EQ6 service and upgrade

[DaveO (David)]

Hi all

Does anybody know if there is someone who does EQ6 services and possibly the belt-upgrade? I've had my trust EQ6 for about 15 years, and I suspect it could do with some love. And if it's gettiong a "grease and oiil change" the belt upgrade seems logical.

There was at one time a fellow in Perth who did this, but he hasn't posted in several years.

All suggestions (other than doing it myself - I'm not a handyman!) welcome.

[lazjen (Chris)]

No excuse, David, pull it apart, give it a clean, upgrade and tweak. Time to learn... Or maybe just buy another mount?

Only thing I can suggest is perhaps get in contact with the manufacturer (Skywatcher?) and see what they suggest?

[DaveO (David)]

Originally Posted by lazjen

Time to learn

Time (or lack thereof) is the operative concept Chris! I want to do astronomy, not learn to be a mount technician!

Originally Posted by lazjen

Or maybe just buy another mount?

To add to the EQ3, EQ5 and EQ8 I already own? My wife would kill me!

Originally Posted by lazjen

Only thing I can suggest is perhaps get in contact with the manufacturer (Skywatcher?) and see what they suggest?

THat's always an option, but I don't think that fitting the after-market belt drive is part of their plan! :-)

[Outcast (Carlton)]

Maybe contact Sirius Optics & ask if they know of anyone local...

I don't think they provide such services but, I've always found them pretty helpful so, maybe they know of someone...

[Rocket (Ed)]

If you do want to have a go yourself, I found Martin Pyott's youtube videos helpful. I bought the Rowan belt upgrade kit (and the optional tool), and the worm gear ball bearings and have installed them without much hassle. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol8B...el=MartinPyott He is a motor mechanic, so he is familiar with bearings and their adjustments.
Ed

[DaveO (David)]

Hi all

Thanks for the suggetsiosn all. Sirius are doing a small repair for me now. The video looks good, but I think it is far wiser given limited time and skills to get this done professionally!

Outcast provided a link: https://www.facebook.com/AAPERTH/

While they are in the process of changing business name, they have been very helpful and I have booked the EQ6 in for its "spa treatment".

Once agian all, thanks for the information.

[lazjen (Chris)]

Originally Posted by DaveO

THat's always an option, but I don't think that fitting the after-market belt drive is part of their plan! :-)

Ah, didn't realise it was 3rd party. Anyway, looks like you've got it sorted.

[Outcast (Carlton)]

Originally Posted by DaveO

Hi all

Outcast provided a link: https://www.facebook.com/AAPERTH/

Ah, cool.... I posted that briefly thinking for some reason you were in Perth then, pulled it down when I realised you weren't...

Glad you got it & it proved useful...

[AdamJL]

When I was in the Testar (Sydney) store a few weeks ago, I saw Adriano had an EQ6-R on the table that he was working on for a customer. Maybe shoot them a message to see what they can do as well?

[DaveO (David)]

Originally Posted by Outcast

Ah, cool.... I posted that briefly thinking for some reason you were in Perth then, pulled it down when I realised you weren't...

Glad you got it & it proved useful...

Ah!! THta clears up the mystery Carlton. I got the email notification but the post wasn't there!!

Yes, all sorted and I will be sending off the mount later this week.

[Andy01 (Andy)]

Clive Garner (Elken2004) in Melbourne services EQ-6's - does belt mods, hypertuning etc. He did a great job stripping down, tuning & reassembling my Tak NJP as well.

[Wilsil (Wilco)]

Originally Posted by DaveO

Hi all

There was at one time a fellow in Perth who did this, but he hasn't posted in several years.

That "fellow" is still there and a very busy man.