Some may remember that my last photo posted, of NGC 3223, was accompanied by concerns that my LX200 was on the way out again. When I entered the observatory that morning there was distinct smell of hot electronics.
I've now narrowed the problem down.
The good news: The LX200 is fine.
The bad news: The RoboFocus motor seems to be cooking its self.
The other good news: Although it heats up over time, when on a fresh the RoboFocus does function normally.
I've sent a support email to RoboFocus to ask them what might be going on and see what I can do to get it fixed. I've had it running flawlessly for 5 odd years now.
The heat seems to be concentrated from the actual motor rather than the gears. After 2 hours of test-run, when I then realised it was the RoboFocus, the motor was too hot to touch, quite literally, extremely hot.
I don't expect anyone out there to have experienced this problem and hence have useful input, but thought I'd mention it in case.
Here's hoping for a speedy fix! (unlikely, considering I'll be dealing with the US and all associated postage delays etc).
Roger.