I posted some detail on my Skywatcher Guide Scope mount in the Equipment area and have now done a small mod to address one of the issues I've had.
During recent use the Nyloc nut on the thread that controls the sideways movement had come loose, fiddling trying to keep using the thing resulted in the knob at the other end coming loose as well. I've secured the knob with two M3 screws (due to be replaced with M3 grub screws when I remember where I put them).
I ordered some appropiately sized thust washers (Ebay) to replace the shims which sit at each end of the shaft to reduce the risks of binding in the future. Possibly overkill but it was really frustrating to have the guide mount playing up once everything else was all set up.
The thrust washers arrived last night. Overall thickness for two sets of thrust washers was more than the shims they are replacing so I also took out the lock nut between the knob and body.
The Nyloc nut has some Loctite on it as well now. Movement is very smooth
Overall I love the mount, much nicer than trying to use rings with adjustable screws. A couple more mods I'm considering.
I'd like to reduce the weight, possibly dissassembling and milling away excess material but I suspect that it might be a lot of work for little gain. Still thinking about that.
I've also been pondering putting stepper motors on the two axis, it would be nice to be able to move the guide scope while watching PHD to see that I did actually have a usable guide star in view.
Any chance you could let me know the measurement of the bottom plate of the unit? I'm contemplating getting/making one of these but would like to know this. Surprisingly the internet has failed me this time
Steve good luck with that. I'll be trying to get some project notes together on a baby version of the mount I've just built. I've been frustrated by the flimsy plastic adjustments on the finderscope which I use with my guidescope. The little version is mostly made in 6*50mm ally. So far so good although I'm still working on rings for a conventional finderscope so hace not tested it in situ yet.
I suspect that I have far more movement available than I will ever need for a finderscope, but that probably won't hurt.
A think Skywatcher could have a great market for a finderscope sized version of the mount (with rings) if they could keep the price and weight down.
