Leaving weights on mount without OTA

Rob6542 (Rob) · #1 07-07-2018, 11:16 AM

When the weather turns bad I take my OTA, Synscan etc off the mount (EQ6-R PRO) and put it inside after I have parked it in the home position. I leave the mount set-up with the weights still on the bar and put a cloth and water proof cover over the mount. Question? Is it okay to leave the weights in place with no OTA. The weights are hanging straight down but is this stressing the mount?

Merlin66 (Ken) · #2 07-07-2018, 11:37 AM

Rob,
My HEQ5pro mount is left outside month after month, year after year with the weights attached.
No Issues, no drama.
(Does need a reasonable weathertight cover - Patio chair cover Ex- Bunnings)

leon · #3 07-07-2018, 02:13 PM

Absolutely not Rob they can hang there in that position as long as you like, I would however release any tension knobs, a bit like keeping your handbrake on forever

Leon

glend (Glen) · #4 07-07-2018, 02:20 PM

Well if your mount is on a pier which sits in a cubic metre of concrete, it probably does not matter. That said, i always remove the counterweights when i bring a scope in from the observatory, or when i am mothballing the obs for the winter break. To me it seems to put un-needed and unbalanced stress on the bearing assembly. And heck if your changing configuration your going to have to move them anyway.