Skywatcher 10" GoTo Dob first light fail

[AstroDiggle]

Took home the boxes and assembled the base as per instructions. Then collimated tube following instructions and using Orion Laser Collimator. The setup was just about spot on out-of-the-box.
I attached the supplied finder scope, and 25mm Super Plossl supplied.
I noticed after attaching tube to mount that it was top heavy, but not radically so.
So, not the best night for seeing, but looking forward to checking out the system.
This is not my first scope. I've been using an ED80 on HEQ5 (eq) for some years now, so I am familiar with alignment,goto,guiding etc. but never had a Dob before.
It became obvious very quickly that Az movement was ok, but Alt would not elevate the scope from horizontal. In fact, Alt would not increase until I lifted the scope up to about 60deg. Motor was running fast but no movement.
By the way....fully charged battery.
I've been reading about adjusting clutch tightness (not much idea how to go about that at the moment) etc...but.....
New scope setup as per instructions with supplied equipment....no alt...so no GOTO......not even alignment......unless I push it my self.

If anyone in this very smart group has any thoughts, suggestions, fixes I would very much appreciate it. Seriously, I understand that there will be hurdles to overcome with any new equipment, but not unsuitable for purpose. I mean, you pay a premium for the Synscan GoTo system which works well on my HEQ5, so at the moment....I'm not a happy camper:shrug:

[Satchmo]

There are thousands of these scopes out there - I'm sure it is only something minor.
You could start by balancing the tube properly , by undoing the large lock knobs on each side bearing and sliding the bearing in the dovetail until the tube was nicely balanced meaning the motors had their best chance of slewing the scope .
It really sounds like your scope is too front heavy to at the moment to work properly. The fact that the slewing starts to work at 60 degree altitude points to that .

( EDIT It doesn't look like the Skywatcher has a balance system - good luck ! )

[AstroDiggle]

Thanks Satchmo.....no they don't have a balance system. I've read about sticking magnets on the base......but damn....I mean straight out of the box with supplied gear onboard....should be at least workable....not unusable.

[barx1963]

Hi Donn
If it was me I would be setting it up inside during the day and trying to locate a possible balance issue. I do not own one of these scopes but I know a few that have and generally they are fine.
Then if I couldn't locate an obvious error I would add a little bit of weight to correct the balance issue and see if that solves the issue. If it doesn't, then obviously it is something else. Where did you purchasethe scope? would they be able to assist.

Malcolm

[AstroJunk]

There are two clutches which are those circular ribbed wheels on the alt and az axes. They should both be tightened up be good and firm (no need to over do it :) ) Just like you have been doing on your HEQ5 with the levers.

You don't need to put the scope on the mount to make sure everything is moving. Leave the OTA off in the first instance and just look at the Alt bracket in the inside of the forks to make sure its moving. You may need to set the speed to 9 to see it move clearly.

If that doesn't work, then its back to the shop as they work very well straight out of the box.

[AstroDiggle]

Thanks Jonathon and Malcolm......I've had the scope inside all day.....made sure everything was OK....even with no finder there was no movement on alt. I can get alt movement with a gentle thumb assistance. Without the OTA the alt bracket does rotate. I'm guessing the ribbed wheels you describe are inside the black covers on the base and left side panels of the mount....I can't see others outside the enclosed system. I'll take a look inside this afternoon. The retailer has always been terrific...Bintel....ill give them a call tomorrow as they aren't open Sunday and as luck would have it, last night was the first night out. As far as balancing...ill need a house brick if I'm going to use Delos or Powermate or paracorr...have the investigate those magnets. Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I'll let you know how it goes.

[MattT]

Hi Donn,
I have a 16" SW GOTO Dob that does the same so I'll try this out when I can...should do the trick.

http://www.eacocon.it/dobsoniani/FlexTubeGoTo.pdf

I have been using EQ mounts for years and the 16 is my first dob. A small learning curve...thats normal.

Matt

[AstroJunk]

Actually my bad. The 16" has those external knobs. Back to Bintel, they will fix it in no time. How annoying for you - but at least it will be ready for the next new moon!

[AstroDiggle]

Addit: took the cover off the alt drive box....system shows no ribbed wheels, and may need much more disassembly. I'll leave it until I've chatted with the Bintel guys...might be simple in the end...but not chancing it yet. I'm working on the balancing.

[AstroDiggle]

Mat...thanks for the URL..looks like that might be the go....ill have a crack at it when I work up the courage. Let me know how it goes with your 16. All you guys are so helpful..many thanks to all...feels like I'm not alone here on a Sunday!

[Allan_L]

Hi Donn,
I have done the above adjustments several times on my 12 inch SW GoTo, and on other peoples 16 inch. Some models are slightly different, but generally similar in how to fix the issue.

They work if you follow through carefully.

However, the best thing for a new scope is to take it back to Bintel for adjustment, as DIY may invalidate your new scope warranty.

Having said that, it is a fairly quick process, once you get the hang of it, and I am happy to help if you need reassurance.

[AstroDiggle]

Thanks Alan...I've contacted Bintel this morning and taking the base back tomorrow...ill let all know how it goes

[Allan_L]

Good decision Donn.

In relation to counterweights, this is what some of us use on our DOBs.

Aussie Magnets (http://aussiemagnets.com.au/product/150-x--50-x--25.4mm-Block-%28Ferrite%29.html)

I bought three, and that is more than sufficient for Televue Paracorr and Ethos 13mm.

Buy some stick on floor glides (like carpet stick on squares) to attach to one side of the magnets, to protect the DOB paintwork, and makes it easier to remove them.

[AstroDiggle]

Thanks Alan....I'll investigate

[AstroDiggle]

I took the base back to Bintel this morning...and they adjusted it while I waited....it can now carry the tube up (alt) with my Delos stuck at the top!
Many thanks again to everyone here for their on the ball suggestions....and to Bintel for their excellent service...looking forward to clear nights

PS I'm also getting a couple of magnets for the balancing