Azimuth and Alt bolts for EQ6

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Looking for a supplier of upgrades to Az and Alt bolts for EQ6. Any recommendations, and are they easy to replace?

Cheers Petra d.

[bojan]

I would recommend you to use bigger M10 bolts (originally they are M8)
You need to cut the new thread (any mechanical workshop can do it for you).
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=399967&postcount=14

Or, use something like this:
http://www.zvjezdarnica.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=652 1.0;attach=13950;image

[The Mekon]

Yes, that's the azimuth bolts that are M8. Not sure of the need to upgrade these. I have upgraded the cwt shaft (extends all the way into the dec housing now), the altitude bolts and the dovetail puck, but never thought of doing the az bolts. I just used stainless bolts for the altitude adjustment and carry a spanner for them.

[Andy01]

I bought a set of these, they're easy to fit yourself.

http://astrotroniks.com/store_copy/astrostore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=38

[bojan]

Yep, no need to replace azimuth bolts (unless they are damaged, which is very unlikely)
However, if the elevation bolts are damaged, most likely the threads are also compromised.. so it makes sense to go for M10 (or insert bushes with M8 thread.. again a job for mechanical workshop)

[spacezebra]

Thanks all for the info. Altitude bolts appear okay, the Azimuth though are very tight, hence thinking of replacing them.

Cheers Petra d.

[bojan]

Maybe the underneath screw is too tight?

Try to lubricate the AZ screws before replacement, lythium (green) grease will do. Also, they wil be harder to move because ther do not have levers.
So, maybe you don't need to replace them after all.

[niko]

I used these
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EQ6-NEQ6-upgraded-Latitude-Adjustment-Bolts-skywatcher-/280622359837

[raymo]

I suspect that Bojan hit the nail on the head; are you slackening off the
underneath bolt a little, making the adjustments, and then nipping up the underneath bolt again. Threads in Chinese made items are much more
likely to be a bit sloppy rather than tight.
Regarding the altitude bolts, just take a little of the weight by lifting
upwards on the counterweight shaft when doing an upwards adjustment.
I have never felt the need to replace any of the adjustment bolts.
It is a good idea to lubricate the adjustment bolts as well.
raymo

[spacezebra]

Okay, will check screw underneath and lub first, and see how that goes.

Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Yes! When I levelled the base of the EQ6 a few weeks ago I must have tightened the underneath centre bolt to tight. I have loosened the bolt and I have been able to adjust the Az with ease. So after drift aligning, I should again retighten the centre bolt?

Thanks to Bojan, Raymo and all. Cheers Petra d.

[bojan]

Yes, this screw should be tight.. but not to much.
Also, after tightening, check alignment again.

[raymo]

Yes, slacken and retighten each time you do the adjustments. The altitude
adjustment bolt will eventually chew into the metal if you don't take a bit
of the weight when adjusting upwards.
Regarding Bojan's point about rechecking, I have found that as long as the
centre screw is only slackened about a quarter of a turn, the alignment
doesn't seem to be affected when retightening the centre screw. Just
my personal experience.
raymo