I have A 14" Meade ACF LX200 OTA with some series focusing problems.
I had focusing issues for some time. I did the full wind out and wind in thing multiple times with the focuser, to spread out the lubricant.
Now I cannot achieve anything close to focus. I can see a large out of focus star, but turning the focus knob now seems to make no difference. I have turned the focuser from all in to all out.
I can feel tension and weight when I turn the focuser.
Hmmmmm....
That's not normal.
Check the position of the mirror on the baffle, look into the tube from the front, and then move the focuser knob to the max either way - see if the mirror actually moved up and down the baffle.
Sorry for asking but is the mirror lock fully disengaged ? The old Meade Mapug pages might offer some ideas, predates the ACF range but the mechanics would roughly be the same ......
Sorry for asking but is the mirror lock fully disengaged ? The old Meade Mapug pages might offer some ideas, predates the ACF range but the mechanics would roughly be the same ......
Sorry for asking but is the mirror lock fully disengaged ? The old Meade Mapug pages might offer some ideas, predates the ACF range but the mechanics would roughly be the same ......
Hmmmmm....
That's not normal.
Check the position of the mirror on the baffle, look into the tube from the front, and then move the focuser knob to the max either way - see if the mirror actually moved up and down the baffle.
I could not see the mirror moving by looking down the tube from the front.
However, looking up tube, I can see the image on the secondary changing.
Above is a a link to the feathertouch microfocuser installation for the Meade 14” , if your up to it maybe following the instructions to remove the original focuser knob might help diagnose a problem.
If you don't see the main mirror move when focusing, it could be the focuser rod has dislodged from the locating pin on the rear of the mirror.
I never experienced that in almost twenty years of SCT use, but anything is possible.
Hope you resolve the issue.
[Edit] I'm not suggesting at this stage you need to completely strip the Meade....just some ideas as to how the focuser works and may be rectified if needed.
If you don't see the main mirror move when focusing, it could be the focuser rod has dislodged from the locating pin on the rear of the mirror.
I never experienced that in almost twenty years of SCT use, but anything is possible.
How much movement should I see? There is some movement as shown in the images in the post above. I couldn't tell if the movement was in /out or if the focuser is only pushing on one side of the mirror.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ukastronomer
Or at some stage it has been focussed with the clamps "clamped" causing a problem
Not they I can remember. The scope is only used for imaging and I use a Meade zero shift focuser.
I stripped mine down completely for a clean and re-grease last year and they are remarkably simple inside. I'll see if I can dig out some photos later on to help.
Here is a video I found of removing a Meade focuser to replace with a Peterson. I guess the innards are the same for the 14inch. Kind of shows whats inside if that helps. https://www.google.com.au/search?sou...arch&kpvalbx=1
When I remove the focuser, which is the best / safest / easiest way. Can I remove the focuser while the scope is still on the mount, (keeping the tube horizontal) or do I need to dismount the tube from the mount?
