Quote:
Originally Posted by mbaddah
I just roughly tightened up the AZ pivot bolt (it was loose indeed), re-performed the daytime encoder test and it's MUCH better than before. I wasn't too pedantic about it falling within one count, but it was generally -10/+10 steps with a quick rough look at the object in centre fov.
If the skies are clear tonight i'll give it another try, hopefully with some positive results  |
Hi,
It is good that you have been able to identify that the Az bolt was loose.
When performing the Daytime Encoder Test, try and use an object distant enough
that the amount of parallax error is insignificant. If one sights an object that is
too close, simply shifting the head side to side whilst one looks through the eyepiece
changes the spot on the object that is at the center of the eyepiece.
+/- 10 steps is still a significant amount of play. Each encoder step is
equivalent to 2.16 arc minutes (i.e. 360 * 60 / 10000) and therefore +/- 10 steps
is equivalent to +/- 21.6 arc minutes, which is not small enough to guarantee
landing the object within the FOV for most eyepieces.
Therefore, if you have the time available, it is beneficial to try and nail the
reason for the remaining play during the daytime whilst there is plenty of
available light. As mentioned, attempting to correct mechanical issues in the
dark is far more difficult.
The LightBridge scopes come with a bush inside the hole in the base of the
rocker box. Is the bush in place and is there any appreciable 'slop' with the
Az pivot bolt with respect the inner diameter of the bush that is fitted?
Best regards
Gary Kopff
Wildcard Innovations Pty Ltd