Heq5 Pro RA Guiding Problem

[pjphilli (Peter)]

Hi
When my Heq5 Pro mount is set up in the normal manner it appears that there is no response to RA + or - signals both from the Controller into its port or from the Guiding interface into the guiding port.
That is, no RA response is apparent when using the RA buttons on the controller or using the Gpint utility to insert RA signals into the guiding port.
The mount responds normally to DEC + and - signals sent to both ports.
It therefore appears that the problem with the RA is internal to the mount.
Any suggestions?
Peter

[billdan (Bill)]

Hi Peter,

Without being next to it with a multimeter in hand its difficult to tell whats going on.

Does the RA axis move freely by hand, or does it feel jammed?

You could try opening it up and look for a stripped RA gear, a loose wire, something that smells or looks burnt out on the circuit board.

Otherwise you may have to book it into Bintel or Andrews Comm's for repair.

Sorry I couldn't be anymore helpful

Regards
Bill

[pjphilli (Peter)]

Thanks Bill
I will follow up your suggestions. As an ex Telecoms Technician I have had plenty of experience in fault repair, however it is a pity that manufacturer's of this type of equipment do not include circuit diagrams in their handbooks
as these make fault finding so much easier.
Cheers Peter

[pjphilli (Peter)]

Hi Bill
Just been out and had a look at my mount. Took the gear and circuit board
covers off. No sign of smoke or fire and the RA/DEC gears move freely.
Next step was to have a good look at the circuit board. I did not attempt to remove it (didn't know how to anyway) but I see that it is connected by five little plugs and sockets. So I removed all the plugs a couple of times and reseated them. This appears to have fixed the problem as the RA (and DEC) gears will now move to the command of the Controller buttons.
Now for a night test when another clear night comes along!
Thanks again for your help.
Cheers Peter

[billdan (Bill)]

That's really good news Peter, saved you a million dollar repair bill.

I'm an ex RAAF Radio Tech and then went on to fix photocopiers, printers and PC's until I retired.

I agree they should supply circuit diagrams for these types of equipment, when I used to repair Amateur Radio gear for friends they all came with circuit diagrams back in the 1980's.

Regards

Bill

[pjphilli (Peter)]

Hi Bill
I was into fixing radio receivers and transmitters for OTC. When looking for a fault in items such as my mount I always look to problems with cables and
plug/sockets. I have had cable problems with both my astro cameras and originally with the HEQ5-Pro. I saw that the mount control card had some
integrated circuit chips and I am always surprised that faults in such gear is rarely with the complex electronics but the above simple things.
Oh for the good old days of technical instruction books and circuit diagrams.
Later as an Ops Engineer with OTC I would not accept equipment or installations until the above was supplied.
Cheers Peter

[RobF (Rob)]

Glad to hear you're back in business Peter!