Read the manual!!!??? I'm an IT guy, we can't read!
The peg on the EQ5 mount is part of the mount casting, so it can't be moved (but thanks for the pointer, when I get a bigger scope, I'll have to upgrade my mount and will remember this. Hmmmm I've had an 8" scope for 5 months and I'm already looking at a bigger light bucket).
The plastic shim is a very good idea, I'll set up this weekend. Will have to experiment with the polar scope, but probably won't try to lign up on the big dipper....
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Originally Posted by KG8
If all else fails, read the manual. I would seriously recommend that in the case of the EQ mounts. One trick not in the book is the repositioning of the azimuth adjuster peg that juts up from the top of the tripod. It can be in either of 2 positions ( screw holes that is, you will see the other one vacant on top of the tripod ) In one position the extended counterweight bar sits "between" two tripod legs and the mount is not very stable in this configuration. Putting the peg in the other hole centers the CW bar over a single tripod leg that faces forward. This is much more stable and will prevent your mount tipping over when you take the OTA off it. In my case the peg came in the unstable configuration and I swapped it to the other hole.
A good mod is a thin plastic shim between mount and tripod. It helps when adjusting the azimuth bolts as it allows you to have the mount tightened down while you adjust it for polar alignment. You can make one out of any thin plastic. Some guys just cut up a 3L milk bottle. Just cut it donut shape with a width equal to the diameter of the tripod top and enough clearance in the hole for the mount to pass through. Don't forget a hole for the peg too!
PS. Don't forget to realign that polar scope else it will be useless to you.
These are great mounts but they need a few tweaks, like a resistor in-line to the polar alignment led.
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