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EQ5 mount modified to dual Alt Az/Equatorial
I got my first telescope (ED100) and EQ5 mount last week and have seen some amazing views already. However not being able to use it in Alt Azimuth mode was frustrating during the day when there are terrestrial sights to be had.
Surprisingly I couldn't find any online tutorials on converting it to dual mode - does anyone know of a link they can share?
Anyway it turned out to be rather simple: all u need is a file, a spanner and a flathead screwdriver. There's a hard altitude adjustment stop that prevents the RA axis from reaching 90 degrees (vertical). Filing off 2 mm of the stop circumvented the design limitation.
Now the mount can be used in Alt Az mode (the counter weight points horizontally), and converts back to equatorial mode just by reinstalling the altitude adjustment screw.
can take photos if anyone is interested?
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