Problem with HEQ5 and Orion SSAG

[vic4loc]

I have a HEQ5 Pro mount and orion SSAG. Previously, once I have setup the guide star and start the auto guiding, SSAG would happily guide the mount the whole night.

Lately I noticed that SSAG would loose track of the guide star after a certain period of time. I followed it and noticed that after a random period of time (between 10-15 mins mark), the mount would drift rapidly in one direction, which I think SSAG can not keep track of the guide star and hence loose the guiding.

I have not changed any of the SSAG guiding settings. I have always polar align the same way using Align Master, telescope loads are the same. I do notice that the gear is running quite noisy lately. Is this due to my mount gears? do I need to lube it up?

Anybody have experienced something similar or could suggest anything? Many thanks in advance.

Victor.

[Screwdriverone]

Hi Victor,

Any chance that what you are guiding on is crossing the meridian?

Happens a lot to me at winter time and the mount/PHD go nutso if I cross too far over and I dont remember to re-learn PHD on that side of the meridian.

Either that, or the mount/OTA may be out of balance? Check it first with the clutches loosened (and all the camera / scope gear on) and see if its side heavy or grossly out of balance. This will cause the HEQ5 to happily start guiding, but as it leans over and loads up the gears, can start to slip and carry on like you explained. I noticed this on mine with the camera and guidescope etc, until I bought another smaller counterweight to add to my 2 that came with the scope, then, problem sorted.

Give these a go.

Cheers

Chris