Heq5 parts?

[Chris85]

Hi all,

I'm wondering if it's possible to order spare parts for the Skywatcher Heq5 Pro?
What I'm after is the circular nut which screws onto the Ra axis, and what the polar scope screws into.
When trying to remove the nut, it cross-threaded and jammed itself onto the shaft, and in the process was damaged beyond repair. I've attached a picture showing which part it is, and the damage to the nut itself.
So if it's possible to order in a new nut that would be great news. Or even if anyone has an old mount laying around that you don't mind butchering up for spare parts...
I've emailed all the major retailers as well as Tasco, but in true Aussie style I'm yet to hear anything back.
Obviously it's put the breaks on astronomy for me, and at this point in time I just can't afford a replacement mount.
Cheers,
Chris

[Stardrifter_WA]

Hi Chris,

If you have no luck getting the part locally try http://www.astroshop.eu/telescope-accessories/parts-spares/15_75 as they stock telescope parts, although I am not sure if they can get HEQ5 parts.

Alternatively, if you cannot find this part, you could take it to a machine shop and get a new one made. I am a machinist by trade and know that it isn't difficult to make a new part. I have done it myself often enough.

Cheers Peter

[Regulus]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=125165
Chris I might have this part.
I just converted a eq5 to an alt-az and removed the parts I didn't need for it.
The bits r at home but I'm not but will check in the next day or two and let u know.
The link is to my thread on the project so u can see what was removed.

[raymo]

If you can't find the nut, and have access to metal working equipment,
you can put a helicoil into the nut, and if necessary, onto the male
thread as well. If you can't do it yourself, any machine shop will do it
for you, at only a fraction of the cost of another mount.
It just occurred to me that they may not make helicoils in that fine a pitch thread, and would have to put a coarser thread on both the male and female parts, but it wouldn't really matter.
raymo

[Regulus]

Just took a trip home but this is not one of the pieces I have left over from the build I did. Sorry. I hope u find what you need.
I have found small engineering shops to be very reasonable people and interested in something a bit different like this, and they have been very cheap for my work. Just a thought.
trev

[Chris85]

Thanks for the responses so far. It doesn't seem like it's a part that anyone has laying around, so it looks like I might try a few local machine shops and see what they can do. Get it working at least, and then start saving for a azeq6 :-D
Cheers!
Chris