One thing that I've always had trouble with on my 16" Meade Lightbrige is the truss poles slipping slightly on the lower tube assembly. The clamps on the lower tube assembly are poorly designed and allow about 3/16" of slipage if the knob loosens slightly or if a heavy accessory is attached like a Binoviewer. Yesterday I took off the top rim of the lower tube assembly (which anchors the lower clamps). I carefully drilled and tapped it for larger 3/8 X 16 hardware. I replaced the stock knobs with much stronger adjustable locking levers. I had to file out the holes on the clamps just a bit so the larger bolt could pass through. The result is that even with the clamps partially engaged there is less than 1/16" of play, once they are locked down there is zero play. Also the levers can easily be operated with gloves and are much easier to tighten. If anyone is interested I can post some pictures of the mod.
Joplin
Joplin
