LX200R motor problem...

[neotesla]

I have an LX200R 12" scope with a problem with the base motor.  The fork motors are working fine, but the base only moves in one speed at the moment, max speed, and sounds differennt from what it normally sounds like.  I have opened the base and examined all the boards and the wiring, but cannot find anything amiss.  There does not apppear to be anything damaged.  The controller has also given a new message the last time I powered up the mount, when just trying to test the movements of the motors, the base motor gave an error about having failed, while still moving.  Any sugggestions?  The mount is currently powered using a 12V adapter that I also use to power an LX90 scope, and it is working fine.

Thanks...

[drclay]

Many cheap power sources will cause problems with these telescopes; I would try another power source for sure, using aout 13.8 volts is ideal.  Use ONLY regulated power and that from Radio Shack, Pyramid, or those available at www.scopestuff.com

Now, that being said, I would suggest that you go into Autostar and RESET the handbox; many times communications get conflicted and this may help; alternately, if the problem persists, try to upload of fresh firmwware from the ASU updater (version 4.6 only) and press "Erase user Banks" when you do.

Try these suggestions and get back with us....this clearly sounds like a power problem.  The small power sources from Meade and Celestron are worthless and should be taken off the market.

Doc

[neotesla]

I am using a regulated power supply that i bought from Circuit City (Canadian replacement for Radio Shack), and I have also tried resetting Autostar as well.  I will try and update it this evening and see if that helps.  The power supply is variable (designed for computer equipment), and i have it set at 12V presently, which supplies at I believe a max of 7A (can't remember exactly), are you saying I should have it set for higher as well?

[drclay]

No, I would leave the power supply set at 12 volts.  Being a variable power supply makes me think it is one of those "power tank" type of units.  Is this just bare bones power or does it have flashlights, gongs, and other ancillary devices on the power supply?  You want just raw power, nothing more.

Doc

[neotesla]

Sorry... I'm being inprecise with my terminology.  I have an AC power brick outputting DC 12V at 6A.  It is a switching power supply, that has adjustable voltage output, designed for computer equipment, and it plugs directly into the fork base.  I use the scope mostly at home, so its pretty much always AC powered this way.  In the field, I have a 37Ah battery unit with an 600w inverter built in, that I ca use the same power brick.

[drclay]

Then we are back to the likelihood of a faulty front power panel/control panel circuit board.  Once you have eliminated the other issues, this is the primary source of problems such as you describe.

Doc

[neotesla]

I take it my only recourse is to send it back to Meade for repair then? Or is there anyone else that might be able to supply parts for this?  I can repair this on my own if I can locate a supplier of new or reconditioned parts. 

[drclay]

Contact me off group about this and we can try to find someone with parts.

Doc