Improvements to EQ1 mount

[Julie1]

Hi,

I recently bought a 90mm mak on an eq1 mount for my brother who lives in the UK. I would have rather got him at least an eq2 but due to monetary contraints, thst was all I could afford. He had issues with the altitude bolt not being tight enough and the head wobbling a bit in the tripod. Is there anything he can do to aleviate these problems until he can afford to get a new mount? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Steffen]

EDIT nvm, misread the original post...

[ColHut]

Not sure I can help . I have an EQ-2 which is similar.

That altitude bolt - which is that?

I thought it had a 'bolt' down the centre holding the mount to the tripod [Azimuth lock knob], with a three pointed nut to tighten it up. Normally you line the mount head up with one of the legs then tighten this up properly and forget it.

There is a screw-bolt for setting your latitude [Latitude Adjustment T-bolt]. Again, when you have set your latitude on it you normally tighten the lock bolt [Latitude lock T-bolt] and forget it.

The other controls are the Right Ascension and Declination control clutches [lock knobs], which are loosened for rough pointing, then tightened just enough to keep it in place, after which you use the slow motion controls to point accurately and follow an object in RA.

Orion have some good views and manuals:
http://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Equatorial-Mounts-Tripods/Orion-EQ-1-Equatorial-Telescope-Mount/pc/-1/c/2/sc/34/p/9011.uts

Also the manual (Orion's tend to better than the 'skywatcher' equivalent has a diagram naming the parts:

http://www.telescope.com/assets/product_files/instructions/29146_02-09.pdf

I hope this helps

regards