EQ5 mount modified to dual Alt Az/Equatorial

[kimmik]

I got my first telescope (ED100) and EQ5 mount last week and have seen some amazing views already. However not being able to use it in Alt Azimuth mode was frustrating during the day when there are terrestrial sights to be had.

Surprisingly I couldn't find any online tutorials on converting it to dual mode - does anyone know of a link they can share?

Anyway it turned out to be rather simple: all u need is a file, a spanner and a flathead screwdriver. There's a hard altitude adjustment stop that prevents the RA axis from reaching 90 degrees (vertical). Filing off 2 mm of the stop circumvented the design limitation.

Now the mount can be used in Alt Az mode (the counter weight points horizontally), and converts back to equatorial mode just by reinstalling the altitude adjustment screw.

can take photos if anyone is interested?

[DarkArts]

Photos? Sure, could be useful. Sounds like a good mod. :thumbsup:

[kimmik]

Certainly:

Image 1: mount in Alt Az mode
Image 2: the hard stop has been filed down by 2mm
Image 3: 1mm spacers that help align the RA axis to 90degrees
Image 4: mount back in equatorial mode after reinstalling the altitude adjustment screws

[netwolf]

Kim how stable is it in Alt/Az and EQ mode post modification?

[kimmik]

very. certainly i will not need another az mount.

it'll work in all directions without flopping back, since the centre of mass is not on the fulcrum.

[Regulus]

Well done Kim.
Omegacrux (David) did the same mod with an eq5 some years ago but never posted it. I have since acquired his eq5 head and converted it to a permanent Alt-Az, as can be seen below.
They are very nice to use in an Alt-Az configuration, and don't struggle and slip to gain altitude past 45deg like the Skywatcher Alt-Az does with an ED80.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=125165

Trevor

[netwolf]

Could the Eq5 got kit motors still be added for Alt/az goto? Also would this handle a long 5" refractor for visual/planetary use?

[omegacrux]

That mount Trev mentioned I had a SW150x750 acro on it all up 7.5kg easy

David

[kimmik]

thanks trevor

yesterday i found you can screw the little rectangular bar back on as a safeguard against the mount falling back, works really well.

[gb_astro]

Kim how are you fine pointing the scope on this mount at higher magnifications?
With just the original slow motion knobs?

Thanks,
gb.

[kimmik]

yeah they still work well.

the RA knob can be attached on either side.

the Dec knob is fine if attached on the higher side. if you attach it on the lower side you can look at half the celestial hemisphere, but clashes with the mount for the other half.

[gb_astro]

Thanks Kim.

A question about the RA/Dec locks.
Can these be applied progressively so you could push the scope around by hand with just enough drag applied?
Or are they either on or off?

gb.

[kimmik]

yeah the eq5 lock uses a graduated friction lock rather than on/off

[gb_astro]

Ok, great.

gb.

[AstroApprentice]

Hi Kim,
Just wondering if you are still happy with your EQ5 Alt-Az conversion and if you recommend it for an EQ5 with GOTO upgrade as the fine adjustment knobs are removed for the motors?
Thanks, J.

[kimmik]

hey, yes quite happy with it, still working well and smooth. not sure about any other model but the basic manual eq5 moded easily

[Ozincm]

Sorry if this has already been covered but can The Alt Az mod be done on a Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro mount? I would like to hear from anyone who has performed such a modification.. thanks so much in advance.