Dec fix kit for Meade LX50. Need new gears for the Dec motor. There was an aftermarket fix for this, but so far I have been unable to locate.

Make sure it actually DOES need cleaning and follow these instructions:

http://www.astro-tom.com/tips_and_advice/cleaning_optics.htm

The altitude clutch is slipping. The scope forks must be dis-assembled to check the clutch inside the fork arms.

Go to the Yahoo LX200 group forum and register for free. Ask the members if anyone has dis-assemble instructions for an LX50.

The worm gear could be loose inside? or the clutch has grease on it.

There is a DEC repair kit available on scopestuff.com here:

http://scopestuff.com/ss_ezck.htm

You did not say what model, or if it was on a wedge or not???

Model name and number would also help.

LX200 Classic, LX50, LX10, LX90, ??????? Post more information.

Since you already disassembled the scope-- you can send the board to Ron Sampson and he should be able to repair it. He fixes main boards and hand controllers (including the screen and keyboard on the hand controller!)

If you post a message on the Yahoo LX90 group looking for Ron Sampson he will answer you. You can then email or phone him for instruction on how to send him the board.

ARE YOU SURE it's the board? It could be a bad keyboard or a bad cable on the hand controller. You should get another hand controller and cable and test it before you send it off. Can you borrow a hand controller and cable from anyone.... or from a local scope retailer?

The focuser has probably come loose from the "rod" on the mirror.

Here is the focuser disassemble instructions:
http://www.petealbrecht.com/Installing%20Digifocus.pdf

and this shows how to disassemble the main tube-
http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=594

You have a LARGE Meade telescope. This should be an easy fix if you can disassemble the fork arm and get inside.

First I would contact Meade customer service to see if they have a manual that shows disassemble instructions. If not I would join the Yahoo LX200 forum and look for help there with an owner of the 16 inch model.

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

Just search in Yahoo Groups for the LX200 forum.

On smaller scopes the DEC motor is held on by two spring loaded bolts, probably one has become loose?

Meade and Celestron sell replacement hand controllers. So you have 1/2 of a diagonal? You are missing the nosepiece I am assuming?

I have never seen these for sale. EXCEPT that Williams Optic sells the 2 " diagonal nosepiece so you can convert from an SCT screw on diagonal into to refractor diagonal.

Why not just buy another dielectric 1.25 inch diagonal? They really are better than standard diagonals and are not really expensive. Something like this one:

http://www.astronomics.com/main/Asronomy_echnologies_125_99_refleciviy_dielecric_mirror_diagonal_wih_.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/Home/product_id/AT1D

You might try www.scopestuff.com

They have one for an LX90, and an LX200.

Meade should have them or an authorized dealer.

Astronomics.com is a good place. They carry most everything or know where to get it.