Elkens AZEQ6 adventures

[elken2004]

Hi Thought I might do a piece on tuning an AZEQ6 mount as info seems scarce.

First will show a fully dismantled one and cleaned ready for reconstruction, I will follow up with instructions and pics of every step.

I like these mounts, but there some things when doing a stripdown and rebuild to be careful with.
And adjustments require a very precise procedure, and I think this is where a lot come to grief with, hence the complaints about them.
Also the lubrication of parts is very crucial to a smooth operation.
I think all mounts require a full service after a period of time, as the greases do fail through heavy use and ranging temperatures.
I have redone a few mounts now and every one of them bar one which was quite new (these were EQ6 belt upgrades) needed a full grease and oil change :)
Also another overlooked item is rotation of the 'Worm Wheel' every few months it is worth driving the RA and DEC approx 90 degress so as to get even wear on the parts, Yes I know this upsets the PEC etc, but better to have even wear than a lumpy mount, and have those unexplained PHD tracking issue's

to be continued:-

[dbowie]

Good post mate keep it up for the curious these SW mounts are good but a bit of "blue printing" can only make them better, I'll be giving my HEQ5 Pro the once over and belt drive when it's out of warranty....:thumbsup:

[Premordial]

Have found it challenging to balance an ED80 on the AZEQ6 as the RA axis is quite stiff. Maybe just mine. Curious if you experience the same, and whether the tuning will make a difference.