mount bolt broken: help identify and replace

[silv]

Hi There,

my new used EQ5 mount just broke a bolt. :sadeyes:

Could you help me identify the type, model, English name of the bolt?
And where can I get a replacement in New Zealand?

Here are the pics: 1. broken bolt; 2. the whole bolt (there's a screw head lying on top of it for size scale when I go into a shop...) ; 3. location of broken bolt - to the lower right of centre.

Thanks a million!

[brian nordstrom]

:question: Hi Stilv , thats one of the RA or Dec lock bolts ( levers ) , I dont know where you would get one new , but I am sure some one here would have one .
For a quick fix I would go to Bunnings and buy the smallest " Vice grip " plyers I can find , ( I have seen them 50mm long ) and lightly grip the bit thats on the mount , with screw fitted back in and use the vice grips as a handle ,, :thumbsup: that way the mount is still useable untill you find a replacement lever , try Bintel .
Brian.

[silv]

Thanks Brian! I will get the "Vice Grip" plier. :thumbsup:
So the thing could be a "lever bolt".
Maybe. Google images look hopeful.
Possibly, Bunnings or PlaceMaker or The Bolt Shop (http://www.boltshop.co.nz/ContactUs.aspx)have one of that size.

That was most helpful! :thanx:

[silv]

Googled the problem and came across a DIY solution here http://www.astronomyforum.net/telescope-mounts-forum/106937-eq5-broken-locking-knob-2.html

"I have just made a clay mold and filled it with resin, it has hardened nicely, and seems
to have held its shape."

Now, mine is metal not plastic as his EQ5 lever bolt. But maybe .... ?

[brian nordstrom]

:) I have one of these mounts , and they are made of a material called "Die Cast Aliminium" and being cast its unable to be welded by conventional means , eg "TIG" welding .
I am a Boilermaker/Welder by trade .
There is a process and if needs be , I am sure there will be a specialists welding shop the has the gear to weld this stuff , I also think panel beaters use the process to weld up car door handles and other bits that are die cast as well . :thumbsup: .
This welding process uses oxy accetyine as the heating process . I cant remember what its called ? but I have seen it in action , even welding up an allimium beer can .. :eyepop: . cool system .
The vice grips will keep you under the stars , ( and sun on the 6th) in the mean time.Oh yes be sure to attach the vice reips to the broken round piece of your lever , so you dont damage the square piece underneath , or when you get a new one , it wont fit .
Brian.


Brian.

[silv]

Oh, great! *putting all the words into my brain click click*

Now, I'm trying to identify what exactly it is I need.

That square metal thing underneath the lever head looks like a washer to me. And a seperate screw head is visible in the top of the lever head.

But it could also be a bolt with a thick square head. The lever head is then fastened/cast around that square head and held in place additionally by the small screw.

Do you think it is safe to loosen the broken part completely so I can have a better look?

Annette

(The Venus transit won't happen here in Auckland. We'll be having thunderstorms. And with the moon so high during the night I won't be having my first light until end of next week, anyway.)

[mplanet62]

It looks to me that it is not a bolt, but a die-cast lever held onto some small shaft by a Phillips screw. If it is what it looks like - undo the screw and look for a closest replacement in :
1 Bunnings
2 Radio parts store
3 Bicycle store (maybe, some part or instrument).
It can be even round - who cares? As long as it fits and does the job.
Just my 2cents worth.

P.S If you keep both parts - you can even cast yourself a new one from epoxy (needs some skill, though).

[skysurfer]

I had same issue with my Vixen SP mount. These levers are made from cast aluminum which is rather fragile.
It is normally fixed with an M6 bolt and I replaced it by a piece of U aluminum profile (3cm long) of 10x15mm and it works again !

[brian nordstrom]

:), OK here goes :shrug: .. It wont hurt to take the broken piece off and have a look , under the broken piece is a square brass piece about 10mm square and on its underside , the piece that screws into the mount has a 10mm metric thread that screws into the mount , this thread is about 10mm long .( this is all 1 piece , like a square headed brass bolt about 20mm long )
;) With me ??
The only thing that you have to watch is if you unscrew the square headed piece from the main mount is that you dont loose the small nylon ( round button ) packer that sits inside the feamale thread down the bottom of the hole , this stops the brass piece scratching the inside of the mounts bearing surfaces . :thumbsup: Dont loose this at it sometimes sticks to the end of the thread when its removed and you wont see it at all , and Murphy's law says ,,," this will fall to the ground and be lost forever " :rofl:..
But to fix your mount you wont have to remove ( unscrew ) the brass square headed bolt at all .
Just put the broken piece back on the squre head , using the small screw to hold it in place , and clamp the vise grips onto this , so you can use the mount until another lever becoms avaliable .
Try Googling 'Ioptron IEQ45 , new declanation lock set up ' as they changed that locking system from 4 knobs to 1 locking lever like your broken piece .( All these mounts use this "Vixen " style lever system)
;) .
I know as I have one , and they may sell these levers as spares .
Hope it all works out .
Brian.

[allan gould]

As it so happens, I have a spare one of these.
Pm me your address and I will post it off.
Allan

[brian nordstrom]

:thumbsup: Look at that , IIs to the rescue ,, again , nice to see .
Brian.

[silv]

amazing! PM sent. I am soooo happy!

[silv]

all the info was very helpful and is very much appreciated!
thanks heaps! :thanx:

(Now I'll go and post a new thread about my camera and mounting it piggypack on top of the scope.
I'm sure, if I keep my posts short and precise like in this thread I'll get some helpful replies, too. yay! )

[silv]

The lever arrived yesterday! AND it fits!!

ayayayyayaayyaayay!!

Thank you sooo much, allan!

[allan gould]

My pleasure. :thumbsup: