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**DONOTDELETE**
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I'm new to this forum, Hello.
About 2 months ago I recieved my first "real telescope" a 12" LX200GPS and it's been awesome, except for some problems I've had with the tri-pod. Most every time I set up, I have problems with the alignment of the center bolt on the tri-pod threading into the base of the scope. It seems I follow the meade directions for set up by extending the tri-pod legs, get it level by adjusting the legs length, then the problems start. At this point before I grab on the scope to mount it, I visually check to see that the center bolt is perpendicular with the mounting platform on the tri-pod when the center bolt and the spreader bar is risen into position. But they are not, and if the scope was mounted the center bolt would cross thread into the scope base. So I called Meade, and in short they told me I was still green and should practice during the day. But this doesn't seem right on a $3,500 scope, eveything should flow. So I bought a Mounting Assistant II, a great product but it dosen't help with the center bolt trying to cross thread. I tell you I'm not a mechanical foul, but this spreader bar kepts giving me problems.
What is going on wrong?
Steve
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Grizz
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/24/03
Posts: 2172
Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA
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Steve,
Welcome. I have the 10" LX200GPS and what I do is this.
When I set up the tripod I grab the spreader bar and pick up the tripod with it so it seats between the legs uniformly. Then for good measure I pick the whole thing up by the center bolt then set it back down, now the centerbolt and spreader bar are in the correct position to engage the telescope. I also made a "Springy Thingy", here is the link. "Springy Thingy" (look under upgrades and enhancements) It lets the bolt pop up only when centered with the scope base.
Now after typing all that, I know the Giant field tripod is much bigger than the standard tripod that comes with the 10" scope I think the above procedure is doable with it.
Worth a try anyway.
Craig
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Craig
LX200GPS 10" UHTC SMT
ETX90EC
Orion ED80 APO
Meade LPI Canon 10d Meade DSI
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Charles
Post Laureate
Reged: 06/12/03
Posts: 4111
Loc: Enterprise, AL
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Welcome to the world of less than quality engineering of MEADE! Your doing everything correctly. It seems they quit engineering beyond the mirror designs. I have owned a LX200GPS 12" for a year now and I feel your pain. You are in my opinion absolutely correct in stating for the amount of money you paid you deserve better.
With the bolt, it is always a hit and miss situation. You'll develop a nack for it over time but it is always in my opinion hard to get it lined up and started into the threads. It's just a Meade and get use to it. Hope you have someone with experience around the first time you try to set up a Superwedge with it. You'll love Meade's instructions, NOT!
And another thing, don't let Meade tell you you’re green, tell them you’re tired of poor excuses and many of us brave enough to state the obvious are tired of hearing it. In fact next time you talk with Meade ask them why they do not have an email address for technical support. Could it be they are afraid of what they might read? They got away with telling me that many times for their lack of quality control and in my opinion engineering.
Charles
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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie again
Reged: 04/30/03
Posts: 22461
Loc: NE Ohio
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Quote:
Now after typing all that, I know the Giant field tripod is much bigger than the standard tripod that comes with the 10" scope I think the above procedure is doable with it.
Hi, Craig.
Yes - in fact, except for the weight and the imbalance of the 12", it's much easier. The procedure of lifting the tripod by the spreader is more effective because the tripod is heavier. Centering the scope on the tripod head is easier because the 1/2" bolt doesn't extend above the tripod head and the scope base is the same size as the tripod head - just position it so it aligns with the tripod head and you're all set.
I never had any issues mounting the 12" in alt/az but sometimes must fool around getting the 10" set up. The "springy thingy" should eliminate that.
John
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John C
Urban Observatory
Tele Vue Pronto
A&M/Astreya 76mm F/6 APO
TMB/LOMO 80mm F/7.5 APO
Tak FSQ-106N F/5 APO
Meade 152ED F/9 "APO"
152mm F/10 achromat
Tak CN-212 8" F/12 classical Cass/ F/4 Newt
Teeter 20" F/3.8 truss Newt w/ServoCat
LXD750, EM-200, CI-700
ST-10XME
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Charles
Post Laureate
Reged: 06/12/03
Posts: 4111
Loc: Enterprise, AL
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I just thought of one thing you might check. After leveling the tripod look at the spreader bar and make sure that each leg is as close to a 120 degrees from each other as possible. The individual leg bars should be straight out from the center. It is easily possible when leveling to get the legs pulled out of this 120 degree pattern. When they get out of of alignment they will cause problems with the bolt. Why, I have no idea, but I do know they make a difference, because as soon as I twist them back the bolt goes in easier.
Charles
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