More on the Meade mount
For what it’s worth, I just tried the mount connected to a 12V power supply with the Meade 12V-to-18V adapter. With or without the hand controller connected the mount just slews in RA at the rate of about ten degrees per minute. Any other ideas? Kim
It sounds like the logic circuits are fried. I'm just assuming, but this sure looks like it's beyong the realm of a simple fix. You probably need a new board. On 7/27/10, Kim <kimharch@cut.net> wrote:
For what it’s worth, I just tried the mount connected to a 12V power supply with the Meade 12V-to-18V adapter. With or without the hand controller connected the mount just slews in RA at the rate of about ten degrees per minute. Any other ideas?
I had some problems with my losmandy, Radio Shack had the plugs I needed and it was a pretty simple repair with a crimping tool. The plugs were similar to phone plugs but slightly different.
It sounds like the logic circuits are fried.
I'm just assuming, but this sure looks like it's beyong the realm of a simple fix.
You probably need a new board.
On 7/27/10, Kim <kimharch@cut.net> wrote:
For what its worth, I just tried the mount connected to a 12V power supply with the Meade 12V-to-18V adapter. With or without the hand controller connected the mount just slews in RA at the rate of about ten degrees per minute. Any other ideas?
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If it exhibited the same problem with or without the hand controller installed, I doubt it has anything to do with cabling or plugs. It COULD, but I doubt it. It would have to be a dead short in the jack itself. On 7/28/10, erikhansen@thebluezone.net <erikhansen@thebluezone.net> wrote:
I had some problems with my losmandy, Radio Shack had the plugs I needed and it was a pretty simple repair with a crimping tool. The plugs were similar to phone plugs but slightly different.
It sounds like the logic circuits are fried.
I'm just assuming, but this sure looks like it's beyong the realm of a simple fix.
You probably need a new board.
On 7/27/10, Kim <kimharch@cut.net> wrote:
For what it’s worth, I just tried the mount connected to a 12V power supply with the Meade 12V-to-18V adapter. With or without the hand controller connected the mount just slews in RA at the rate of about ten degrees per minute. Any other ideas?
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Damaged logic boards sounds more convincing to me. As I've said, I've tried multiple cord combinations, two separate hand controllers, and both AC and DC power supplies, each with a different transformer. Are logic boards hard to duplicate? Meade no longer supports the product (they never supported it much when it was still in production, so why am I not surprised?), so I have to find a used mount with parts, re-work this to operate without the fancy computer stuff (which is OK with me) or junk the thing altogether (that's also OK with me). Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 10:30 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] More on the Meade mount If it exhibited the same problem with or without the hand controller installed, I doubt it has anything to do with cabling or plugs. It COULD, but I doubt it. It would have to be a dead short in the jack itself. On 7/28/10, erikhansen@thebluezone.net <erikhansen@thebluezone.net> wrote:
I had some problems with my losmandy, Radio Shack had the plugs I needed and it was a pretty simple repair with a crimping tool. The plugs were similar to phone plugs but slightly different.
It sounds like the logic circuits are fried.
I'm just assuming, but this sure looks like it's beyong the realm of a simple fix.
You probably need a new board.
On 7/27/10, Kim <kimharch@cut.net> wrote:
For what it's worth, I just tried the mount connected to a 12V power supply with the Meade 12V-to-18V adapter. With or without the hand controller connected the mount just slews in RA at the rate of about ten degrees per minute. Any other ideas?
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It's interesting to hear of the same problem we have w/ our Meade 750 mount. Dr. Clay suspects it's the logic board, it can be rebuilt new w/ QUALITY components for $325 The Service Fee for the mount only is $495; a complete replacement/rebuild of electronics is $325 with no additional charge for labor to remove, then install, calibrate and test the new system once completed. All minor repairs that might be needed are included in the Supercharge fee; major parts replacements that might be required are at my cost only, and again no charge to install. We'll hopefully be sending this off in the fall when one of our members that lives in AR will drive it to Dr. Clay. We use very few Meade scopes out here, very very poor service and support. Aloha Rob
Rob, thanks for the tip. I've never heard of Dr. Clay but I looked up the website and have sent off a request for more information. I am concerned, though, that if the cost is $495 plus another $325 I may as well buy a new or used mount by a reputable manufacturer (which, in my opinion, does NOT fit Meade). Maybe a CGEM or a Vixen mount. Thoughts, anyone? Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Rob Ratkowski Photography Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 12:37 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] More on the Meade mount It's interesting to hear of the same problem we have w/ our Meade 750 mount. Dr. Clay suspects it's the logic board, it can be rebuilt new w/ QUALITY components for $325 The Service Fee for the mount only is $495; a complete replacement/rebuild of electronics is $325 with no additional charge for labor to remove, then install, calibrate and test the new system once completed. All minor repairs that might be needed are included in the Supercharge fee; major parts replacements that might be required are at my cost only, and again no charge to install. We'll hopefully be sending this off in the fall when one of our members that lives in AR will drive it to Dr. Clay. We use very few Meade scopes out here, very very poor service and support. Aloha Rob _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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
Thanks again. Haven't yet heard back from Clay but I only emailed after seeing your previous post a few minutes ago. My brother bought a 12" Meade SCT a couple of years ago before he consulted with me. It was in Meade's repair shop more than it was in his possession - at least three different occasions. He then made the mistake of upgrading to another Meade, a 14", instead of cutting his losses and buying a Celestron or another manufacturer. He's had the same experience with it. I don't' understand how Meade can still be in business. I like my Meade Plossl, SWA and UWA eyepieces that I bought nearly 20 years ago, but I'll never buy another Meade product of any kind. Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Rob Ratkowski Photography Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 3:24 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] More on the Meade mount 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 _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
Hi Kim we have a saying here 'Meade sucks' we have never gotten ANY assistance or support it's all about the money. One of my favorite EP's is an old 32mm wide it's lightweight and crisp but now I'm enjoying the TMB 30 and 40mm Paragons. I'd suggest working w/ Clay Sherrod or Pat at OPT, they seem to know what they are doing. I had a problem w/ our CGE14, Celestron (Kevin Kawai) responded promptly w/ suggestions. I think it's one thing to have a product but it's the support and passion a manufacturer provides that creates loyalty, I wish you luck on your repairs. Aloha Rob
I have to pipe up here and say I love my Meade 12", and that when it needed repairs Meade repaired it promptly and well. Thanks, Joe --- On Wed, 7/28/10, Kim <kimharch@cut.net> wrote: From: Kim <kimharch@cut.net> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] More on the Meade mount To: "'Utah Astronomy'" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 3:32 PM Thanks again. Haven't yet heard back from Clay but I only emailed after seeing your previous post a few minutes ago. My brother bought a 12" Meade SCT a couple of years ago before he consulted with me. It was in Meade's repair shop more than it was in his possession - at least three different occasions. He then made the mistake of upgrading to another Meade, a 14", instead of cutting his losses and buying a Celestron or another manufacturer. He's had the same experience with it. I don't' understand how Meade can still be in business. I like my Meade Plossl, SWA and UWA eyepieces that I bought nearly 20 years ago, but I'll never buy another Meade product of any kind. Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Rob Ratkowski Photography Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 3:24 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] More on the Meade mount 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 _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
participants (5)
-
Chuck Hards -
erikhansen＠thebluezone.net -
Joe Bauman -
Kim -
Rob Ratkowski Photography