Does anyone in Australia do super charges like Dr Clay in the USA?

[g__day (Matthew)]

I was interested reading many testimonials of how Dr Clay has improved telescopes (particularily) mounts capabilities be really carefully tuning them (a 102 point check list actually).

http://www.arksky.org/supercharge.htm

I know from my mount the backlash in the DEC needs work - the motor and transmission gears just aren't the optimal distance from the Worm - its out I'd say by 0.3 - 0.6 mm - enough to cause excess slop that I may get around to tweaking before Christmas.

Does anyone offer a specialised service totally tune a mount up like Dr Clay does (maybe BinTel)? I'd seriously consider this if it were available in Australia.


/excerpt

Supercharge includes at LEAST the following inspections, but is not restricted to.....
[will vary from telescope type to type!]

1) Drive Train - OR.A./Azimuth (all minor reduction gears are checked and secured)
a) complete degreasing of mechanical components and optical encoder;
b) process cleaning and polishing of RA clutch plate and realignment and "turning" to drive gear;
c) worm driver/drive gear adjustment to minimize backlash;
d) set torque on worm driver gear and adjust "UP" bracket to mesh properly with drive gear;
e) inspect and adjust main RA axis and holding nut to proper torque to minimize azimuth "play";
f) provide custom friction clutch for RA locking mechanism;
g) re-route and secure base wiring to minimize common shorting;
h) adjust clutch/clamping mechanism internally;
I) adjust clamping mechanism externally;
j) test motors / test backlash / test clamping / test "Motor Failure" / test reversal rates;
k) adjust and secure RA setting circle for more effectiveness;
l) replace/repair any damaged parts (extra) per instructions of owner;
m) complete sidereal tracking percentage testing both AC and DC (if applicable);
n) hand-highlighted RA and DEC indicator arrows accurately rendered
o) highlighted optimum axis locking positions if applicable.

2) Drive Train - Declination (Altitude) (all minor reduction gearing is checked and secured)
a) complete degreasing of declination drive and associated bearings, etc.;
b) clean and polish clutch plate to "marry" to DEC drive gear;
c) set worm driver and drive gear load to minimize backlash;
d) adjust torque on worm driver assembly;
e) reset worm driver assembly in "U" housing;
f) adjust both fork arm trunions and fit with "rocking reducers;"
g) set bushing in DEC lock mechanism;
h) apply rubber bushing to front of OTA support arm to minimize rocking;
i) re-route all wiring and secure to minimize shorting;
j) adjust clamping firmness and test;
k) install slippage reducers for DEC circle and adjust circle accurately;
l) test motor / test backlash / test clamping / test reversal and delay times.
m) replace / repair and damaged parts (extra) at instruction of owner.

3) ETX / LX-90 (only) Calibration Process - AutoStar must be included with telescope shipment!
a) Complete download (basic) to current version of ETX or LX AutoStar firmware if not already loaded; AutoStar upload contains the complete PACKAGE (see PART 3!) that is current
for the month in which the scope is received;
b) System reset for calibration;
c) Precise optical bench "Train Motor" calibration, not outdoors on a terrestrial object!
d) Motor calibration tested and reset again if necessary for backlash control;
e) Your percentages for Altitude and Azimuth backlash compensation are determined and set for YOUR telescope;
f) Telescope is star tested for: GO TO / Slewing at all speeds / Sidereal and Lunar tracking rates and accuracy / Alignment precision / System Backlash;
g) Autostar is set to precise latitude, longitude of the observer's four (4) choice locations ( location profiles and landmarks must be supplied by
owner to determine precise values);
h) Owner information is entered based on the owner's supplied information;
i) Autostar functionality and GOTO accuracy is tested after all uploading and modification.

4) GPS TELESCOPES (Meade LX 200 GPS and NexStar GPS)
The Supercharge for these telescopes includes all of the basics plus MUCH more;
included are a thorough 2-day testing and precision monitoring of self-leveling, home sensing, GPS acquisition and locking, alignment star acquisition and precision, scope parking and much more....when you get YOUR GPs scope back from Supercharge, you do not have to "wonder" where it is going to "go" when you first turn it on.....all the bugs have been exterminated!

Yes, be sure and put your GPS coordinates in as accurately as possible; you can put in UP TO FIVE sites, so any other areas you think you will be observing from, list those as well. I can get you down to about 10 feet of accuracy on your AutoStar. I usually leave one of the five as "alternate" (that's what you will select to under "Site") so you can enter wherever you go on vacation, etc.

4) All optics are inspected, collimated (if necessary) including eyepieces, finderscopes, filters, etc. Telescope, mounting, eyepieces (if included)
and all accessory equipment - finders, AutoStar, etc. - are cleaned and protected prior to return shipping. Mounting is cleaned and overcoated for protection; all moving parts properly lubricated, front meniscus lens or corrector plate is carefully cleaned as are all included optical surfaces.
NOTE: the finder is NOT aligned and is typically removed from the telescope prior to return shipping! It is advised that the finder NOT be mounted during shipment as damage can easily occur; merely slip the finder out of its bracket and include wrapped separately!

5) Minor hardware that is worn or rusted or not up to standard - as well as new fittings necessary for the precision operation for Supercharge - is
replaced at no additional charge.

6) Hard Case, if included, is treated, cleaned and refurbished as best possible.

7) The distinctive black enameled Prestige Supercharge I.D. Plate is NOW INCLUDED with every SuperCharge at NO additional cost! Also the ASO "graduation diploma", a fine parchment document certifying your Supercharged telescope and registration number is included.

8) ALSO included: SKYPAK complete ephemeride library for comets, asteroids, tours, satellites on diskette for your desktop computer.

[Ric]

It is certainly a comprehensive going over. I would also be interested to know if this type of service is being offered in Australia.

Cheers

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

If not, there is certainly a business begging to be started by someone with the knowledge and expertise.

[g__day (Matthew)]

On Celestron gear (e.g. CGE) a three to four fold improvement in tracking and pointing is often reported.

I get the feeling that even high end mounts aren't fully tuned as they make their way to us. I'd pay for a service that brought my mount right up to its peak performance.

[Gama]

Most of the work that is done is by replacing the gears with high precission sets. So you should be able to do most of the work yourself.
Same as the mount, bearings are replaced with better quality or better tolerances. So for this type of work, see a machine shop. They should be able to help.


Theo.

[g__day (Matthew)]

Theo,

I've never read that Dr Clay ever replaces gear sets - and I don't see that listed in his service proposition listed above. I would imagine it would cost at least 10 times more if they are changing gears - versus simply polishing, adjusting and greasing properly as they state they do.


Matt

[citivolus (Ric)]

Also, since Meade changed to metal gears a few years back, there wouldn't be much point to gear replacement.

I knew quite a few people back in the USA who would get their new scope delivered straight to Dr. Clay. His service is quote legendary over there.

Eric

[Gama]

RCX scopes use plastic gears (At least the 14" does).
He does change them, from what i was informed with my scope, but as we know everything in the USA is cheap these days.
There are many stages to his work. Just comes down to how much money you want to spend.
Not sure with other scopes, but you would assume he could change these at your request.


Theo.

[Loupy31 (Peter)]

Hi,
With the exception of any computer/program adjustments, the rest can all be done by your self.........I believe, " if you can see or detect a problem "
" you should be able to fix the fore memtioned problem" I had some issuse in a meade scope I owned years ago and was able to fix/adjust them till they performed at there peek...........it was a slow process but way cheaper than sending it to Dr Clay..........If your not confident about doing mod's your self, I am sure you could find some one at an astro society who might be able to help out.

Loupy