Running in a new GEM

[JohnH]

Is there a view as to the need for or otherwise of running in a new mount to get smoother PE on RA and/or eliminate jumps is DEC. Is this a good idea and if so how is it best performed?

[Robert9]

Hi John,
I don't have experience with a GEM, but jumps in DEC suggest that you have excessive backlash correction. Is a backlash correction/adjustment available?
Robert

[bmitchell82]

I think what your asking is just like running in a new engine. No. plonk your gear up on it, and see what it does.

I have exp with the EQ6, mine had a fair bit of back lash in the motors for a start which can easily be fixed by adjustment of the motors and gear slack. now it runs smooth as

[JohnH]

Yup Brendan you have it right. But I should preface this perhaps with that the intention to optimise and smooth the PE not to imply there are any faults. Typically slewing using the hand controller would be very slow and could result in cable breakage (twisting) and/or equipment collisions.