Strange graph in PHD

[DJScotty]

Hi there all.

Hoping somebody can help me with this one.

Up until last night, guiding had been very good, with a bit of a problem with RA balance, but I am working on that...

BUT!

As of last night, the PHD graph started behaving like that picture attached. And as can be seen in the 200% crop of a 15 minute sub, there is definite guiding problems.

There are no cable snags, the scope is balanced nicely in both RA and DEC axes, and, as I said, has been tracking nicely previously.

The only thing I can think of is I placed my new steel pier on the slab, (quite roughly I might add). It weighs close to 70kg and made a very solid thud when it hit the slab. Could that have knocked out the PA sufficiently that PHD can't keep up?

Does the DEC drive have its own backlash? If this is the case, how come it has decided to rear its head just now and how can it be fixed?

Thanks in advance folks. Hope someone out there can assist...

DJ Scotty

[glend]

Why are you moving a heavy pier? Is this not a permanent pier? If not then sure PA would be out if your movng it around.

[DJScotty]

I only bought the pier yesterday and moved it into the observatory. It is not installed. Currently everything is on the stock standard tripod. Just getting everything ready before I start installing.

[Slawomir]

Hi Scott,

In AZEQ6, both RA and DEC axes can have/have backlash. Lock the cluches and try to gently push the scope and see if you feel and movement. If yes, then Astrobaby's website has detailed instructions how to tighten up things (but be careful not to overtighten!).