EQ6 declination shudder

[bert]

Hi guys,

Just after some feedback from other eq6 owners.

Ra is smooth as silk, but declination axis is a little noisier and makes a kind of shudder/grinding noise like this mount does in both axes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJNjvtpjQvk&feature=related

Note; it tends to do it it when ramping up to speed and slowing down after a slew. It does not make a noise when it is slewing between the ramp and ramp down speeds. It does not affect the telescopes view however, I dont like the noise!

My question is does your eq6 make this noise?

[h0ughy]

no doesn't make that noise. sounds like the motor is out of alignment and needs adjustment on the worm. using it like this will wear the worm or gear for sure. if under warranty then send it back - if not then send to someone like bintel or some other dealer that does quality repairs (astro optical, star optics etc)

[ozstockman]

Mine did the same noise but I fixed it.

Check this blog (http://timsastroblog.blogspot.com/2007/04/little-tune-up-for-eq6.html) It has instructions on how to fix it.

[bert]

Mike, correct me if I am wrong, but if I loosen the 5 screws I should be able to adjust the worms without have to take the housing apart?

Thanks
Brett

[ozstockman]

Yes, you're right. You don't need to take anything apart. Just loosen big four a little and make a tiny turn for the one of two small screws in the holes. Then try to slew in each direction for at least 180 degrees.


I guess the author of that blog took it apart just to find out how he can fix. Or may be he wanted to show visitors what each screw and bolt does.

[peter_4059]

Brett - let us know how you go adjusting the mount. Mine makes a bit of noise in the dec movement but not enough to have me pulling it apart (yet)

[bert]

I tried adjusting the worms and pinion with no luck, so I pulled the motor assembly out. It turns out the motor itself is the the problem not a meshing issue. The motor makes the sound even when the motor is out of the motor housing and not turning any gears. The motors look pretty beefy and has ball bearings throughout, but when I looked closer it seems the machining on the shaft through the motor assembly is a little off centre.

Peter: The noise in my mount is only on ramp up to full speed and ramping down again, when the motor is running at the preset speed it is not making a noise. If you have constant noise more than likely its a meshing issue.

The mount is from Andrews comms and I hope they have good back up as the mount is less than a year old. I havent heard anything bad about their warranty service so heres hoping I can say some more things good about their sevice on this forum.

Brett