Meade Instruments 1697 Computer Drive System For LXD 650 and LXD 750 Mounts - Part 2 User Manual

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APPENDIX E: CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CDS

1. Keeping Your Components Clean

Prevention is the best recommendation that a telescope owner can follow in keeping astronomical
equipment in top working order. Proper measures taken during observations and when storing the
equipment between observation runs can ensure many years of trouble free use.

Dust and moisture are the two main enemies to your telescope and electronics. If you live in a very moist
climate, you may find it necessary to use a silica dessicant stored with the telescope and electronics to ward
off moisture and the possibility of corrosion growing on the metal contacts of the electronics. Replace the
silica dessicant as often as necessary. All of the metal surfaces should be cleaned routinely with a soft rag
and alcohol to prevent corrosion.

Those living in coastal areas or tropic zones should also cover the electronic ports on the Control Panel and
Keypad with gaffers tape to reduce corrosion on the metal contacts. Apply a dab of water displacement
solution (such as WD-40) with a small brush on all of the interior metal contacts and the input cord metal
contacts. The Keypad and all separate accessories should be kept in sealable bags with silica dessicant.

2. Behind the Power Panel

The CDS Control Panel houses the back-up replaceable
clock/ calendar battery and a replaceable standard 1.0
amp slow blow fuse. The long-life lithium battery
(Panasonic CR2032 3 volt or Duracell DL2032B) is
stored behind the front panel of the CDS. The battery
should be replaced whenever the CDS begins to lose
time. The 1 amp slow blow fuse will fail in the event that
the telescope is prevented from completing a GO TO
function (e.g. the tube runs into something that keeps it
from slewing).

To replace either the battery or the fuse, first remove the
CDS PCB assembly from the Declination casting by
removing the four screws and unplugging the 16-pin
ribbon cable. With a thin flat-headed screwdriver, lift the
small coin-sized battery out of its’ holder. The new
battery slides back in place.

The fuse can be removed with the aid of a small screwdriver. Loosening the two upper screws on the front
side of the power panel will provide more clearance to replace the fuse if needed.

Fig. 16. CDS PCD. (1) 16-Pin Ribbon Cable.