ETX TECHNICAL TIPS Last updated: 3 May 2005

Replacing the SmartFinder/LNT Module

Sent:	Thursday, April 28, 2005 12:42:28
From:	User721401@aol.com (User721401@aol.com)
Well after a month of phone calls and reading, I think the ETX 125 PE is
about to work...I got the new smartfinder / LNT in the mail today. It
took maybe a week to get. I installed in about 5 minutes..I have
attached pictures of the installation. I installed the new module, ran a
reset, and reprogrammed location, date, and time...I ran an alignment
from  inside the house and it appears to have pointed in the correct
area of the alignment stars (cappella and rigel). Although it still
pointed south when it calculated north....I guess the ultimate test will
come on the next good viewing night and I am home..Also the smartfinder
works, I got the illusive red dot..  Below are the steps to the new
Smartfinder installation:

First you may notice something different on the new smartfinder;  Their
is no silver locking mechanism on the new one as on the original..

1. Find an allan wrench to remove the screw on the left side of the
telescope as pictured

2. Carefully remove the old smartfinder.  The reason it needs to be done
carefully is because the wires are taped to the unit.  Removing the tape
from the wires will allow easier movement of the unit.

3.  Unplug the old unit by pulling at the white attachment..It may take
a little "muscle" but nothing bad at all.

4. Take the new unit and plug it in..I think there is only one way to
put it in, so it is rather simple.

5. I did not replace the tape on the wires, I just made sure they were
not in the way while I  replaced the unit to the top of the scope.

6. Replace the screw with the allan wrench.

7. As you can see the red light worked on the back side of the unit..

8. The lens was put into the unit just like the original, except no
locking mechanism.

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