Meade #1401 Balance Weight System: Fix Your LX90's Nose-Heavy Mount
By TelescopesPlus - The #1 Online Store for Telescopes and Accessories | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
If your Meade LX90 or LX200 slews poorly or the drive strains with a heavy eyepiece, the Meade #1401 tube balance weight system can restore balance. Here's how to diagnose and fix it.
Quick answer
If your Meade 8-inch LX90 or LX200 becomes nose-heavy after adding a heavy eyepiece, diagonal, or camera, the Meade #1401 Tube Balance Weight System is the direct fix. It attaches to the factory-prepared front underside of the tube and includes three different weights so you can fine-tune balance without overloading the mount.
Why balance matters more on an alt-az fork mount
On an LX90 or LX200 fork mount, the altitude motor works hardest when the tube is unbalanced. A heavy eyepiece at the back shifts the center of gravity rearward, so the drive must constantly correct. That can show up as sluggish slews, tracking errors, or premature wear. Adding weight to the front underside of the tube brings the center of gravity back toward the fork axis, reducing strain and improving goto accuracy.
The #1401 system is designed specifically for Schmidt-Cassegrains with the factory-prepared front underside mounting points. If your tube lacks those points, this system is not a bolt-on solution.
When a counterweight is the wrong fix
Balance weights solve a center-of-gravity problem, not a mechanical fault. If your mount makes grinding noises, has excessive play, or fails to track even when balanced, the issue is likely internal and needs service—not more weight. Also, if you only occasionally use a slightly heavier eyepiece, you may be able to rebalance by sliding the tube in its dovetail (on compatible models) or by choosing lighter accessories instead of adding counterweights.
Diagnose your balance problem
- Symptom: The tube slowly dips or drifts when pointed near the zenith: This usually means the rear of the tube is too heavy. Check that the altitude clutch is properly tightened first. If the drift persists with the clutch engaged, add the smallest #1401 weight to the front underside and test again. Always rule out a loose clutch before adding weight.
- Symptom: Goto slews are noisy or the mount struggles to move upward: A rear-heavy load forces the altitude motor to lift extra weight. Add weights one at a time until the tube feels neutral when you gently push it by hand with the clutch released (if your mount allows). Use only as much weight as needed. Balance with the heaviest eyepiece you plan to use, then re-check with lighter ones.
- Symptom: Tracking is inconsistent or stars trail only in certain parts of the sky: If the imbalance changes with tube orientation, the center of gravity is off. The #1401 system lets you adjust weight placement to compensate. If tracking issues remain after balancing, the problem is likely electronic or mechanical—stop adding weight and seek service. Persistent tracking errors after balancing point to a mount fault, not a balance issue.
- When to stop or choose another option: Do not use the #1401 if your telescope tube lacks the factory-prepared mounting points, or if you need to balance a load so heavy that the required weights exceed what the system provides. In those cases, consider a different counterweight solution or reduce the accessory load. Check your tube for mounting points before ordering.
Product facts
- Meade #1401 Tube Balance Weight System for 8 inch LX90 and LX200 - 07304: Each set includes three differing weights. You can add just enough weight to balance your specific accessory load rather than guessing with a single fixed weight.
Meade #1401 Tube Balance Weight System for 8 inch LX90 and LX200 - 07304 - Meade #1401 Tube Balance Weight System for 8 inch LX90 and LX200 - 07304: Attaches easily to the factory-prepared front underside of the telescope. No drilling or modification is needed on compatible LX90 and LX200 tubes, so installation is straightforward.
