Lightbridge Changes

astronut (John) · #1 16-05-2006, 07:50 PM

Well after owning my 12"Lightbridge for nearly two months, I've come to the conclusion that it is great value for money and performs exceptionally well.
.................But and you knew there would be a "but" The new alt tension brake fitted and used first in Australia is a dissappointment in part.
It's basic function is excellent and a pleasure to use, but the inadequate friction material is causing heavy damage to the alt bearing swept surface, and that is with only a small amount of use.
I've spoken to Don & Mike at Bintel ( they have been very helpful ) and they will approach Meade and hopefully Meade can come up with a modification of this part.
Now I don't mind carrying out product developement on the run for a company, but I hope Meade replace my damaged alt bearings and replace the tension brake in return.

h0ughy (David) · #2 16-05-2006, 10:57 PM

any images to illustrate the damage and the function?

astronut (John) · #3 17-05-2006, 11:43 AM

Houghy, Here are the images

These are not scratches but deep gouges

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

any images to illustrate the damage and the function?

h0ughy (David) · #4 17-05-2006, 12:00 PM

John can a larger image be loaded i cannot make out the area from the thumbnail (wont enlarge)

ving (David) · #5 17-05-2006, 12:07 PM

gee thats no good john. I hope they replace it too.

astronut (John) · #6 17-05-2006, 12:13 PM

Here is a better image

Starkler (Geoff) · #7 17-05-2006, 12:20 PM

Ouch!
Whats the material used for the friction brake pad? Did you get any dirt or crud in there causing the gouging?

h0ughy (David) · #8 17-05-2006, 12:35 PM

thanks john, is it a metal on metal brake? the hardness of the break must be greater than that of the bearing wheel. I Wonder how many other people have found this problem?

vespine · #9 17-05-2006, 01:37 PM

The friction pad appears to be made out of a white hard plastic, could be a teflon but I'm not good at identifying different plastics. I've had the light bridge for about two months as well but I've only had it out about eight times (damned clouds) and I generally don't tighten the friction pad if I don't need to, so I've only maybe used it only a couple of times and my alt bearing does not display any signs of friction. There is a slightly 'buffed' zone where the contact point is but it is still very smooth to the touch, no scraping or surface deformation that I can detect, even with a wet finger. I'll be even more careful for now until I can figure out some way to prevent this happening.

spacezebra (Petra) · #10 17-05-2006, 06:24 PM

Hi all

Yes my LB has had the same problem. I have been using a washer rubber until I afix the bike brake. Still waiting on an answer from Bintel - otherwise cannot fault the scope - great piece of equipment.

Cheers Petra

astrogeek (Leon) · #11 18-05-2006, 07:43 AM

I have a LB and have the same prob too. I was thinking of squirting a dob of silicon into the hole that the white plastic thing is in and doing away with the white plastic bit. This should provide the required sticktion but because the silicon is soft it shouldn't scratch the alt. disks.

astronut (John) · #12 19-05-2006, 03:47 PM

I've spoken to Don ( Bintel ) today and after discussions with Meade a simple modification has been made. They will extend the length of the pad and hopefully this should stop the damage caused to the bearing.
They are replacing both bearings as well as the brake.
THREE CHEERS FOR BINTEL

ving (David) · #13 19-05-2006, 04:06 PM

bringing you LB tomorrow night john?

I want to see it!

astronut (John) · #14 19-05-2006, 04:44 PM

Yeh Dave, I just got the end rings back from the powder coaters today. It's a much more durable finish than just spraying over the white rings with black paint. Only $40.00

astronut (John) · #15 19-05-2006, 07:32 PM

To all Lightbridge and G.S.O. sourced scopes. If you want to replace those inadequate collimation screws on your scopes, visit this site in the U.S.A
www.astronomy-shoppe.com

vespine · #16 23-05-2006, 11:20 AM

can these be sourced locally?

Would these work on the LB https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=6492 ?

astronut (John) · #17 23-05-2006, 12:06 PM

Hi V,Commercially made? No.
Bobs Knobs are in the process of putting a knob for the LB's together at the moment. Not on sale yet.
The one's from astronomy shoppe are available now. I'm waiting for delievery, I'll post images when I get them

Quote:

Originally Posted by vespine

can these be sourced locally?

Would these work on the LB https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=6492 ?

astro_nutt · #18 23-05-2006, 03:27 PM

Just a long shot..try www.coventryfasteners.com.au....they might have grub screws with a knurled or recessed hex end.

astronut (John) · #19 30-05-2006, 09:43 AM

Here are the secondary & primary collimation screws for the Lightbridge and other G.S.O. sourced scopes. They are available from Astronomy -Shoppe

h0ughy (David) · #20 30-05-2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astronut

Here are the secondary & primary collimation screws for the Lightbridge and other G.S.O. sourced scopes. They are available from Astronomy -Shoppe

could you provide cost, Size, type, product code and any other details, just in case they could be source more locally for people?