EQ6 stripped gears

[Wookie (Ryan)]

Hi all,

2013 is shaping up to be an interesting year.

I have an older black version of the EQ6, while always been somewhat noisy on the initial wind up while slewing; I've never had any problems.

Last night I was slewing to Jupiter and there was a nasty teeth grinding noise.
The mount seems to have stripped some teeth.

Everything was balanced in the setup.

My question is whether anyone knows where I can get it repaired.
Locally in Adelaide would be preferred but if I have to courier it then so be it.

Any recommendations for upgrades on the mount while I'm at it?

Happy new year everybody.

Thanks.

Ryan.

[asimov (John)]

Hi Ryan. I'm a bit confused. I have the same mount, but there's no way I'd bother with 'slewing' to anything..It's just too slow! Have you opened her up to verify? I can't imagine stripping any gears on one of these mounts!

[Wookie (Ryan)]

Perhaps slewing was the wrong term?!
Its the Goto version.
I haven't opened her up to check.
I'm not the most mechanically minded person.
There is a whole pile of backlash, the motor will turn then it will 'grab' when making fine adjustments in RA.

[LewisM]

Open it up and check - I had a similar issue on an HEQ5. Turned out the gears were FINE, but since Synta in all their cost saving glory decides to peen the gear onto the shaft, the peen can wear (or in my case, was never properly peened!) and then the gear just remains stationary while the shaft turns.

I contacted Tasco, and they sent out a new RA motor assembly for mine, so long as I sent in the old one so they could send it back to Synta for further design refinement etc. The mount was 2 weeks old when it happened!

Personally, I almost expect something to go wrong with these Skywatcher mounts - I know my NEQ6 will eventually - already showing some slack in Dec axis, and it's 6 months old. REALLY becoming totally disenchanted with SW to be honest.

RANT OVER.

[asimov (John)]

Ok a black GOTO version. It's had an upgrade then, as the black version wasn't GOTO afaik..

These are a very basic & easy mount to work on, so I'd do as Lewis suggests.

[asimov (John)]

This is worth checking out Ryan. > http://www.astro-baby.com/EQ6%20rebu...own%20Home.htm

[Wookie (Ryan)]

Thank you so much John and Lewis.
I really appreciate your help.
Yes it had a goto upgrade done prior to me buying it.
I'll get onto it this weekend.

[Tandum (Robin)]

If the worm mesh is too tight for the motor to turn it, it can make a horrible noise that sounds like gears crashing.

[bojan]

It is impossible for gears to be chewed like that - there is simply not enough torque to do that kind of damage.
Most likely you have problem with stepper motor (one phase gone) or stepper driver - when this happens, stepper is vibrating in one position, making noise like described.

[Wookie (Ryan)]

That's certainly a relief.
Hopefully it won't be too crazy to fix.
A good excuse to do away with the black goo and do a full maint .

Sure will be a learning curve.
Any places that have experience in this area if it gets beyond me?

[bojan]

It could also be a power supply issue (to low voltage - not enough to move the motor ? ).

You need to dismantle and have a look - it is not hard at all, all you need to ensure a lot of space on the bench.
Astrobaby's instructions are very good - she is a real expert.

[TrevorW]

Originally Posted by asimov

Ok a black GOTO version. It's had an upgrade then, as the black version wasn't GOTO afaik..

These are a very basic & easy mount to work on, so I'd do as Lewis suggests.

Synta did bring out a black goto version, I had one, Cheers.

[Wookie (Ryan)]

I'd just like to thank TheDecepticon for offering his time and skills in taking a look with me.

It managed to be a relatively easy fix (compared to what it could have been) so I'm ecstatic. I'll let TheDecepticon fill you in on the technicalities as I'm sure I'll miss something. It was an educational experience to say the least.

I truly would have been lost without your help...thanks Gray!!

[TheDecepticon]

Hi mate!

Yep, no worries, glad to have been some help! Also glad for you at this stage that it was relatively easy and obvious to the experienced eye.

Let us know how you get on and look forward to catching up with you again.

Cheers!

[Kunama]

What was the cause and the solution to this issue ????????????????