Reviews - Meade Electric Focuser #1244 for Meade ETX 07077 Reviews - ME-TA-07077

Author: Peter from England on Mar 28, 2010
Pros:  Does the job - after overcoming quality problems
Cons:  Expensive, silly quality problems, high shipping costs
Would recommend:  no

Peter wrote:

BE WARNED This little battery powered motor drive unit probably cost Meade $10 max to be made in Taiwan - sells for $55 !! However, I had to have it. Now here starteth the Problems. The hex wrench supplied would not undo my focussing knob but, fortunately, I had one that would. Then I could not fit the gear wheel because the fixing screw was buried inside the recess in the adapter plate so I had to modify the plate to overcome this (good job I'm an engineer with home workshop!) Only other mechanical problem - the battery lead was too short. The other BIG problem was shipping costs. I arranged for this to be sent to my sister in Canada and was advised shipping cost as $11. 'Well. ok' I said, carry on. Imagine 'Surprise! Horror! and Disgust' when my sister was advised by UPS that she would have to pay $38 C up front before they would deliver! Just fancy having to pay nearly as much again in shipping costs as this over-priced gadget cost in the first place. My email to OpticsPlanet ...
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Author: chip0105 (verified customer) , Full-time Computer and Networking Consultant / Part-time astronomy enthusiast., from Redford, Michigan on Aug 4, 2007
Pros:  "Gadget" for focussing your Meade ETX telescope.
Cons:  Aligning the gears properly can be a little tricky.
Would recommend:  yes

chip0105 wrote:

Initially, setting this up so it works as it is supposed to can take a few attempts. If not positioned EXACTLY right, the focuser will jump the gears when you try to use it. I had to "modify" the focuser (file off a little here and there) so it would finally fit properly. It is a nice little "gadget" if you don't want to manually focus your telescope. I used this focuser quite extensively when I first got it but after the novelty wore off I went back to a "cable focuser" (a cable attachment that connected to the focusing know) which allowed me to focus easier, faster, and just as precise if not more precise than the electric focuser. I still have the electric focuser but it just sits in the box now....just in case I decide to put it on again or I will add it to the package if I sell my Meade ETX 105mm telescope. I hope this review was of some help. Please don't let ANY of my comments dissuade you from getting it yourself. Perhaps you will believe this focuser is..."the next best ...
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