MX Doesn't Work - Page 2

multiweb (Marc) · #21 05-06-2013, 01:19 PM

Same here. Been following this for a while now and although I understand there is always 'tweaking' involved and most of the users out there seem satisfied with their mounts, the level of support provided by the supplier is very inconsiderate at best. Sheehh... we're talking about a $9k purchase here? Unreal...

Marke (Mark) · #22 05-06-2013, 01:54 PM

I am with Marc and others , I dont understand what the appeal is when more
robust reliable mounts are available at similar price ?

RickS (Rick) · #23 05-06-2013, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marke

I am with Marc and others , I dont understand what the appeal is when more robust reliable mounts are available at similar price ?

But they aren't red and futuristic looking

More seriously, the PMX is a nice package with good capacity for the price and the software integration is very good (if you like The SkyX...) It's just a shame that they appear to have released the mount before it was quite ready for prime time. No doubt people will love them once the early problems are behind them.

I'm still sticking with my AP900, of course. At least, until I get to the head of the AP1100 waiting list

Cheers,
Rick.

NilRecurring · #24 05-06-2013, 11:20 PM

I agree it's absolutely inexcusable for the standard SB is trying to set.

That said, I think I made some progress today by centering the worm in the Declination as Sarah at SB suggested. The Declination isn't throwing up errors today. I've done 6 or 7 50 point+ T-Point calibrations, and the Declination hasn't given me any issues - previous the Declination axis would give the error but the mount would show it present in both axis (no idea why. I know it was in Declination because if I changed Declination to Track and RA to Balance, the mount would still give errors but not vice-versa).

The current consumption also seems a bit down today (approx 300 mA while slewing. It ranged form 300 mA to 600 mA before). Thankfully no errors!

However, as I had mentioned in the OP, I have a separate issue in which the RA axis gives up whilst tracking. This is still happening (no surprise there as I did not adjust the RA at all) so I will ask SB for further advice. What I've noticed is that the current consumption while tracking (400 mA) is higher than while slewing! The mount even runs hotter while tracking than while slewing (1 degree difference as measured by the Bisque TCS)

Though I'm still cautious about this good news, I hope at least one axis is fixed.

CDKPhil · #25 06-06-2013, 01:20 PM

I am glad to hear you are making some progress.

Cheers

Phil

TrevorW · #26 06-06-2013, 01:52 PM

Do you get a 5yr 100000klm warranty, if not I'd be asking for one at that price.

frolinmod · #27 07-06-2013, 11:13 AM

Software Bisque support is excellent so long as you are affable, reasonable, persistent, firm and are willing/able/capable/motivated to do some work yourself. If you're an on the ball self starter type, it's quite good.

I get the impression that most of you guys down under are very capable, so this should work out well. It's just a matter of time. Keep working it.

Remember, it was y'all who solved the PEC problem.

NilRecurring · #28 07-06-2013, 12:36 PM

I've managed to solve the issue in RA, but I'm not sure if that's the 'right' way to do it. Sarah had asked me to center the worm and adjust the camstop again - I did so and it didn't help.

I then decided to turn the screws on either side of the camstop pin 1 turn loose i.e. they are now 3.5 turns loose from fully down. This has actually fixed the issue - I ran the mount (indoors) for almost 3-4 hours, and it was perfectly fine. The current consumption is down, and the mount is running a bit cooler too.

I asked SB if this was okay or would this comprise guiding or introduce the backlash, but they didn't reply to me today. I wish they had and if this adjustment was acceptable then I could have used the mount tonight. So I'm asking you guys, do you think this is OK or should I go back to 2.5 turns and try to find another solution (though I'm not sure what I can try other than this). Would appreciate a response as today's Friday and the forecast is clear so I'd to use it outside without issues (*fingers crossed*)

frolinmod · #29 07-06-2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

I asked SB if this was okay or would this comprise guiding or introduce the backlash, but of course, no one bothered to reply. It would have taken them 2 minutes

I don't see how anyone off the street could possibly know for certain. I don't know what Sarah's qualifications and experience are. Expecting her to solve the problem (in a timely manner) on her own may be realistically asking too much too soon. Steve Bisque should take charge of the matter and own it. Have you tried emailing Steve?

NilRecurring · #30 07-06-2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frolinmod

I don't see how anyone off the street could possibly know for certain. I don't know what Sarah's qualifications and experience are. Expecting her to solve the problem (in a timely manner) on her own may be realistically asking too much too soon. Steve Bisque should take charge of the matter and own it. Have you tried emailing Steve?

I'm pretty sure Steve has seen it. He has been replying to MEII issues today.

Logieberra (Logan) · #31 14-06-2013, 12:59 AM

P.s. Frolimond. The southern PEC on MX mounts running Windows is not fixed... so far as I can tell. There is a discrepancy between Win and OSX. Only OSX seems to correct PE. Something under the hood?

frolinmod · #32 14-06-2013, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logieberra

P.s. Frolimond. The southern PEC on MX mounts running Windows is not fixed... so far as I can tell. There is a discrepancy between Win and OSX. Only OSX seems to correct PE. Something under the hood?

What does everyone else think, is it fixed in the latest Windows daily build or not?

gregbradley · #33 15-06-2013, 07:17 PM

If 3.5 turns of the screws on either side of the cam stop is working then it seems to be no problem.

The problem will be if its too loose that the mount will slip on its gears too easily. For example if you take the camera off your scope and forgot to lock the axis first then it will slip whilst making a horrible grinding sound. It apparently does not damage the gears but you wouldn't want it to happen all the time.

So if that is not happening then I think you are fine.

This 3 way switch thing/cam stop/tightening screws is an engineering disaster and the big weak spot in the PMX. I would prefer it did not have this "feature" (read liability).

Greg.

marki · #34 15-06-2013, 11:05 PM

Certainly sounds like a mount you would not want to import yourself, best buy it from one of the two local resellers.

NilRecurring · #35 16-06-2013, 01:11 AM

Greg, Stuart, Frolinmod, Joshua, CDKPhil, Graham and Paul,

First of all, thank you very much for the posts and the help. I would like your advice at this stage. I have done everything that Software Bisque has asked me to do:

Adjusted the RA camstop more times than I can count.
Centered the worm twice.
Adjusted the Spring Plungers to 2.5 turns and 3.5 turns.
Made a 95 pt. T-Point Model for Steve Bisque

I have at least spent a total of 30-40 hours trying to fix this $9000 mount, if not more. The ONLY thing that stopped the mount from stalling in RA was adjusting the spring plungers to 3.5 turns. This eases off the spring pressure and the mount functions normally - but I've found, today, that if the spring plungers are at 3.5 turns the RA axis develops about 1-2 mm of play. There is no play at 2.5 turns (I've done an A-B-A test), and the RA axis is rock solid but as I said, the mount stalls with that much spring pressure.

Please see a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR_G4ykPRQ8

My question is: what should I do now? Should I ask SB for a replacement? Is that reasonable at this stage? In my opinion, easing of the spring pressure doesn't actually solve the real problem it just masks the issue by easing off the force on the worm and it continues to track.

Mr. Patrick Wallace over at SB forums states that my T-Point Model is OK, and I believe him. I believe the issue develops after I wiggle the RA axis 3-4 times (before that, oddly, it's OK).

frolinmod · #36 16-06-2013, 02:17 AM

I agree with Greg Bradley's post above. The 3-way switch on the Paramount MX appears to be problematic. My Paramount ME, which does not have a 3-way switch, does not have these problems.

Logieberra (Logan) · #37 16-06-2013, 06:31 AM

I agree with this comment, 'SB will come through but its probably going to take some patience'.

You've been real patient. Keep the faith

My question is, have they sent you any replacement hardware yet? Belts, worm block, new three position knob, MKS5000 control board etc? Considering this might be a gear mesh, friction and amp draw issue, I'd be real interested to know how a new worm block fares...

You need specialist advice for this one, and while the moral support from members here might help, despite their best intentions, I'd take the advice of non-MX owners with a grain of salt. They don't know the product and have no experience in dealing with SB. In time, SB will solve this for you, and you'll love the MX too

NilRecurring · #38 16-06-2013, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logieberra

I agree with this comment, 'SB will come through but its probably going to take some patience'.

You've been real patient. Keep the faith

My question is, have they sent you any replacement hardware yet? Belts, worm block, new three position knob, MKS5000 control board etc? Considering this might be a gear mesh, friction and amp draw issue, I'd be real interested to know how a new worm block fares...

You need specialist advice for this one, and while the moral support from members here might help, despite their best intentions, I'd take the advice of non-MX owners with a grain of salt. They don't know the product and have no experience in dealing with SB. In time, SB will solve this for you, and you'll love the MX too

No replacement hardware yet, which is why I'm asking I feel I've tweaked everything on this mount and I'm getting quite frustrated. I fix one issue and another pops up - I fixed the RA axis and it doesn't stall but as you can see from the video, there is significant play now.

Hence I'm asking for advice from MX or ME owners. Should I ask SB to send me a new worm block?

Logieberra (Logan) · #39 16-06-2013, 06:38 AM

If you are based on Eastern Australia, you are welcome to bring the hardware over and compare with another MX side-by-side. Otherwise, someone closer might offer the same? We're here to help

NilRecurring · #40 16-06-2013, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logieberra

If you are based on Eastern Australia, you are welcome to bring the hardware over and compare with another MX side-by-side. Otherwise, someone closer might offer the same? We're here to help

Thank you for such a kind offer but unfortunately I'm thousands of miles away in Pakistan.