'Caution... Both axes - No response'

[Jared_t]

Does anyone have any experience with this error?
I'm using a second hand Skywatcher 12" GOTO AZ mount.

I've tried:


- Changing handsets (V3 + V5)

- Changing power supply (12V battery + power pack)


All cables are firmly connected so I expect it's probably a motor issue but I wanted to see if anyone has any other ideas before I pull it apart.


Thanks!

[brisen]

Hi Jared

That is an error message indicating that the motor board is dead. In these cases it needs a new board - they have 5 year warranty so if yours is under 5 years old they will replace the board under warranty.

Brian

[Jared_t]

Thanks mate.
I was afraid of that

[raymo]

If you end up pulling the motherboard out, have a look at all the condensers;
I have encountered several SW motherboards with one or more blown condensers. If you find any dodgy ones, new ones can be obtained for about a dollar at Jaycar. I hope this helps.
raymo

[Jared_t]

Thanks for the tip!

[gaseous]

I used to get that message occasionally on my 16" goto. It always righted itself after turning the power on and off a couple of times, and possibly pressing the "enter" butting on the handset whilst doing this. If that doesn't work, then yeah, it's probably cactus.

[gaseous]

Not sure a second-hand scope will remain under warranty - this is a common misconception, and I'm unsure if anyone has ever challenged Skywatcher on it:



"Your Sky-Watcher product must have been purchased in Australia or New Zealand to be valid for our 5 year warranty. Sky-Watcher Products purchased elsewhere, will NOT qualify for manufacturers warranty in Australia. Sky-Watcher products purchased outside of Australia must be returned to the place of purchase to resolve any issues.
Warranties are not transferable"

[brisen]

According to the ACCC Guidelines for Consumers the consumer guarantees apply even to second hand items with the provision that there is an expectation that second hand may not last as long as a new purchase. Whilst Skywatcher may imply that the warranty is not transferrable, the consumer laws should essentially override their attempt at contracting out of liability.

Cut and paste from the source above

Second-hand goods
The consumer guarantees apply whether the goods are new, ‘seconds’ or second-hand. Depending on factors like price and age, it may not be reasonable to expect a second-hand product to last as long or perform to the same standard as a new one.
For example, a second-hand vacuum cleaner is not expected to last as long as a new one.

Brian

[bojan]

I wouldn't bother pursuing warranty.. too much hassle.

Just open the enclosure and have a look inside.

I am sure anybody with electronics repair skills can sort it out.

[Sunfish]

I had the same message in a heq5. Before you go to any lengths , clean the connection for the handset on the mount with small stiff paintbrush that fits in the plug port and blow out all the debri. Often does the trick .


If that does not work as happened the second time for me, you can remove the small board and clean behind as well as cleaning the mount plug handset port with alchohol. I found a few small spiders and I have had ants previously.

I did that and now my mount works fine.

[PKay]

I had this same message the other night with a Synscan, so probably not related.
But I'll tell you anyway :-)

If I try to initialise the mount with an active connection to a PC, I can get that message.

Do you connect to a PC as well?

[Jared_t]

PC or not, the message appears.
It's out of warranty anyway so I'm taking it apart.

I would hardly call myself an electrician but at least I won't break it anymore :)

[bojan]

Post some images...
It would be good to identify pars like stepper drivers, power supply regulators etc.
Then you can download relevant data sheets and start from there with some basic voltage measurements.. which may tell you what is wrong in case general cleaning as suggested here earlier didn't help.

[Sunfish]

Did you try cleaning the handset plug port with emery or alchohol before dismantling. Probably all it is.