand polished to a mirror-like finish. This results in high smoothness of internal metal parts and thus - 'glide like' performance from your mount.
4) Next, the mount is reassembled using a high grade Lithium grease, and then gauge tightened with all drives, worm gears and electronics mounted to perfection, with as minimal backlash as the metal will allow.
5) Finally, your motors and encoders are inspected and adjusted and the AutoStar Controller firmware is flashed with the latest AutoStar version from Meade and checked for accuracy. After that, the motors are trained and tested, and an inside shop laser GOTO test is performed.
6)
Gear set screws are replaced along with any other damaged screws or bolts.
Previously, all mounts were field tested for accuracy, but we feel this step is no longer necessary, as 99% of all mounts that go out after the HyperTune service, are performing perfectly. Your mount will be shop tested with a simulated sky and laser scope, and you will still receive a report of it's accuracy for your knowledge.
Please note: The HyperTune level 2 service DOES include the field test.

You will receive your mount back, with a certificate from LXD55.com, certifying your HyperTune service on the mount, along with a mount plaque installed for everyone to know that you got the best performing scope around!

In addition, you will get a complete test report and step-check sheet verifying that all avenues of the HyperTune were performed, along with special notes if any are needed for your telescope.

The HyperTuning service doesn't include any repair work not mentioned in the basic Level 1 tune up. Repair work is available for an extra fee, but depends on the cost of parts and labor, which would be determined and responded back to you.
An evaluation of your telescope will be made and you will be notified if any repairs might be necessary. Otherwise, every aspect of your scope is typically enhanced or repaired without replacement if possible.

 

 

 

HyperTune Level 2
The Entire Scope and mount advanced HyperTuning
Including but not limited to..
1) A Complete HyperTune Level 1 service is performed first.
2)
In addition you also get:
3) A complete check of the OTA
4) Including laser collimation and cleaning
5) The focuser assembly
6) Dovetail stress checks and tightening
7) Collimation bolts are checked and replaced if necessary
8) Scope balancing check points are marked
9) A complete scope and mount field test, with included field test reports.
10) You will also receive a step by step guide including pictures and video on how to setup your LXD55 telescope for a typical observing session on CD-ROM, you will be able to play this back on your computer

 

 



Click here for information about the GEM Polar Scope service.


My mount needs help right away!
We also offer an emergency service for those who just can't wait. Star party coming up soon, or mount accidents, or even that you don't want to wait the current wait time to get your mount HyperTuned.
We can perform overnight repairs or have your mount back to you within a week, or other specialized services.
This is a demanding, so cost and exact availability is dependant on the emergency.
If you are needing emergency service on your mount, Please email us.


HyperTune Do it yourself
If you are looking for the Do-it-yourself kit, go here


If your not sure, have questions or require other custom work, email us.

   Back to main page

 

BEFORE HyperTune


Gears


Dec Drive


Sticky grease

 

AFTER HyperTune

 


RA and Dec gears


Inside RA housing


Complete finish, wow!



Customer Comments:


If your LXD55 mount doesn't do what you think it should, don't wait, have it HyperTuned.
"Thanks Richard for a great job!
"
Tom
Read complete review >>


I had both of my mounts Hyper-Tuned and the performance is outstanding. I am enjoying my trips out under the stars rather than looking forward to a tech session every nite.
Lou
I just wanted to post a quick message to say that I just received my mount back from having it "HyperTuned" by LXD55.com and all I can say is "Wow"!
Lyle

I have been playing around with the mount since Richard hypertune it. I am amazed at how smooth it is now. Thanks for providing a service that truly makes the equipment enjoyable!