Problem with Meade DS-2114 azimuth drive

[YL3GDY]

Hi All,

I have some problem with my Meade DS-2114 scope. When trying to align it or rotate around azimuthal axis, I hear motor working, but the scope rotates only some first seconds. It looks like there is very poor grip in azimuth drive mechanism.

I have tried to disassemble this mechanism and saw that the grip part (a on the photo) is absent (looks like there was a plastic thing, which broke; b is the place of gear which is attached to tripod part). I've tried to put there a rubber, but it didn't help.

I wonder if someone can give an advice how to solve this problem?

 

[tgep]

I don't know if your scopes still under warranty, but if so the dealer you bought if from should be able to send you a replacement part. If not, you're going to have to go through another dealer to buy what you need. If that's the case, the folks at Astronomics ( www.astronomics.com ) in Norman Oklahoma may be able to solve your problem as they have a wide range of scopes and accessories/parts for all major brands.

 

[YL3GDY]

Thank you tgep for your advice. The main problem here is that the warranty is over. Also there is no Meade dealer here in Latvia (I've received this scope as a prize in astronomy contest in Greece). So I am trying to solve this problem using my own hands.

 

[TSPenguin]

Try emailing Meade!
I don't know how cool of a company they are, but if you tell them your story, make it a little heartwarming with the contest and not having a dealer around and maybe overexegarate your love for meade products a bit, they might help you out!
Good publicity and even small ones, if not the customer itself are always an important part to a serious company.

 

[YL3GDY]

Thanks for your advice, TSPenguin!

It's very interesting idea I'll try to follow it. I hope they wouldn't be too greedy and send me required part.

 

[tgep]

That's another good idea. When the tilt plate on my LX-50 cracked at the thread hole, I called Meade and was able to purchase a new tilt plate for much less than what I could have gotten from a dealer.

The only problem you MAY run into is if the model you have is no longer in production. There should still be a part for that drive or one comparable to it availible though.

Excellent idea TS !