KevinC53

On 17/09/2009 at 12:03, jimm said:

Hi

I'm new to the forum so apologies if the answer to this is elsewhere. I have a Meade ETX80 (with the Autostar 494) which I want to control through Stellarium. This thread seems to be exactly what I was looking for to get set up. I have one question, which cable do I need? Is it the Autostar 506 with a Serial to USB converter? Or is there an alternative?

Regards

Jim

Hi Jim

Did you find the solution to connect an ETX80 direct to Stellarium. My 494 has bitten the dust so if a cable can be used to link the mount to my laptop any info would be gratefully received

Kind regards

Kevin

Hello to all

I have checked out other forums, Weasners ETX site, other forums  etc but the details of focuser rod removal are very vague

I recently picked up an ETX80 for pennies as the OTA was rattling - it turned out to be a broken 3 legged plastic focuser assembly - bits of which were falling out of the camera aperture

I have dissembled the OTA but I an stumped how to remove the focuser rod from the backplate?  Photo attached. 

Is the bevel gear a push fit, keyed or swaged on to the rod cos it looks plastic and I dont want to force anything

I can see a brass washer or circlip on the internal plain side of the rod

Also, how do I remove the micro circlip from the top end of the threaded focus rod so I can replace the assembly with a 3d printed one

Any help welcomed please

Thanks

Kevin