Astro Devices Meade Lightbridge Dobsonian Encoder Kit

Product Overview

The Astro Devices Meade LightBridge Dobsonian Encoder Kit adds precise position sensing to a Meade LightBridge Dobsonian so it can talk to a digital setting circle (DSC) computer for push-to navigation. The kit reads where the telescope is pointing on both axes, giving the DSC the data it needs to guide you from object to object. It is built specifically for Meade LightBridge Dobsonians of all sizes and carries very high resolution: 952,000 steps on the altitude axis and 311,296 steps on the azimuth axis. That fine resolution translates into accurate pointing across the whole sky.

Who It's For

This kit fits Meade LightBridge Dobsonians of all standard sizes. It suits anyone who owns a LightBridge and wants to pair it with a digital setting circle system for locating and tracking objects by name or catalog number rather than by star-hopping. The one exception is the LightBridge Mini, which this kit does not fit.

Key Features & Design

• Model-specific fit: Designed for Meade LightBridge Dobsonians of all sizes, with hardware sized for these mounts.
• High-resolution encoders: Two encoders read 952,000 steps on altitude and 311,296 steps on azimuth for accurate position data.
• Complete installation set: Includes both encoders, the mounting hardware, an encoder cable, and an illustrated instruction booklet.
• Custom cable length: The encoder cable length is set to match your telescope, confirmed at the time of purchase.
• Digital setting circle ready: Feeds position data to a DSC computer to enable push-to object location.

Design and Electronics

Each axis carries its own encoder. The altitude encoder resolves 952,000 steps and the azimuth encoder resolves 311,296 steps per revolution, so even small movements of the telescope register as meaningful changes in position. This high step count is what keeps pointing tight as you move across the sky. The encoders connect to the DSC through the supplied cable, and the included hardware set locates them correctly on the LightBridge's altitude bearing and azimuth axis.

Recommended Uses

Pair the kit with a digital setting circle computer to turn a LightBridge Dobsonian into a push-to instrument. It is well suited to visual observing sessions where you want to find faint deep-sky objects quickly, work through an observing list, or return to a target after it has drifted out of the field.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The kit is made for Meade LightBridge Dobsonians of all sizes and installs on their altitude and azimuth axes. It does not fit the LightBridge Mini. Because the encoders use very high resolution, some third-party digital setting circle computers that are not designed for these step counts may not read them correctly; Astro Devices DSC units are built to work with this resolution.

Good to Know Before You Order

• Cable length is made to order: The correct cable length depends on your specific telescope, so it is confirmed with you at purchase.
• Not for the LightBridge Mini: This kit is sized for the full LightBridge Dobsonians, not the Mini.
• High-resolution output: The step counts are higher than many standard encoders, which is why pairing with a compatible DSC matters for correct readings.
• Weight: The kit ships at 500 g.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which telescopes does this kit fit?

It fits Meade LightBridge Dobsonians of all standard sizes. It does not fit the LightBridge Mini.

What resolution do the encoders provide?

The altitude encoder reads 952,000 steps and the azimuth encoder reads 311,296 steps.

What comes in the kit?

Two encoders, the installation hardware set, an encoder cable, and an installation instruction booklet.

Is it difficult to set up?

The kit includes an illustrated instruction booklet along with the mounting hardware and cable, so the encoders install on the telescope's altitude and azimuth axes using the supplied parts. The cable arrives cut to a length matched to your telescope.

Will it work with any digital setting circle?

The encoders use very high resolution, and some non-Meade or third-party DSC computers may not be able to read those step counts. Astro Devices DSC units are designed to work with this kit.

Bottom Line

The Meade LightBridge Dobsonian Encoder Kit is a model-specific way to bring digital setting circle push-to to a LightBridge Dobsonian, with dual high-resolution encoders, all the mounting hardware, and a cable cut to fit your scope. Paired with a compatible DSC, it makes finding and returning to objects fast and repeatable.