HEQ5 Pro Rowan Belt conversion – belt tension question.

[BadWolf (Stewart)]

Quick question for those who have completed a Rowan Belt upgrade on a HEQ5 Pro Skywatcher mount.



I have just completed the Rowan belt conversion on my HEQ5 Pro. Seems to have gone well, and in a bench test under load all seems very smooth and quiet.



When doing the RA motor conversion, I noticed that the pulley belt for the RA motor drive seems to be a bit tighter fit, and with less room for play, when compared to the DEC motor pulley belt. It also seems that there is less room to make tension adjustments on the white RA belt idler roller. That idler roller has a larger diameter than the one for the DEC, and therefore takes up more slack, perhaps that is the reason?? There is still some slight amount of finger pressure "play" in the RA belt however.


Can those who may have done this conversion confirm my comments or offer advice?

Many thanks………

[AstroViking (Steve)]

Hi,

That sounds about right - the larger idler pulley will mean less room for play and a bit tighter fit.

I wouldn't worry too much about it - so long as it's back together and the belt is tensioned correctly then you'll be fine.

Did you replace all the bearings as well? If so, then check the nuts that hold the worm drive gears in place are tightened up correctly. One of mine worked loose and introduced a load of backlash. Took me ages to work out what had happened.

Cheers,
V

[BadWolf (Stewart)]

Originally Posted by AstroViking

Hi,

That sounds about right - the larger idler pulley will mean less room for play and a bit tighter fit.

I wouldn't worry too much about it - so long as it's back together and the belt is tensioned correctly then you'll be fine.

Did you replace all the bearings as well? If so, then check the nuts that hold the worm drive gears in place are tightened up correctly. One of mine worked loose and introduced a load of backlash. Took me ages to work out what had happened.

Cheers,
V

Thanks for the feedback Steve. I have only done the Rowan belts so far, bearing may come later. Thanks again,


Stewart