Help needed for Losmandy backlash

[[1ponders]]

Has anyone had any experience adjusting the backlash on a G11 Losmandy mount.

I was giving the mount the once over last night and discovered to my dismay that there is about 1.5 cm free play in the dec axis. It actually moved by hand that distance. We were having difficulty maintaining alignment when the mount flipped from one side to the other. This is what started me on the check. Is there a way to physically remove this freeplay?

[gbeal]

Paul,
when did you get a G-11??
Mine had backlash like you suggest.
You need to remove the worm screw cover, and slacken gently the pillar blocks that house the worm ends. Push the worm closer and then tighten the pillars again. Trial and error with the emphasis on trial should mean a good result.
Gary

[[1ponders]]

Oh, didn't I tell you Gary, my wife bought me one for xmas. :D

:lol2:

Actually it the scope from the Mapleton observatory. I seem to be spending more time up there running public viewing nights at the moment (when its clear enough) than I spend on my meade.

Would you happen to have a manual Gary. "Someone" seems to have borrowed ours. If you could scan any images of what I'm supposed to be looking forward I'd appreciate it. I'll PM you my email

[Robby]

Hi Paul,
I have a GM8 (full credit to Gary) and get a little backlash. I find you need to push the worm quite tight into the gear while tightening up the hex nuts on the worm mounts. I have seen some clamp designs out there that help, but I have got by with hand pressure. Although I do live with a little backlash. I don't think you can get rid of it all. Upgrading to precision worms from Losmandy might help.
Cheers
Rob
PS... Wow, nice Xmas pressie... You wife must love you lots :love:, or want you out of the house more.....

[Robby]

Opps, I just got you jok Paul :doh:..

[[1ponders]]

:lol2: Gotcha Robby. If she could afford it though, she would get it for me tomorrow, with an OTA to go with it. And I'm not joking. It might cost me a kiln but then again it might not. She just like to see me happy and enjoying myself. Very lucky I am.

I've now downloaded and printed out a number of help manuals from losmandy and other net sources recomended by Gary, so with the advice you and Gary have given and armed with the manuals, I'm ready to give it a shot. I just have to convince members of the commitee that its save to do so.

Robby do you have the Gemini controller with the losmandy? If you do I might be posting a few question about redoing the Mount Modelling/training after adjusting the worm. While it doesn't look *that* complicated its not something I've done before.