Problem fitting HEQ5 Pro to Astro Engineering AC282 Pier

[Notty]

Hello, I was wondering of anyone might have the same setup, as Ive just tried fitting my mount to my new pier, but have hit a snag which seems a bit odd considering the pier is supposed to fit this mount with no problem.

My issue is the azimuth datum/reference bolt (for the head's own az adjustment bolts to work against) which on my old tripod is just a moulded nub of metal integral to the tripod, but on the pier is an M10 (I think) straight bolt. As you can see from the pictures, the bolt is actually fouling on the casing of the mount before the mount has fully seated in the pier adapter! There's not a huge gap but a gap there is, and it's obvious because if I unscrew and remove the bolt the mount seats beautifully.

I've contacted my supplier who suggested I simply file away enough material from the bolt to enable a proper fit, and I've also contacted the manufacturer directly but not sure if they will answer.

If anyone has the same setup, did you have any similar issue?

Many thanks for any advice.

Andrew

[twintin]

I might be wrong but it looks to me like the bolt is fouling before it gets to the height of the az bolts, in which case reducing the height of the bolt will make no difference as it still won't reach the bolts.

[Steve Ward]

I had the same thing with my Berlebach Planet , I just ground the front of the bolt at a slight angle to match the slope of the inside of the mount casting and two flats on the sides of the bolt , removing the thread to make the adjustment smoother.

[Notty]

Thanks for the replies I think that's my default option to be honest Steve, I'm just surprised as they specifically say this pier and mounting kit is designed to mate with an heq5. Just makes me wonder if I've been supplied with the right bit. I see the equivalent for an eq6 isn't a naked bolt at all, but a tapering shaped part which screws into the hole more akin to the bit on the tripod, but even their marketing pics have this naked bolt, weird!

[red dwalf]

I bought an adapter plate new from altair, you do not get a alt azi bolt with it, but i made my own just cut down, or you could remove the bolt from the tripod and use that.

[dph1nm]

I had a custom plate made for an HEQ5 and it had the same problem. Nothing a bit of filing couldn't cure though. It makes you wonder if there isn't some slight variation in the construction of these mounts, so that one set of measurements doesn't suit all of them.

NigelM

[Notty]

Thanks all, in the end I bought a new M10 bolt with a nice square bolt head on it and machined it down till it fit. I'm learning this hobby isn't an exact science even though it says it is!