Upgraded power socket for HEQ5 pro + cable managment.

[JAS]

After reading a post here: http://www.astronomy...t=the power mod

about replacing the power socket on a HEQ6 for a locking type connector, it got me thinking about doing it on my HEQ5 pro, I have knocked it out several times in the past and I also had the power LED flashing when the mount slews. I spent hours searching Google but could not find any info?

So I set about finding a plug and socket that would fit into the small space that was available, and eventually came across this,

SOCKET.

http://uk.rs-online....7633D4E4F4E4526

PLUG.

http://uk.rs-online....7633D4E4F4E4526

I got the cable recommended in the first link here: http://uk.farnell.co...003&sku=4327100

and using Astro Baby's guide to dismantle the mount here: http://www.astro-bab...ild/heq5-m1.htm

I made a start.

Drilling hole in panel.

I had to file the key way in with a needle file.

It was a tight fit but it went in, if anyone tries this ensure the nut sits below the pillar for the circuit board, note the pencil line. You could remove the internal rib to give more room, but the nut just about drops in behind the pillar.

I routed the wires under the switch wires and kinked them over to miss the guide socket.

Then refitted the board and soldered the wires to the back of the original power socket.

I then covered the soldered ends with hot glue to insulate them and refitted the panel to the mount.

This is the plug and cable ready for fitting shown with the original skywatcher cable, the wire is double insulated so quite thick it was a tight fit but it went in with some persuasion.

A couple of pics of it in place.

I then spent some time tidying up all the wiring.

The black box is for the temperature sensors for my automated dew heaters that I have just put together, but that is in another thread.

I have only had the one opportunity to use it in anger and everything worked a treat, and no more flashing LED

The connector and socket are both small but have a nice positive locking action and there is no way they can be knocked out, the cable is also very supple and of good quality, the only down side is the £20 min order +VAT from Farnell, when the cable is only £7.21 + VAT. I spent a fair amount of time on Farnells site trying to find suitable connectors to make up the order but I could not find anything!

Anyway hopefully this will be of use to someone.

Jason.

[atmenterprises]

That is some nice work. Good job.

[Jessun]

Yup! Very nice and clean!

Nothing like a DIY job finished

[Patrice Lanteigne]

Brave man! Nice job, your whole cable management scheme is an inspiration.

[JAS]

Thanks, it was worth the effort/ risk!

I was unsure about drilling a hole in my mount at first, but then I thought worst case, I have a hole that I could put a grommet in if things didnt go to plan

Jason.

[Herbig]

Nice neat job, well done!

[Astro_Baby]

Weird.....I am doing the same mod on my own HEQ5 using the new style SW connector.......you beat me to it.

[JAS]

Hope it goes to plan for you.

I spent a lot of time looking for any info for this mod but found nothing, looks like there will be plenty of info about for others now.

I have not seen the new skywatcher connector, I would be interested to see yours when it's finished.

Jason.

Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk 2

[Astro_Baby]

I did a similar mod ages ago for a polarscope illuminator, similar in approach to your power socket.

http://www.astro-baby.com/articles/polarscope%20dimmer%20for%20HEQ5/HEQ5_polarscope_dimmer.htm

Actually I wouldnt use a screw in power connector as I am mobile and I would always prefer to have the cable come loose if someone stepps on it or trips but I was going to do the mod just as a guide bu I have been sooooooo busy with other stuff.

Your. Od is very neat though, looks the business.

[JAS]

I see what you mean. I keep meaning to have a good look around your site, just havnt got round to it yet. I should have, it would have made it easyer to see where someone else drilled a hole.

Good point about the mobile setup, better to loose power than tip the mount.

Jason.

Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk 2

[Gina]

Very nice neat job

Those are nice neat little connectors you got from RS I've aready bought all my connectors - I had a good search for small latching connectors but didn't find those and went for XLR connectors. I've got replacements for my NEQ6 but having replaced the original cable with my own and new right angle connector to fit the SW socket I have had no problems at all. So it's a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"

Edited January 9, 2013 by Gina

[IanL]

Also liking that pier. Do you have a thread on here or a link to any details of how you built it?

[JAS]

Very nice neat job

Those are nice neat little connectors you got from RS I've aready bought all my connectors - I had a good search for small latching connectors but didn't find those and went for XLR connectors. I've got replacements for my NEQ6 but having replaced the original cable with my own and new right angle connector to fit the SW socket I have had no problems at all. So it's a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"

I have rebuilt my power and data hub to incorperate the Arduino dew heater, while I was there I swaped all of the sockets for theses: http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1497.l2649, they are about the same size as XLR's but have a nice locking action and are a good price They do these in 2,3 and 5 pin versions.

Jason.

[JAS]

Also liking that pier. Do you have a thread on here or a link to any details of how you built it?

Here you go Ian: http://www.astronomyshed.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=7704

It is very solid, I went this way because I was not keen on going to all the trouble of making it a solid as possible only to support the top plate on 4 long threaded bars! I have seen lots of debate about this point, but in my view 4 long bolts are going to flex alot more than 4 bolts less than 10mm long! But saying that lots of people have done it the other way without issues, this is just my opinion.

I never did fill it with sand, I have not had any need to.

Jason.

Jason.

[Juicy6]

Thank you for showing this mod. For Scandinavian members - the connectors can be ordered from ELFA in Stockholm, www.elfa.se , ordering numbers 44-915-01 and 44-915-12.

Christer

[YAOG]

 

Hi Jason,

I know this is old but it may help Americans who want to make this excellent upgrade to their HEQ5 or Sirius mounts.  The manufacture Binder can supply these parts to USA customers through their USA offices in Camarillo California! I ordered the same parts and they work perfectly! 

These are the parts and prices as of 02/15/2016 from Binder USA.

Part No. - 99 0972 102 02, Qty - 1, Item Total - $7.87
Part No. - 09 0973 00 02, Qty - 1, Item Total - $5.38

I hope this helps!

Chip

 

Edited February 21, 2016 by YAOG

[Daniel-K]

Swish!!!

[Viktiste]

Old thread, I know, but thanks for posting.  I am gong to do this. Accidentally wiggled the power lead the other day, just after the 3 star alignment was done. Had to redo  the alignment. Mars does not wait for my mount to get back on line, neither do the clouds.

Very annoying!