Hi Kim I think Clay will have the board rebuilt for $325 the $495 is for his 'supercharge' service which is different than a board rebuild. In our communications, Clay said he has all the components replaced w/ quality parts Meade builds things as cheap as possible Meade makes scopes to make money. We have a couple out here and they have had new gears and other upgrades added that make them work nicely, but if something dies and you send it to Meade you better have a 2nd scope for a few months A fellow I know here has one of their 16" scopes, it too 13 months to get it back I suggested Clay Sherrod but he sent it to Meade As for your problem, contact Clay and see what he suggests he might be expensive BUT he'll get it done and back in quick time and it will work properly. I like Celestron, I have a few ;^) Aloha Rob