LX200 equatorial wedge mounting problem

[Kugelblitz]

Hey all

I have an 8" LX200-ACF which I had intended to put on a Meade Equatorial Wedge (http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tripods/Wedges/Meade-Equatorial-Wedge-8-/117/productview.aspx).

I've discovered that the thread at the front of the telescope base is too large for the screws that are used for attaching it and the other attachment points to the wedge (pictures attached below).

Has anyone else run into this problem?
Is there some way to fix this?

[AndrewJ]

Gday Marcus
Is the top hole actually threaded????
There were reports of this happening for a small batch of scopes, but that was over 6 years ago ( IIRC )
If the hole is actually threaded as 1/2" UNC, then the only fix is to get a screw in insert to reduce it to the correct thread.

Andrew

[Kugelblitz]

Hi Andrew



The hole is threaded, but is too large for the standard mounting screws. Its the same size as the middle hole on the telescope base.

[AndrewJ]

Gday Marcus
In that case, you have one of the oddballs Meade put out.
IIRC, they did supply a helicoil style insert to fix it, but under their new ownership, i'm not sure if they give a damn any more.
You could buy a std insert to fix the problem but not sure if they will be easily available in Oz.
If you know someone with a lathe, they might be able to make one for a can of beer or so :-)
Andrew

[AndrewJ]

PS Here is a link to the sort of thing they were using to fix it
https://www.grainger.com/product/E-Z-LOK-Thread-Insert-4ZB87?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/4ZY16_AS01?$smthumb$
A specialist bolt supplier may have them here, but a quick google hasnt shown any locals yet

Andrew