To save myself some money initially I decided to try to use the existing encoders and cable. The encoders are Hewlett Packard HEDM 55 step. The Magellan I connects to the encoders via a split cable plugged into the 8p8c connector on the side of the Magellan. I decided to try the Argo Navis as an alternative controller. The Magellan while working OK needs to be reset each time the power is removed and the LED back lit screen was hard for me to read in the dark. Magellan Box on side of telescope with original Velcro attaching parts The skills I learnt in kindergarten in cutting and pasting came in very handy. I did a similar scale for the azimuth that needed to be printed in sections. I then made an altitude scale with AutoCad and pasted it on the bearing so I could test the Magellan on a dummy run. I replaced the grub screw with a screw that could be adjusted with fingers to enable easier fitting and removal. The Magellan altitude encoder assembly was made originally for a much smaller altitude bearing so with a hacksaw and hammer etc I cut the old retainer clamp off and extended its arm to suit the Lightbridge. I then made a pin out of a piece of steel tube machined to fit the encoder sleeve, opened the hole out and attached it to the altitude bearing with a suitable bolt and locking nut. I took this off and put it in the lathe and drilled a 3/16” hole in the middle that I tapped out with ¼” Witt. This needed more work, as there was no suitable pivot pin in the center of the altitude bearing assembly. However there is a positioning plastic sleeve that was too short to stay in the correct position so I made a longer one.

The modification here only involved removal of the old bolt and its retaining nut and replacing it with the one from the Magellan kit. I found most of the parts required very little modification.

I recently purchased a 16” Lightbridge telescope and as I still had the Magellan 1 I decided to adapt it to the telescope. I think he settled for an Argo Navis that came with suitable adaptors. I tried to sell it some time ago but the only taker who wanted it to fit a similar scope decided it would be too much bother and cancelled. I had an old Meade Magellan 1 that I purchased on a whim from Meade when they were supplying Australia direct about 10 years ago and never used.

Meade magellan 1 installation