20 Most Recent Meade ETX-70 (240 x 70mm) Telescope Questions & Answers

Look at the link below for a FIX for a broken Dec knob. This is a common problem so once it is fixed do NOT overtighten. See this: http://www.schlatter.org/Dad/Astronomy/etx90decknb.htm

From the AUX port, but you will need Meade software for the PC which comes with a cable. See p25 here www.meade.com/downloads/dl/file/id/.../etx_60at_and_70at_manual.pdf

This is usually caused by low battery power-- as the hand controller reported. DO NOT USE rechargeable batteries they do not have enough volts. Use alkaline batteries only.

This can also be caused by a broken gear or a failed internal motor. You can return these to Meade for repair.

Here is the contact number:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

You did tighten the DEC knob? If you did the altitude gears (a worm gear) is not engaing properly. You can either return it to Meade for repairs or attempt them yourself.

I would also check that you have fresh batteries and that the UP button on the hand controller is not broken.

call the manufacturer

You can also enter Latitude and longitude in the hand controller as a SITE.

No vertical movement is either a bad hand controller cable, a bad hand controller button, or a broken motor or circuit board inside.

Try a new cable first before you panic.

The knob had a tiny set screw on the side of it-- that tightened down on the shaft.

See if you can tighten it back up. If it is missing take it to a well stocked hard ware store and see if you can find a replacement Allen style set-screw.

Only Meade has the boards. Contact them here:

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

They will probably want you to ship the scope to them for repair.

There are some possible repairs. Go to the Mighty ETX web site and search for DEC KNOB repair.
http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

Go to the Mighty ETX web site and search for disassemble instructions:

http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

Did you lock down BOTH clutches?

You should have Calibrated motors and trained drives before you actually tried to do a goto.

Read this manual completely:
http://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/ETXtelescopes/ETX-60-70AT%20manual.pdf

Contact Meade customer service:

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

You might also find one by placing a WANT ad on www.astromart.com

You can try calling Meade here:

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

NEVER take a lens out of an eyepiece or telescope, only clean the outer surfaces.

Try putting the flat sides together and see if that works.

You have the famous broken declination knob!! Read these two web sites for the fix. It will require you to disassemble part of the scope.

http://robroy.dyndns.info/astropics/ETX-70/

I also purchased a used Meade ETX-70, only to find it had the same problem with the rotation axis motor running but no movement. After removing the bottom cover, I found the motor w/worm gear would not contact the main rotation gear. I solved the problem but purchasing a small 3/8x3/4x.032 spring that I had to custom fit to hold the motor w/worm gear against the rotation gear. Take caution not to have the spring apply to much pressure or it will cause to much drag.
To gain access, remove the bottom round cover(it will just pop off).
Then use a small .05 allen wrench to remove the set screw in the horizonal chrome lock. The chrome lock fits over a 1/2" bolt. By removing this bolt you will remove the washer/bearing assembly. After removing this, you will see a nylon nut, use a 11/16 socket to remove. Becareful, it is a fine thread and you don't want to cross thread it!
After you remove this, you will be able to remove the bottom housing, which will expose the motor and gear. You should be able to see what I am referring and where to place the spring.
If you can make it this far, then you should be able to install the spring. I used a little small dab of Gorilla glue to hold it in place, since the spring will have enough constant tension to keep it from moving.
I'm not sure if this was a design flaw, but I got no help from the Techs at Meade, only that they would upgrade to a ETX-80 for $149.99 plus shipping.
Hope this helps.......