TheSkySearchers

My kids are just now getting old enough to really appreciate some backyard astronomy and I still have my old Jason 400x Explorer, but years ago, the vertical fine adjustment knob broke.
I'd love to dust it off and get the kids as enthused as I was at their age, but for the life of me, I can't find a replacement for that part. If I understand correctly, Jason was or is a Bushnell subsidiary?
Has anyone had any experience with replacing one of these? Or rigging one together with a trip to Lowes or Home Depot?
What are my options?

Hello and welcome King everything

A wonderful classic refractor you have! Is it still in good shape?
The knob could possible be have something cobbled together from various parts.

Meade copied many of these telescopes over the years and Telescope Warehouse seems to be able to find these small bits of telescopes for a reasonable cost.
If you are thinking of doing observing on a regular scale, you may want to consider purchasing some tube clamps and dovetail along with a sturdier mount/ tripod.
Scopestuff sells varioius rings and dovetails at good cost.

I you require 0.965" eyepieces some shops still carry the Antares 0.965" Plossl and Siebert Optics still makes this size as well.
Member thefatkitty also have a modification of the drawtube to allow use of more standard 1.25" eyepieces.

Enjoy your telescope and let us know if you have any more questions

king_everything wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 12:09 am My kids are just now getting old enough to really appreciate some backyard astronomy and I still have my old Jason 400x Explorer, but years ago, the vertical fine adjustment knob broke.
I'd love to dust it off and get the kids as enthused as I was at their age, but for the life of me, I can't find a replacement for that part. If I understand correctly, Jason was or is a Bushnell subsidiary?
Has anyone had any experience with replacing one of these? Or rigging one together with a trip to Lowes or Home Depot?
What are my options?

I think I might have that part! When I get home from work, I will check. If you still need it, I can send it to you. It's not doing me any good!
Thanks!

King everything,
I found these 2 vertical fine adjustment knobs. The smaller one is 7 and 1/8" long and the knob is 7/8" wide. The larger is 7 and 1/2" long and the knob is 1" wide. The rods on both fit the screw with the hole in it and I'm not sure what the chrome knob is for?
Let me know what you want, and if you pay for the shipping, it's yours!

Absolutely! That's precisely what I need. If you're willing to part with the longer one, just let me know what I owe.

I saw your email as well. We can communicate via that thread off the message board regarding payment and address.

king_everthing,
I sent you a private message (PM).

Clear skies!
Bruce

king_everything,
I sent you an email and a PM 4 days ago.

I still haven't heard from you through PM or email regarding your address and name, so I can send these parts to you. Please do not give that information here, but I can send them to you tomorrow, if you send me your info by PM or email.

Don't worry about money for shipping or the parts. It is my gift to you! Hope to hear from you soon!

Regards,
Bruce