Anyone know where to find a replacement VERTICAL LOCK KNOB for a Meade ETX-70? Or what fix might work instead?

The bolt is stripped away from the plastic knob-- TAKE THE vertical lock knob off and inspect the bolt head-- you can use a STRONG glue to fix it -- epoxy or something similar.

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.

You might be able to drill a hole through the plastic knob and use a washer and a bolt to hold the screw tight. Or do something like this fix:

http://www.schlatter.org/Dad/Astronomy/etx90decknb.htm

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

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

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/

You can do a do it yourself repair.
http://www.weasner.com/etx/techtips.html


and or call Meade and see if you can order a new part.

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

It's a simple solution!
Take the knob off, and use a simple washer, will will hold up in between the plastic and metal surfaces.
This should be your solution!

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.