I think I may have damaged my mount

[barx1963]

I went to setup my mount for some solar work this arvo and when powered on I heard a noise. It now appear dead and I think I may have reverse the polarity in the battery pack I was using.
The fuse in the power cord has blown also. The mount is a Orion EQ-G (HEQ5 equivalent)
Any idea how to fix this?

Feeling silly!!

Malcolm

[Merlin66]

Malc,
Ouch!
Have you tried with a new power cord (with the correct polarity?)
If so, is it still dead?

[barx1963]

I have checked the power cord, after popping in a fresh 5A fuse. Checked it with the voltmeter and it appears OK. But as soon as I plug in the mount the fuse blows.

Think I may have to call Bintel in the morning!!

Malcolm

[Merlin66]

Bumma!:(

[jenchris]

About 120 dollars for a new board I believe

[barx1963]

OK, can Bintel supply them do you know?

Malcolm

[jenchris]

No idea. I listened to a conversation about them but it was only a passing remark.

[Merlin66]

I thought I saw somewhere that Tasco Sydney were the importers of the SkyWatcher gear??
The contact I have is: Keryl Bushell. sales at tasco.com.au

[Atmos]

Tasco is the sole transporter of Sky Watcher gear. If they don't have anything in stock it can take up to 6 months to get a replacement part :/

[glend]

Teleskop=Express in Germany seems to have them in stock, here:

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p3449_Skywatcher-Hauptplatine-fuer-Montierung-HEQ5-SkyScan-Pro.html

I buy a lot of stuff from them and they are quick to process and ship - and importantly the exchange rate for the Euro seems to have held up much better than the AUD to the USD. The price would actually be 119 Euro (about $177 AUD) as exports from the EU don't attract the 19% VAT, that gets deducted by their system when they know your address.

That could be an option for you if Bintel or Tasco can't help.

[traveller]

Ouch Malcolm, not good news.
Have you checked the connectors and plugs to make sure there isn't a short circuit somewhere? No point in replacing a board if the circuit is not right.
Bo

[kens]

Its possible the circuit board is protected by a diode across the power input. If you apply reverse polarity the diode conducts creating a short that blows the fuses and the diode.
If so (and I don't have the circuit for the MCU) you can cut out the diode and either replace it or use the scope with care. You might at least get to use the scope while waiting for a replacement.
At worst you might blow the entire MCU and motors and burn your house down.

[PCH]

Lol, - so funny :rofl:

[barx1963]

Thanks for the replies guys! I am not going to attempt a repair myself, if you have seen me do stuff like that you would know why!!
Bintel can fix but I have to send it to Sydney with the melb store winding down.

Malcolm