I was just given a Meade MTS-SN8 and the Quartz LX Drive. Poked around and didn't find a manual so I called Meade. They promptly answered the phone and just as promptly email me a manual. Alas, it isn't the right one. I have emailed and asked for the correct one but so far no reply. So firstly, anyone got a PDF?
Forgive my profound ignorance, as I have only ever had a 80mm refractor (which just got to see the total eclipse!) and an 8" reflector on a Dob mount I built and then later motorized (works pretty well, crude by y'alls standards but fun to play with). The mount is a forked equatorial. The ascension drive seems to be working fine. The declination motor works but the clutch isn't grabbing. That shouldn't be too hard to deal with. Manually the declination mechanism works.
So at a rough outline, the procedure would be: Level the platform and point to the north star. The legs of the mount don't have adjuster so I guess I am supposed to make one. I saw a pillar mount for this type and if I can get this scope to work I'll do that. I'll read up more on using an equatorial mount. With the clutches loose, aim the scope. This is the part that seems tough, I'm really supposed to zero in on an object shoving it around by hand? That was a pain on my Dob mount and this mount seems harder to move. Am I missing something or do real astronomers have to have "The Touch"?
The scope also has an odd helical focuser. It is *ok* to move but a little sticky. Doesn't seem like a place for lubricants, so is there a way to smooth out the movement? Or just adjust the pre-load screw as best one can and use "The Touch"?
The optics all look to be in great shape and it was stored in a garage so it should be usable. Any other tips/tricks/tutorials?
Thanks!
Jonathan
Edited by madlabs, 30 August 2017 - 04:22 PM.