Dealing with RA Tracking Problems

There are basically 2 main problems commonly experienced with the ETX as far as RA tracking is concerned.

1. The scope tracks in fits and jerks instead of smoothly.

The first thing to check here is the tiny teflon pads that are between the drive base upper and lower halves. They are located just below the RA setting circle. If any have come out of place you will probably see them sticking out from under the setting circle. If so, give Meade a call and they'll send you some new pads. This can be a common problem in hotter climates or if the central bolt is overtightened forcing them out (they are just stuck on like tape). Which brings us to the second cause of jerkiness, a poorly adjusted central bolt. Pull the bottom plate off the drive base. In the center you will see a bolt head, this is the pivot of the scope and it must be carefully adjusted. Too loose and the scope may be wobbly, too tight and it may move in jerks or force the pads out. I suggest you carefully adjust this by trial and error by watching through the eyepiece after each adjustment. If in doubt err on the loose side.

2. The scope tracks too fast or too slow.

There are 2 solutions to this. First search the web, there is an article on modifying the drive circuitry to make it adjustable, at least to a degree. I've never tried it, I assume it works and is safe. The second is to install my MicroStar drive corrector. While its main purpose isn't to adjust tracking rate it does have this feature as an additional benefit.