Rowan HEQ5 PRO Belt Kit from Aliexpress

[zumka]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone purchased Rowan HEQ5 PRO Belt Kit (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004275230434.html?spm=a2g0o.pro ductlist.0.0.51213f7fzS3yXX&algo_pvid=18981d0a-70b2-4053-827d-cbcbb01ff7cf&aem_p4p_detail=20220802220301291357 6356700360013956878&algo_exp_id=18981d0a-70b2-4053-827d-cbcbb01ff7cf-4&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%221200 0028595747428%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21AUD%21373.97%2122 4.38%21%21%21%21%21%402101e9ce16595 029811503535eccd0%21120000285957474 28%21sea) from Aliexpress before?

Thank you

[AstroViking]

Hi Daniel,

There was some discussion earlier about AliExpress. The general consensus (as I read it) was AliExpress is OK for small, low value items, but a place to avoid for big-ticket items. Personally, I avoid the place - a couple of friends had their credit cards cloned after buying from there.

I presume you've looked at the various astro shops around Oz for the kit? What about buying direct from Rowan in the UK?

Cheers,
V

[ChrisD]

The stepper gear looks 3D printed!!
It could be just a really poor quality casting, either way I would avoid it.

Image from the Aliexpress ad:

[Pepper]

Available from Testar
3d printed 9 tooth gears will be a waste of time.
Just get the proper Rowan kit from Testar or Rowan in uk who are super easy to deal with.
They are made out of aluminium and will not fail.

https://www.testar.com.au/products/rowan-astronomy-heq5-belt-modification