NEQ6 tuning with Gierlinger gears and Belt kit

[LucasB]

Hi All,

I have recently installed a Gierlinger ring gear/worm set on the RA axis of my NEQ6 pro mount and also a Rowan Astronomy Belt kit for both axes. Trouble is I am having difficulty tuning the mount. I seem all of the threads here and on CN and have seen the Astrobaby website but I am having no luck. The Gierlinger gear has very round teeth so it can be a very snug fit with the worm which I think is making things a little harder. My concern is that I may have to shim the worm carrier due to the high precision nature of the gears set. I have been wrestling with this mount for a little while now as I did get an inferior set of belts and pulleys which caused me enormous grief. The Rowan Astronomy belt kit is superior in every way and I am glad I have replaced my original pulleys/belts.
My question is are there any experts out there who may be able to physically help me with the tuning of this mount?? Would really appreciate it.

Regards,
Lucas

[alistairsam]

Hi
Is the issue getting the mesh right without binding and play?
What lubricant did you use for the worm and ring gears
Checked that the worm bearings aren't too tight against the worm on either side?

Cheers
Alistair

[LucasB]

Thanks for the reply Alistair. Yes, the problem is with the worm mesh adjustment. The tolerance with the Gierlinger ring gear/worm is much smaller than the original gear/worm and is proving difficult. When I tune, I get it just right on one side of the gear then once I rotate it around a bit for more adjusting the play is quite significant. I used white lithium spray on the gears which I spayed into a metal container first then painted on with a brush. The DEC axis seems fine but it has the original ring gear/worm. Both the axes are very smooth in rotation when the clutches are released.
As for the worm bearings I have preloaded the bearings in the worm carrier with slotted nut adjustment as per the Rowan Astronomy belt kit instructions and the AlphaGeek EQ6 website and the worm has no axial play but rotates quite freely with slight resistance. I have also tried the Astrobaby method of leaving the slotted nut only just tight until the end but no joy either way.

Regards,
Lucas

[alistairsam]

Hi
I had the same issue after my belt mod.
I reas about how superlube makes a big difference, so stripped it fown again, cleaned the lithium grease, soaked the gears in wd40 as mine were a bit old regreased with superlube, this made a masive difference in thay I was able to mesh a lot closer with very little play. I still have some in dec but ra is fine.
I got the lube from mektronics but I have heaps left so happy to let you use it.
This is the one with ptfe particles suspended.
Whereabouts are you in melb?
Alistair

[LucasB]

I do have a little SuperLube left so it might pay to return to using it for the gear/worm. I have packed my tapered bearings with it and it is great stuff. I used it for my original gear/worm but have tried white lithium this time which looks like it might be a failed experiment and not as good as the SuperLube.
I am in Altona Meadows. Would you consider helping me tinker with the meshing if possible?

Regards,
Lucas

[alistairsam]

Sure, just send me a PM.
I wouldnt pack it as too much can add resistance.

Cheers
Alistair