Checking new equipment

[Stovetop]

I have been having a very hard time getting some even half way decent images.  Today I figured I would check my tracking motor, gears and the general state of the tripod.  It's an inexpensive G3, but I bought what the budget would allow.

After checking a few things I found the retaining nut for the RA cinched down so tight it was causing some major drag.  Under the RA gear (the bigger one) I found a piece of tape.  It was causing just enough offset between it and the drive gear that it wasn't getting enough "grab" and was jerking. 

I made a few adjustment and lubed all the bearing surfaces and now it seems to track much better and smoother.  The lesson I learned was that even though the equipment may be new, it never hurts to disassemble and make sure the factory built it right.

Tonight I'll find out for sure, depending on how much smoke is in the air due to the Western US fires.

[Astrosurf]

You're very brave. I couldn't have done that! Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Alexxx

[laudropb]

Hope tonight that you find all of your problems are solved.

[Scorpius]

I have been having a very hard time getting some even half way decent images.  Today I figured I would check my tracking motor, gears and the general state of the tripod.  It's an inexpensive G3, but I bought what the budget would allow.

After checking a few things I found the retaining nut for the RA cinched down so tight it was causing some major drag.  Under the RA gear (the bigger one) I found a piece of tape.  It was causing just enough offset between it and the drive gear that it wasn't getting enough "grab" and was jerking. 

I made a few adjustment and lubed all the bearing surfaces and now it seems to track much better and smoother.  The lesson I learned was that even though the equipment may be new, it never hurts to disassemble and make sure the factory built it right.

Tonight I'll find out for sure, depending on how much smoke is in the air due to the Western US fires.

I'd be concerned about voiding the warranty and they have ways that they can tell. Glad it worked out for you though and look forward to follow-up report after your next time out...

[Stovetop]

Mission accomplished.  It was very windy tonight so I setup inside the garage pointing south. Alignment was as close as I could get it with some quick drift alignment. This is a short stack of 9 lights (35 seconds), no flats, darks or bias. My main purpose was to check for tracking, jitters and the like.  I think I got close to solving my mount problem.

[cjdawson]

Stars are nice and round, so looks like the tracking is good.

I'd also check out the collimation if you haven't already.

[Astrosurf]

You're very close! Yes, ditto collimation.