Looking for ANY set of Meade forks!

[mental4astro]

As it turns out, the diameter of Meade 8"OTAs hasn't changed. The main difference between models is the spacing of the coupling holes.

Please look at my latest post for details.

Thanks for looking,

Alex.

[jenchris]

Considering whether I need my forks now.
Not sure how much they're worth.
Bought them new and they have been used for ap on a wedge with success so they work well.
Not sure what they are worth.

[mental4astro]

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks so much for the pics you sent me. In the last little while I've found out that there's a difference between the mounts, newer and older. I've noted these differences in the re-worded first post. Alas your's is the broad configuration, which explains the confusion we had with the dimensions.

Alex :)

[mental4astro]

Further developments:

While there is variation with the OTA's, some dimensions across different models are the same.

I've come to find out that the diameter of the LX80 OTA is 234mm, the same as that of the LX200 and the LX90. There are differences with the arrangement of the three coupling screws, however, the two rear cell screws are all that's needed to attach the OTA, to that lone screw a little closer to the aperture opening isn't critical.

So, the magic number for the separation between the centres of the two coupling screws on the OTA is 73mm. So, what's the space between the centres of these corresponding screws on the LX90 and the LX200? Some variation with the 73mm of the LX80 is ok as it is possible to machine an adjustment.

Can anyone help?

Cheers,

Alex.

[jenchris]

72mm between centres

[mental4astro]

So looks I can actually use ANY set of Meade 8" forks! :cool:

Last night I had another look at the old forks I have, took a different approach to coupling the OTA to the forks and they fit! All I needed to do was ease a little wider apart the rear two holes of the mounting plates and that was it. Same tube diameter too!

So, I have changed my request to ask for ANY set of Meade forks! The set I have works, but it has seen better days, and I don't know if it will last the distance.

211360

Thanks for looking,

Alex .

[mental4astro]

Widening my search parameters, I'd also consider an entire older 8" Meade fork mounted SCT, OTA, forks, wedge, tripod. 2080, LX5, LX6, LX10, what ever. Just needs the drive in working order. Have just the OTA mounted in the forks? That's fine :)

Thanks for looking,

Alex.

[mental4astro]

I'm still hopeful to find a set of Meade forks! :)

As long as it is working, that's all I need!

Alex.

[Aceman1972]

Pm sent

[mental4astro]

Thanks for your message :)

Still looking.

[FI93]

I Know you are after Mead forks but I have a set of Celestron 8" forks gathering dust in the back of the shed if they are any use to you.
A young lad was cleaning out deceased dads shed and knew i had telescopes so said if I did not want them they would go in the bin..... not a clew if they work or not, I just saved them.
Regards,
Norm.