Flexible shaft extension

The Meade ETX series of telescopes are particularly troublesome when it comes to manually focusing the telescope while trying to observe subjects close to the pole. Access to the focusing knob is particularly restricted due to the base of the system, on both the "RA" and "EC" versions of the telescopes. Our flexible shaft extension for the focusing knob, involves the removal of the standard Meade knob, and the replacement of this by our flexible shaft. This comes complete with an larger aluminium knob at the end of the flexible linkage allowing greater control. The photos show it fitted to an ETX90RA telescope.

The flexible shaft extension is made from twisted steel cable, ideal to transmit the focus adjustments from the knob to the telescope. The cable is plastic coated to prevent scratching of the telescope. The large aluminium knob allows fine adjustment of the telescope focus.

The existing focus knob may be removed with a small Allan (Hex) key, and the coupler on the flexible focus shaft slots on in place of the original knob, retained by a small screw. The extention is suitable for all models of the ETX series of telescopes, and may even be suitable for other telescopes, please discuss your requirements with us before ordering if it is for any other telescope, so that we may advise and supply the appropriate shaft connectors.

As the Meade ETX series of telescopes have different focus shaft diameters, please specify which model the shaft extender is to be used with when placing your order so that we can supply the appropriate shaft connector.

The Flexible Shaft Extension is available at £10 + £1 p&p within the UK. For users of Paypal and Nochex just click the corresponding icons on the Purchasing page. We also accept payment with a personal cheque drawn on a UK bank, please contact us for details.