Replacing power socket on the HEQ5pro?

[Merlin66]

I can find various links to replacing the NEQ6 socket, but not the HEQ5.


The socket on my mount is beginning to break up! I have the plug "held" in place with a velcro tab but seriously need to replace the whole socket.
Anyone done this? Details etc?
Thanks.

[Martin_S]

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/371394-heq5-pro-power-supply-blew/

https://www.emawind.com/stripping-down-heq5-pro-synscan/

These should help Ken.
Martin

[Merlin66]

The example already had a “upgraded” socket…
The SW motor panel looked interesting as a changeover. I’ll check if it’s available locally.

[Merlin66]

None of the SW mount re-build guides address the issue of a failed 12V DC socket.
I assume the socket is mounted on the PCB?
It looks like the whole control panel can be replaced.....

https://www.microglobe.co.uk/sky-watcher-motor-control-panel-for-heq5-pro-mount-p-19995.html
Has anyone swapped over the control panel? Any issues?

Any other suggestions?

[iborg]

Hi

Do you have a photo of the damaged part? It may be easier to make suggestions knowing what the damage is.

Possibly wire in a socket that hangs outside the housing?

Philip

[Merlin66]

Philip,
I'll try to get a clear photo.
The black plastic "body" of the socket is breaking up and I now need a velcro tab to hold the plug in place.
No loose wires etc just bits of plastic missing.....
I assume it looks like this:
https://au.element14.com/pro-power/ppw01010/2-1mm-dc-socket-locking/dp/3498419
but the surrounding plastic is cracking and dropping off.

[ChrisV]

Just open it up and have a look what type it is. I don't think it's mounted on the main PCB, so you can't come to too much grief. Just have to be careful you get the right socket as they come in a few pin configurations. They come in +ve and -ve types, 2.1 and 2.5mm pins. E.g.

[iborg]

Hi Merlin

I have something similar at home. If you can get an idea of which connector part connects to which pin on the board, I may be able to send you something.

Would you be able to solder it in, or have someone nearby who could do it for you?

I won't be home for a few to days check what I have.

Philip

[raymo]

The panel containing the 12v power socket is separate from the PCB, and is
easy to remove as far as the wires will allow, which from memory would give sufficient access to the back of the panel to allow soldering etc.
raymo

[Merlin66]

Raymo,
The photos of the power panel for the HEQ5pro don't show much room to access the 12V power socket.
It looks like the PCB would have to be removed first....

[raymo]

Sorry, I was thinking of the motherboard. The PCB is easy to remove via the two screws. While you have it opened up have a look at the two largish condensers at the bottom front of the motherboard, and see if there is any sign of swelling; they do occasionally fail. Cheap as chips to replace from Jaycar, needs a high temp soldering iron though.
raymo

[Merlin66]

Raymo,
Are the condensers on the power PCB or on the internal motor motherboard??

[iborg]

Hi Ken

It looks like replacing the power connector should not be difficult, at least with the board unscrewed.

I have labelled the condensers / capacitors on this board in the attached image. These look fine.

Having said that, the capacitors that typically swell, causing problems, are electrolytic ones. As Raymo said, while it's open, have a look on the internal motor motherboard and see if they have swollen.

They are likely to look similar to the one in the other image, and they are often silver on top. If they are still flat on top, then they are likely to be fine.

Philip

[raymo]

The capacitors I refer to are on the motherboard. When the curved front cover is removed they are at the front bottom corner, and are quite large.
raymo

[Merlin66]

Raymo,
“Curved front cover” ???????
Are you sure you’re talking about a HEQ5 pro??

[raymo]

If you stand looking at the mount from the "front," so you are looking at the
curved cover that contains the circular black plastic blank for the polar scope aperture. That cover has three screws down each side of the mount adjacent to each side cover.Remove that cover and you are looking at the motherboard edge on on the right hand side. The two large capacitors are at the lower corner nearest you of the motherboard.
raymo

[Merlin66]

ok.
"Flat motor cover on side of the head" - got it!!!

[iborg]

Hi Ken


I do have several connectors spare, both 2.1 and 2.5mm pin. I think you need 2.1mm.



The solder tags look to be in the correct orientation, judging by the shot of the bottom of the board. As is the the one in the photo from Chris.


The ones I have are 8.95mm wide, 10.94mm tall, at the front face and 14.35mm deep. At least that is what my cheap digital caliper tell me.


PM an address if you would like one posted. It would be faster to get something similar locally. There is a Jaycar in Geelong.


Have fun


Philip

[Merlin66]

Thanks for all the help and assistance.
I’m out of action (again) due to a recurring neck injury playing up.
Hopefully things may improve over the next few days.

[fsphotography]

Hi Ken,i have a solution you might like,i will send pictures to your phone.
Frank.

[Merlin66]

Thanks Frank,
I see what you did.....
When I'm up to it, I'll have a closer look at the problem/ issues.