4 replies to this topic

[lhutton]

Recently I picked up a 10" Meade RG Newtonian. It was in impeccable shape and I'm just going through it doing some basic clean up and maintenance. I feel like this is the dumbest question ever but where is the RA lock on this mount? The declination axis moves and there's a obvious big idiot proof knob for the lock. The RA axis will move with the clock drive but hits a stop after about a quarter of an inch of hand rotation. Feels like it's hitting a stop anyway. This is the mount in question:

 

 

I feel really dumb asking this, I've used a bunch of EQ mounts in my day.

 

Also: does anyone have the PDF manual for this scope? I found some dead links here and there and mentions on the forum of one floating around but no results for the file itself.

 

Thanks!

Edited by lhutton, 08 March 2025 - 11:49 PM.

[siriusandthepup]

You don't need/use an RA lock on these old style mounts.

 

After clean/relube/reassembly spend about and hour or less adjusting the clutch.

 

Remove the play from the RA worm gear. 

 

Now adjust the clutch spring tension screws. This is gonna be best done with the OTA attached and balanced on the mount. You really need the weight and resistance of the ota to properly adjust the clutch tension.

 

This might sound a bit complex at first read - but it's not. It is pretty easy to accomplish.

 

I'm a current owner and previous owner of probably half a dozen of these mounts. I love em!

 

Not really a photographic mount at all. But a super fine visual mount. Push to center target, let go and observe. No lock knob involved. Sweet...

 

 

Oh, BTW - once adjusted normally you won't need to do it again for years...

Edited by siriusandthepup, 09 March 2025 - 02:04 AM.

[CHASLX200]

Recently I picked up a 10" Meade RG Newtonian. It was in impeccable shape and I'm just going through it doing some basic clean up and maintenance. I feel like this is the dumbest question ever but where is the RA lock on this mount? The declination axis moves and there's a obvious big idiot proof knob for the lock. The RA axis will move with the clock drive but hits a stop after about a quarter of an inch of hand rotation. Feels like it's hitting a stop anyway. This is the mount in question:

 

25-03-07 20-41-22 8201.jpg

 

I feel really dumb asking this, I've used a bunch of EQ mounts in my day.

 

Also: does anyone have the PDF manual for this scope? I found some dead links here and there and mentions on the forum of one floating around but no results for the file itself.

 

Thanks!

No locks and clocks ever never. I had a 10" RG that someone sold me and hid the broken DEC lock so i got rid of it fast.

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[lhutton]

You don't need/use an RA lock on these old style mounts.

 

After clean/relube/reassembly spend about and hour or less adjusting the clutch.

 

Remove the play from the RA worm gear. 

 

Now adjust the clutch spring tension screws. This is gonna be best done with the OTA attached and balanced on the mount. You really need the weight and resistance of the ota to properly adjust the clutch tension.

 

This might sound a bit complex at first read - but it's not. It is pretty easy to accomplish.

 

I'm a current owner and previous owner of probably half a dozen of these mounts. I love em!

 

Not really a photographic mount at all. But a super fine visual mount. Push to center target, let go and observe. No lock knob involved. Sweet...

 

 

Oh, BTW - once adjusted normally you won't need to do it again for years...

 

I was starting to think it was some kind of clutch system once I got the motor cover off last night. Setting circles were a little off/loose and the grease on the gears was dried up but that's been about it so far.

[RalphMeisterTigerMan]

I agree with the above. As long as you have the scope properly balanced you should noy have a problem.

 

Clear skies and keep looking up!

RalphMeisterTigerMan