My LX200gps 10 inch microfocuser has quit. Earlier my power button was intermittent, now it works. The handcontroller alllows you to slew, but not focus. I used spray contact cleaner in the power and focus port on the panel to get the power button operating. I am using the meade external AC to DC power converter. The D cell batteries are installed. If those are weak will the AC converter suffice? I can send the unit to Meade, or can open up the electonics and clean myself. Any check on the microfocuser I can do? Can send the unit to meade of course, but would like to save the $500....Suggestions?

You might find one USED on astromart.com and or on the classified at www.cloudynights.com.

You can also try a few Meade dealers that may have one here is one dealer:

http://www.astronomics.com/

Do a calibrate motors and make sure you are using a separate 12 volt power pack or BRAND NEW internal batteries. All goto scopes work better with smooth, regulated power. The internal batteries will NOT work well for very long.

The Calibrate motors routine adjusts the motors for the power supply being used.

Runaway DECLINATION is what this is called. Usually it can be fixed with a new hand controller cable. If a new cable does not fix it, then it has a blown motor circuit board and must be returned to Meade for repairs.

Meade customer service:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

If it's an electronic problem --- there are several folks on the Yahoo LX200 Group that can repair the board-- go there and ask for "RON"---

You should be using a stable 12 volt power source. The only other thing to check are

Get a temporary replacement for the hand controller and see if that works-- and-or get a low cost replacement hand controller cable from www.scopestuff.com and try the old controller with a new cable --- usually one of the capacitors is fried.

Meade is the only place to get parts---

See their web site for Customer Support--

www.meade.com

You can do quite a bit to narrow things down....

First thing, unplug the set and wait 10 minutes. Then plug it in and watch the green power LED. If it does nothing push the power button and watch the power LED. If the set doesn't respond hold down the MENU and INPUT buttons on the front of the set until the LED starts blinking. If it blinks at this time count the blinks and then repost.

You might want to join the following Yahoo group:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/LX200GPS/

I am not familiar with the LX200, but there are probably folks on the Yahoo group that can help.  The only thing I can think of is if you are using a wedge and the wedge isn't at the correct angle (should match your lattitude).  Or you are not using a wedge and the Meade controller thinks that you are.  But one would think the calibration would solve that.

It might be a voltage or electrical current problem. Make sure your DC power supply is between 12 and 14 volts. Make sure all electrical connections are tight. Where the power cord plugs into the connection panel, make sure the center pin on the panel fits tightly into the plug. It is a Radio Shack type "N" plug. If tou still have a problem, remove the bottom plate from the scope base and make sure all the connectors are properly seated on the circuit board. Check the connector on the end where the black and red wires are. That is a main power connector and if it is too loose it will not conduct enough current. There can be enough voltage drop that the drive motors won't operate, or they will and the scope will slew uncontrollaby. Be careful handling the wires so that you don't damage them. Good luck, Dave

The front panel for the telescope has an internal fuse. Remove the screws and look at the circuit board for a fuse. Replace with the same type and rating. The telescope has a diode with the fuse that gives some protection against reverse polarity, and the telescope should function on this fix.