For owners of the XT6 & XT8 series, what modifications have you done to your scope for Improvments?

I have added the Telrad, a set of Bobs Knobs on the secondary, Flocked the whole inner tube. I'd like to hear of other modifications owners have made to these scopes.

Sorry Tom. I have not done a single modification, but might do something sometime. Still learning my scope and getting more acquainted with it and the sky. Thanks again for help on the collimation. Took me a while on that first try, but it should be easier the next time.

Hi Tom, I find that my XT8 tube is kind of bulky to carry so I added a carrying strap so it is sort of like a suitcase to lug around. Also added a small wood brace so when I set it down on a flat surface it does not roll.

Mine only came with a cheap pointer finder. I upgraded to a Telrad and 9x50 RACI. I added 2 1/2 lbs of magnet weights to the rear of the tube to even out the balance, especially with heavy EPs. Bob's knobs on the secondary.

I want to replace the factory focuser with a dual speed MoonLite and flock the tube. Since I have to take everything off the tube, I might as well do these both at the same time.

Hi I'm De Lorme; I have a 10" lx200 thinking about a 10" to 12" s/n on a goto mount: How much more clarity on dso and will I see galaxies? If I were to go the dob route how good is the Intel system by Orion. Appriciate any advice, only the opinionated need apply {lol} Thanks a bunch De Lorme

I know this is an old thread, but I thought I'd jump in anyway:

I added a helical focuser for fine tuning, and milk jug washers to the azimuth base...it really has helped to smooth out the base. Occasionally I take one or two of the tensioning springs off to help with the smoothness of the altitude. I find disengaging both is too much most times, but seems to be okay when the weather is a little humid or the bearings get a little dirty. I hope to add Ebonystar to both the altitude and azimuth later, and replace the bearings with much better virgin teflon in the future. I'd also like to flock the OTA sometime...for now I'm okay with the contrasts I've been getting, and I want to see what a light pollution filter might do for me in the city.

I'll keep you posted!

After about two years so far I've...
Moved the XT8 to a generic Chinese CG5 clone GEM mount with Orion tube rings and a 13" dovetail. Motorized the rig with a Sidereal Tech controller, homebrew motors, encoders, handpad. The darned rig actually works (mostly)
Upgraded the focuser with the Orion low rise two speed Crayford. (very nice but $$$)
Added a 6mm Orion "Edge" planetary eyepiece. So sweet!
(Eyepiece and focuser upgrades made a huge difference in enjoyment!)
Mogg-Adapted a Logitech webcam for prime focus
Figured out how to control the scope and stream video from over 802.11 (wi fi)

Projects in progress...
Converting to a strut OTA for the Synta mirror, secondary, focuser. (for transport)
Improving the CG5 clone with bearings, better motors and worm boxes.
Building a wireless motorized altaz mount with slip recovery
Making an autoguider out of an old camcorder.
Remote focus controls.

Hi velocentric.

I know your post is a bit old but I just joined the group and wonder if a CG5 is strong and stable enough for the weight of an XT8i ?

I'm asking because I've read many times that a CG6 will be the right one, but obviously they're more expensive. So your modifications are really interesting !

Best rgds