I have an older and infrequently used 8" Meade LX-6 SCT (I more often use my 6" Newt for quick looks). The focuser has a good deal of image shift and backlash and virtually no tension on the focus knob when turned - not intolerable for occasional use, but darn tough to get a decent focus. Is there anything that can be easily adjusted by the user to improve this focuser's performance, or will it require more than a few tweaks?
Can a Meade SCT focuser be adjusted?
Started by pjbilotta, 01/13/2003 02:53PM
Posted 01/13/2003 02:53PM
Opening Post
Posted 01/13/2003 04:05PM
#1
The focuser can be adjusted to reduce almost all of the backlash. Call Meade and they can send you a one page handout that they have for adjusting the focuser. It is quite easy to do and will result in a big improvement.
The image shift is another matter. I was never able to eliminate all of the shift successfully on my scope. I didn't have the nerve to remove the front corrector. I used a JMI crayford focuser and then I didn't have to deal with it.
Ricardo
The image shift is another matter. I was never able to eliminate all of the shift successfully on my scope. I didn't have the nerve to remove the front corrector. I used a JMI crayford focuser and then I didn't have to deal with it.
Ricardo
Posted 01/16/2003 08:22AM
#2
I once purchased a used Meade 10" with the exact same problems. After discussion with the viturally non-exisetent Meade customer service dept. and being an engineer myself, This is how I fixed it. When I dissasembled the scope I found the dates when ,apparently, Meade had two previous chances to fix the problem. They either were: one, two stupid to see the problem or; two, ignored the real problem as it was too costly to fix. Either way that's when I decided never to buy another Meade product again. But I digress, I found that the center mirror support(that rides on the baffel tube) was broken at due to a defective casting, and was machined anyway when it was obviously unusable. They could not even obtain the complete bore due to missing material, not to mention the cracks. But again I digress. Anyhow I ended up adding three mounting/colliminating screws to the mirror slider which then protruded out the back of the scope. I then attached a permanent craford style focuser on the rear cell. After this the scope performed very well. I guess I have to give it to them for the optics. You are probably looking at a similar fix. Good luck, Tim
Funding Member
