Meade LX200GPS Telescope - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

See below linkhttp://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/LXseries/LX-200R.pdf

Hi kenbarbkenda ,

Thank you for your question at Fixya,

The solution to your problem is as follows :-

http://www.astronomy-shoppe.com/repairs.htm This is the website where you can send the electronics card only, as per your requirement, so you don't have to worry about sending the whole telescope.

Also it has quite less repair cost , just copy and paste the above link into your web browser to open up the website.


Hope that helps ...:) In case you have any queries, feel free to contact me.

Micro-processor??? This is a powered GOTO scope with a hand controller. You must follow the setup procedure outlined in the manual. Additionally the drives must be "trained" per the manual to elliminate gear backlash.

During the setup you must align the scope on two stars so it will "learn" the sky for that time and date.

OR-- you will not see anything. Try to find a local Astronomy club and the members will help yopu-- or join for free www.astronomyforum.net and the members will help you.


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The first thing to try is a new hand controller cable. Scopestuff.com sells these--
www.scopestuff.com

Call them.

Also this can be caused by a loose connection on one of the internal power boards-- and also by a bad weak power supply. Beyond these the scope will need to be returned to Meade for repairs.


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You can try removing the focuser and knob -- and see why the LOCK (which is simply a bolt is stuck.

Look here:
http://www.petealbrecht.com/Installing%20Digifocus.pdf

When you plug in an outside power source the internal batteries are disconnected- automatically. First thing I would try is all new cables Sounds like the motor inside the focuser died.

You have GOOD power? You can try and replace the hand controller cable--

I would also Calibrate motors, and retrain the drives. But re-training must be done in alt az mode.

The hand controller on the LX200 is simply a "dumb" terminal. The brains of the scope are actually inside the scope base.

Yes it could be a circuit blown on the board inside. Contact Meade directly here:

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

The scope will need to be returned to Meade for repairs-- the tech people there may have other things to try BUT you have already tried a different hand controller and it did not work.

Sounds like a trip back to Meade will be needed.

1. Plug the cable into the BOTTOM of the hand controller-- NOT into the control panel.

2. Set the software to the proper COM port. Look under Telescope in the dropdown tab.

Meade will want the entire scope back for repair-- contact them here--

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

The corrector plate at the front needs to be removed. Read this article. It must replaced in the EXACT position that is was before you disassembled it--

http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=594

Is this an LX200 or an LX255 which I have never heard of.

Does the scope focus on a distant object during the day time? If YES nothing is wrong with the scope.

The eyepieces determine what the magnification will be. The eyepiece with the largest number on it is the LOWEST magnification. Meade has a web site with all of their manuals here:

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

Yes, a separate 12 vgot power pack and a cigarette lighter style power plug --

Like these:

http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_cig1.htm

and this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-jump-start-and-power-supply-38391.html?utm_term=38391&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=nextag&hft_adv=10013

First thing to do is make sure you have good power-- fresh batteries and or a seperate 12 volt power pack.

Then check the hand controller cable and replace it with a new cable.

Also execute a RESET on the hand controller and send it back to factory default.

If none of these fix the problem try to get a replacement hand controller and see if that works --- if it does your hand controller is bad-- if it does not then a more serious problem with an internal circuit board will require you to return it to Meade for repairs.

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

check the power connections for the motor..in electric motors the speed is established by the power's value and it in your case from the transformer only the max current is getting to the motor...check the connections for the other positions of the switch ..

Meade may or may not sell you the board. Usually they want you to return the scope for repair.

Call them and explain that you know how to fix it and only need the part. Ask to speak to a supervisor if you at first meet any resistance.

You will need to remove the corrector plate. It must be replaced EXACLY inthe position before you took it apart. There are tiny cork spacers around the edge that center the glass. These must also be replaced exactly where they came out. Read both of these web sites:

http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=594

http://www.televue.com/engine/TV3_page.asp?id=103

Then it is an internal circuit board issue. Something is either unplugged inside the scope base-- or is burned out. Meade can repair these call them:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

Try replacing the cable with a new one. www.scopestuff.com sells the cable.

If this does not work you have something wrong with the circuit board inside the scope.

Also check and see if the CONTRAST and BRIGHTNESS is set wrong. Look at the manual for the "tree" that shows all the features. You will have to guess at which buttons to press to get to the Contrast and brightness adjustments -- just follow the "tree" diagram. This could also be your problem.

Finally you can try just a RESET of the hand controller if the above is too difficult. Easier to get too in the "tree". You can also try reloading the firmware, which requires NO BUTTONS to be pressed.

Other than the above the scope will need to be returned to Meade for repairs if nothing works -- try all of the above first before you panic.

Sorry we are not able to help you with your problem.