Quote:
Originally Posted by raymo
Jim, You are in all probability tackling your problem from the wrong end.
Your EQ5 with an ED 80 on it, if polar aligned to within an arc minute or so of the SCP, will allow subs of at least 100-120 secs, and if really accurately aligned, a bit longer than that. Unless your mount has some
unusual mechanical or electrical problem, your alignment must be quite a way off. The fact that you are getting 30 secs suggests that your mount is o.k. Usually, if a mount has a problem, it shows up almost immediately you start tracking. I assume you are pointing the mount at due South, not magnetic.
If your alignment is in fact off, you will have the same problem with a new SXP or Az- EQ6.
If you fix this problem, you can defer buying another mount until you move up to a larger scope.
raymo
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Hi Raymo. Both you and Richard were on the money re the polar alignment. I'd trusted the iPad compass which unbeknown to me was in a true south mode when I assumed it was magnetic mode, then I was deducting the offset from that (give self uppercut). Your prompting and my son's compass got me on track.
Anyways, slewing to targets has now become pretty damn good...who'd a thought
I can now get 1min unguided subs about 50% of the time. Other times it's like all the stars are almost touching, double stars. Started dismantling the head tonight. Both worms have backlash play, so obviously a source of movement, but also one of the worm assemblies was way too tight on the end play tension which was pushing the bearing sideways and the shaft would rumble when turned with your fingers. Anyway, still working on the maintenance and hopefully get to have it ready for the weekend.