New Product, New Problem, Easy Fix

Some of you may have noticed the new metal "mag wheel" type focusing knobs offered by Meade. I got a pair for my Vixen 4" refractor to replace the plastic focusing knobs. Ubon attaching the new knobs I found that the holes in the back side are not cut deep enough (at least not for the Vixen 4" refractor. As the ends of the focusing knob shaft are conical shaped, even a tightened focusing knob has a tendency to pivot or gimbal on the end of the shaft. A quick inspection revealed that there is adequate metal to cut out an additional 1/8 to 3/16" using a drill press with a drill bit that fits the hole snugly. Go slow, you can always take out more metal, but "ya can't put it back" if you take out too much!

With this quick fix the fit is much better and the attachment screws have more thread to grab on the shaft that the knobs attach to.

Barry Simon

Hi Barry -

I think you are referring to the knobs made by Orion, not Meade, unless I am mistaken.

I received a set of the new knobs last week also, and was not favorably impressed with them. My knobs from focusknobs.com are much better made, as they are machined instead of cast like the Orion ones.

At any rate, thanks for the tip. Mine had the same problem you describe, but I was able to overcome it by carefully centering them, and then tightening the screw down well.

Clear skies,

Jake