Reviews & Ratings for Meade Electric Focuser #1244 for Meade ETX 07077 — 2 reviews — Page 1

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 complaining about this did not get any response!
Pros: Does the job - after overcoming quality problems
Cons: Expensive, silly quality problems, high shipping costs

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 thing to sliced bread!" Be your own judge. :).

Chip
Pros: "Gadget" for focussing your Meade ETX telescope.
Cons: Aligning the gears properly can be a little tricky.