Meade LX200 coming out of the mount...

[Edsport]

Meade LX 200 classic 10 inch. I want to put my scope on a wedge but one day just after i purchased it i lifted my scope to move it outside the scope came out of the mount. I could see the gears. Twice it happened so now i lift the scope and tripod. I'm sure this isn't normal so i'm afraid that when i put it on a wedge tilted to about 49 degrees, the scope will come out of the mount again. Is there something missing that i can fix to keep it from coming out? Maybe a clip or a bolt missing. I'm wondering what is suppose to be there to keep it from coming out. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks...

[Jim Fusco]

Check this out http://www.mapug-astronomy.net/ragre...ABase.html#Top

It appears the bearing is pressed. What may of happen the mount was cold then warmed mounted to tripod, then moved with a jar or shock popping the bearing out. It looks like they need to be place together and the top part gently tapped with a hard rubber mallot. After it's fully seated the worm should be adjusted. If it keeps on happening consider cleaning the outside of the bearing and set, then use a good locktite and tap it in.
While doing this you may want to consider this
http://www.petersonengineering.com/sky/buckstuneup.htm

Jim

[Edsport]

Thaks for replying. But i'm afraid of putting this heavy scope on a 49 degree tilt is not gonna be a good idea if it's gonna come back out of the mount. It will be damaged when it falls. It's fine in alt-az mode but i want to put it on a wedge. I did look at the link but im still not sure what keeps it from coming out. I need to know how to keep it from coming out and be confident that it's safe to put on a wedge. I cant risk it falling.

[Jim Fusco]

Try this,
http://www.sfaaa.com/content/view/20/71/
The other one didn't show a spanner on top, this one does.

Jim

[Edsport]

I took the cover off the top of my base and i see a bearing. In the middle of it is a hole with threads but no screw into it. It's not much to hold all the weight of this scope but i'm thinking i need a plate to cover the bearing then screw it down. What do u think?

[Jim Fusco]

I think it should be in the bottom, unless the was a Friday meade and they forgot. You might want to call meade give them some XXXX and have them send you a new screw for free. Tell them you are on a forum and people want to see how good the custome service is I think this is a very wide thin custom head spanner screw. If the bolt and washer doesn't hit the plate you can go that route.

[Edsport]

I purchased this on ebay so i don't think meade will help... Maybe i'll have to take this apart to see what is wrong but i'm very hesitant to do that.

[Jim Fusco]

I understand. Look for someone who likes to fix everything like me or even a machinest. The machinest would be best, not only they can make the part, but adjust your backlash. I know a lot of machinest and most like taking on work. Still, if you call meade they still should be able to send the screw out to you.

[Edsport]

I found my problem, It was under the top plate as suspected. I wasn't sure at first but now i am, the problem is the missing bolt and washer. I can get a bolt very easy and the washer at the hardware store, i probably already have one but i havent checked yet.

Thanks Jim, you been a great help, it was your links that you provided that really helped me...