I have searched the archives and found several similar, yet different
situations describe. During May 1999, I had my first encounter with the
DEC problem, only it showed up in the RA (at the time). After multiple
keypads and entire set of motors and electronics the problem seemed fixed
around mid-late June. This weekend I went out and now the problem is back
again only this time it is in the DEC.

Specifically what happened is the time before last I observed the keypad
went dead (no display on the keypad and the system would not respond to any
input). I turned the system off and back on and everything seemed ok.
This weekend after nearly three hours of working ok I pressed the S key
and the slewing started, however it wouldn't stop. By pressing the N key
the system would go north, however as soon as I let up then the south
slewing started all over again. I turned the system off and back on and
now the S key won't work at all (in any mode).

I did remove the covers and checked the wiring with no effect (including
wiggling them). Checked the cables and continuity is good. Based on the
archives, this looks like a trip to Meade. I just wanted to see if anyone
out there had any additional information. I'm planning on calling Meade
tomorrow.

BTW, I purchased the scope new in April 1998 and only the first 9-10 months
did the equipment work well, since then it has been unreliable. Doc G, I
noticed that you keep spare parts around. Is that something maybe we
should all think about doing in order to keep our equipment running?

Tom Porter

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