The Mitty modification kit(s) for the Meade SuperWedge.
For some time I have been looking for a modification package to upgrade my Meade SuperWedge and had contacted a number of prospective suppliers. All of them either did not return my E-Mails or were only building their own kit.
Then I heard about the Mitty modification stages through an E-Mail reply on one of the user groups. The Mitty Superior Wedge already has its own reputation in the Amateur Astronomy world. But here, they were offering a service to correct the flaws of the Meade SuperWedge.
There doesn't seem to be any advertised details of these Mitty mods to the Meade SupperWedge.
There were a few levels of modification to make up the complete programme. Namely a first stage consisting of changing the RA alignment screw and T dog for a higher quality set of components. Then the other stages requiring the SuperWedge to be sent to them for orthogonal machining and strengthening.
I opted for their Stage One tune up, consisting of a new RA screwthread, bearings, spacers, handwheels and a massive T bar.
It all started with a reply mail from Mitty to someone on MAPUG, and I cant remember the content, only to find their site details at the end of the mail.
Going into their site, there was the modification programme I had been looking for for a long time. I replied to Mitty's mail asking for further details and pricing, a reply was within the next few hours with a comment:- 'If I want anything further, don't hesitate to call'. So I did. I called on the Sunday afternoon (not expecting an answer) and asked to speak to Mr. Mitty....(who??...was a voice in the background).
But all was resolved; I had my prices and delivery charges, and now it was up to me. PayPal came to my aid and the order was set the same day.
The Preparation of the SuperWedge
The two pictures below show the tools required, (photo taken after the removal of the original RA control assembly), and the SuperWedge ready for conversion.
The cage nut, hand knob and locking screw were all held together with Loctite and each required between 30 seconds and 2 minutes of applied heat to allow free movement through the thread.
It was evident at the very start that a 19mm combination spanner was required, the open end to engage the locknut behind the handwheel and the ring to engage the cage nut. Once the cage nut was free the large pipe wrench was used to free the handwheel.
Only one end needs to be worked on, as once the threaded shaft is clear, it's only a matter of spinning the remaining handwheel to clear the T dog , then the whole assembly is ready for the modification.
Note the size of the original T dog. This area was the main cause of travel slop and binding when attempting polar alignment. Note also the course thread pitch.
The SuperWedge was now ready for the Mitty modification program.
The Modification Kit.
After a few false starts, I'm now the proud owner of the Stage One Superwedge modification kit.
The package was well packed with clear addressing. Internally, the contents were wrapped in bubble-wrap with polystrene chip packing material.
The machining quality was superb, and everything Frank referred to prior to dispatch with E-Mail instructions regarding the contents and the assembly were spot on.
The two pictures above show one of the assembled thrust bearings, spacer and handwheel. Note the fine thread detail and the quality of the handwheel knurling. Loctite was added as a final assembly precaution.
As can be seen from the above, the assembly was quite straightforward. The screwed rod was placed into position, the T dog was threaded onto the screwthread. The bearings were then made up of 2 washers and a Torrington roller bearing - greased- then placed into position. The spacer nut was screwed into place and then the assembly was pre-loaded. Finally, the knurled handwheel screwed into place. The installation was completed by an application of Loctite to the screwthreads and allowed to dry.
The final picture shows the massive Mitty T dog. After completing assembly, there was no side play to this component whatsoever. Not like the original component. So now to test on my mount! First light was the 9th Equinox Star Party at Thetford Forest.
AND NOW THE VERY LATEST ADDITION TO THE MITTY RANGE OF SUPERWEDGE MODIFICATIONS.
The Latitude SLO-MO (Declination control)
Father Christmas was very kind to me this year with the delivery of the Mitty Latitude SLO-MO kit on Christmas eve.
This all started a little while back with an E-Mail from Frank detailing a new modification kit which allowed very precise adjustments to the latitude setting on the Meade Superwedge.
My reply was instant....I want one....I want one now....plleassseeeeee. The money went off via PayPal.....and now I've got one.
Wowwww....the same craftsmanship, the same level of detail in every respect. The packaging, the addressing. The documentation was superb, but apart from the tools listed above, arm yourself with a fine file and smooth grade emery paper and patience. This kit is not like the RA unit. Frank's tolerancing is precise, while the Meade castings are not. Never the twain will meet.
Pictures and descriptions to follow.
While you have your wedge stripped, why not carry out the following modification to remove the final play in the Latitude Plate.
The modification consists of sleeving the Latitude Plate mounting bolts with a brass shim, thereby retaining overall performance that the Mitty upgrade provides:-
1.
Cut a section of 0.7mm Brass Shim Stock to size, 22mm x 34mm (x4).
2. Anneal. Apply heat until surface reflects a 'bluing' texture.
3. Allow to cool naturally.
4. Use one of the Wedge fixing bolts as a former.
5. Beat/Shape the brass shim around the former along the 34mm dimension.
6. Clean and remove any sharp edges or surface burs.
7. Mount into SuperWedge side frames. Do not forget to use bolthead washers.
7. The butt seam of the sleeve can be hard soldered if preferred.