LX200 NEXTGEN · DEVELOPMENT PREVIEW
Classic telescope. A new generation of control.
Built around ESP32. Powered by OnStepX.
THE TELESCOPE YOU LOVE. REIMAGINED.
Our successful ESP32 and OnStepX project is the starting point. LX200 NextGen brings the electronics, mainboard and touchscreen development into one evolving system. Future development will also target the Meade LX90 series.
FROM CIRCUIT TO CONTROL
The early board layout brings power, motor connections and control electronics into a single design.
THE MAINBOARD / AT A GLANCE
Purpose-built electronics for the telescope you already own. Connected, expandable and ready for a new chapter.
Compatible with OnStepX, with future firmware updates in mind.
Conversion compatibility for existing Meade LX200 telescopes from 8″ to 14″, retaining their existing DC motors.
A powerful ESP32 processor with native Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support at the heart of the mainboard.
Mainboard reverse-polarity protection and a fuse help protect the electronics at the power input.
GPS add-on functionality with GLONASS support, up to 33 satellites and up to 10 location updates per second.
Satellite and update capabilities depend on the selected GNSS module and its configuration.
Support for an optional 800 × 480 touch display, bringing the AstroEvolve interface directly to your telescope.
Explore the touchscreen ↗Add compatible sensors for temperature, humidity and dew-point monitoring through the I²C expansion port.
Discover environmental sensing ↓* Future OnStepX update compatibility is subject to the requirements of each release and validation with the mainboard.
I²C EXPANSION / BEYOND THE MAINBOARD
The I²C expansion port lets you extend the system with compatible environmental sensors. Monitor temperature and humidity, and use those readings to calculate dew point for a clearer picture of observing conditions.
Follow changing air temperatures.
Monitor moisture in the air.
Calculated from temperature and humidity.
Sensor integration requires compatible wiring and firmware. Dew-point readings indicate conditions; they do not directly detect dew on the optics or control a heater.
An example expansion sensor: the Bosch BME680 measures temperature, humidity, pressure and gas resistance.
Photo: Adafruit · BME680 breakout ↗Bosch sensor specifications ↗02 / THE HUMAN CONNECTION
A first look at the AstroEvolve touch console. From finding a target to setting up the mount, follow the interface as it takes shape.
The home screen brings observing, mount status, alignment, site information and session tools together.
Development previews include read-only states and locked motor actions. Screens reflect work in progress. Historical captures retain the former AstroTech branding.
03 / FROM THE WORKBENCH
A look inside the development.
Real project files. An evolving design.
Archived board images retain the former branding.
BE PART OF THE NEXT CHAPTER
Follow the LX200 NextGen project and future plans for the Meade LX90 series.
Registration opens soon. This preview does not send or save your details.