HEQ5 pro and counterweights

[MattT]

Hi,
Another synta lack of instructions question.

When not using the mount, which is often in cloudy Melbourne, I take of the scope, and the weights. Its easier to move the mount in pieces. I have also put the weight bar up as far as it goes into the mount to move it with the weights still attached...if that makes sense. My question is if the weights are still on the mount does the 10kg counterweight affect the internal gears as the mount is now not balanced? I always return the mount to home position before powering off.:question: Matt

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

Hi Mathew,

I have the same mount as you, and I agree about the lack of instructions.
Although my scope is setup in a dome and i don't have to move it, I would still take the counert weights off. This only takes a minute then you acn be sure that you won't do any damage.

BTW I found two weights not enough when imaging, by the time you add the camera coma corrector and auto guider. I added an etra 1.25kgs and it made a difference.

Cheers,

Justin.

[Barrykgerdes]

Some interesting points here.

When storing any object such as the HEQ5 it is certainly best to store it with the mechanical components unstressed. So I would recommend removing the scope and weights for any extended shut down as well as loosening the locking levers. I put mine in a Bunnings case with the foam packing cut to suit. However if you have spent a lot of time getting the balance right it is probably easier to store somewhere fully assembled.

In regard to needing to add extra weights. This is a sure sign that you are exceeding the mounts maximum design load. If you can't lighten it you will need to get a heavier duty mount.

Barry

[jjjnettie]

If we're having an extended run of good weather (remember when we used to get them?) I'd leave my mount and scope outside well wrapped and protected from the weather.
Stored inside, I remove the weights and scope. The mount stays on the tripod.
I have my dove tail bar, counter weight bar and the legs of my mount marked with niko and white out, so I know exactly where things need to be next time I set up. I also have my paver marked where the feet of the mount should be.
It saves at least 10 minutes of setting up time. No need to level, the scope is pointing in almost the right direction and balancing is just a double check to make sure.
It makes drift aligning quick too. Only minor adjustments are ever needed. :)

I can set up the mount , plug it in, put a dovetail bar on my dslr, secure it to the mount, and be imaging 5min exposures in less than 10 minutes.

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

Hi Barry,

I'm sure your right, but I was assured that the two weight package would be sufficient with the gear I'm using, it isn't.

Although it may be exceeding the weight limit, it's only a small a mount. The proof in the pudding comes when I have the PHD auto guider graph on, very little varation. Remove the extra counter weight and you can see it struggling to keep to compensate, even when you recalibrate.

Cheers,

Justin.

[MattT]

Thanks for the replies.
JJJ, wow less than 10 mins... something to aim to. Great idea with white out, must try it.

Barry my feeling was it's better to remove the lot and interesting on going over the supplied weights. I have been trying to work max payload out and it depends on who to believe! I think the Skywatcher rates the HEQ5pro at 17 kg:eyepop: which is way over to me. Iv'e had 12 kgs on mine and it is ok just for visual, but I wouldn't want to have that on the mount all the time.

Justin I presume yours is on a pier??? Does that have any affect on payload.. I would guess not much, if at all. I'm thinking of making a wooden tripod for use with my 6" refractor, but a pier would be much better.
Matt

[Barrykgerdes]

In regard to pay load. I wonder how they actually rate it. 17Kgs of telescopes would require close to 17Kgs to balance it on the limited counterweight shaft. The 10.2Kgs I was supplied with would barely do it, making the all up weight 42Kgs. I would not be able to move that very far fully assembled.

The inertia created by a larger newtonian, guide scope, counterweights etc would be difficult to control for accurate guiding on such a light mount, even in perfect conditions.

Barry

[casstony]

Just reminding people about this thread if anyone wants a CW shaft extension: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=45366

Trevor made an extension for me a few months back for a modest price. I put one weight on the extension and keep the other on the original shaft to limit the loads on the 6mm joining thread.

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

Hi Mathew,

I was going to build a pier, even got the steel to make it. As it turned out the tripod is quite stable and there's another advantage for me is I use the space under the tripod for a small round table to put my gear on.

The observatory hasn't got many places to store stuff, so it worked out quite well.

Cheers,

Justin.

[KG8]

I personally would'nt go over the recommended load limit too much but a little can be done if the gear is well balanced. The problem is getting a good balance, it can change at certain points of rotation as a finder moves away from the axis for example. The clutches are actually small plastic nibs on the end of the lock screws and won't hold the mount still if a big off centre weight is applied. Having the weights on but the scope off will put no stress on the gears if the locks are off, it will just put stress on the bearings which are huge and capable of accepting it in my opinion.