Meade LX200 dec problem

[ournightsky (Rodger)]

Last Wednesday night I started up the Meade LX200 Classic only to find I've finally been blessed with a dec problem. But I don't think it's the electronics.

Normally with the scope powered up the Dec slow-motion knob is locked (or rather the motor coupled to the knob is "locked") and can't be moved, but not this time the knob easily rotates and moves the scope while the motor is stationary.
When the motor runs the OTA isn't driven, and the Dec slow-motion knob doesn't spin as it normally would. While the motor is running I can easily rotate the Dec slow-motion knob and move the OTA in either direction. So I'm thinking it is a gear on the motor, coupling to the rest of the workings.

After searching for a few days on the net without any luck (not even mentioned once in a thread on MAPUG that I could find), I'm hoping someone here might have some ideas before I deconstruct the module.

Does any one know how easy it is to get to the gearing at the motor or if the gears are even available for replacement on a scope this old?

Any help is appreciated.
Rodger

[Barrykgerdes]

Does the hand box indicate that the telescope is actually pointed at something. If the box indicates that the telescope is actually pointing at something there is most likely a gearbox problem

If the hand box is not showing any movement of the Dec when the N/S keys are operated the the problem will be in the electronics.

If the indication is slipping of the gears it could be a couple of places but disassembly of the gearbox is not for beginners as the encoder mask can move and be difficult to reset, The most likely thing to happen is the plastic gear splined onto the knob shaft has stripped. This can happen if the knob is turned manually while powered up.

There are no spares available for repair of the mechanics or electrics of the LX200 any more

Get back to me by PM for further advice

Barry