Elara

A further update: After a few more weeks of waiting I got an email alert to tell me that the new ‘parts’ were on their way. Serge included a special aluminium ‘tool’ (see photos ) for removing the existing inner ring, parting it from the magnetic ‘encoder’ ring. This morning, a phone call from Serge… Using a vice to hold the aluminium tool, with a rubber hammer, I tapped gently on a wooden dowel, to force the inner plastic ring ‘out’, leaving just the magnetic ring, which I then fitted onto the new, wider diameter inner; hey presto, both done and very easily. The fit was MUCH better and I could sense that there would be absolutely NO play compared to the original ones. I tightened everything up, per instructions, and checked via SETTINGS / ‘TEST’ on the Nexus DSC Pro: both Alt / Az responded accordingly. It’s overcast today, but the Clear Outside app. is predicting a suitable sky on Friday evening/after midnight, into Saturday. I’ll let those interested know how I get on with alignment and eventual use. Super service from Serge/Astro Devices, so far so good; thanks to FLO for their interest and offers of help! #1. Aluminium ‘tool’ #2. Showing ‘inner’ pushed through, and magnetic encoder ring removed

I’ve just come across this thread and your images of the Moon, ( a favourite to observe; visual only) and I’d echo what @PatrickO and others have previously said - these are superb lunar images. I’m working my way through the Lunar 100 and back in February I got an ‘amazing’ view of no.17 Schroters Valley; it was almost 3D due to its close position to the terminator? Keep them coming and thanks for the link to your Moon map! - I’ll use it as a reference (split screen) whilst watching the amazing video images from this site. Clear skies/great seeing… Graham

A quick update: Serge called me this morning, the upshot of which is : he is working on a solution! I’ll post results as and when, so for those interested, and or with the same mount, bear with me . I’d add, as a general comment, that I/we are very fortunate to have suppliers/distributors around the world, like Serge, who care that their ‘products’ work as advertised, and that their customers are satisfied!

Thanks Keith. Another attempt last night, and by loosening and re-tightening I’ve managed to fix the problem with the Alt Axis. The IFU recommends that you DON’T over tighten and I’m pleased to say that the Alt. encoder disk assembly is without movement, but with some ‘turn’ remaining in the Allen head screw, if needed ( hopefully not!) I’ll try a repeat with the Az. later today and let you/others know how I get on. As far as I can tell each white disk looks to be the same size. Obvs. I was careful not to mix them up during original assembly. Great service from FLO who emailed and were concerned to see that I get a solution. I haven’t heard back from Serge; I know he’s busy and it may just be me anyway! Again, appreciate your suggestions and input! Cheers 👍 Graham

As you can see ( hopefully ) despite significant tightening the discs remain loose. IMG_1279.mov IMG_1280.mov IMG_1281.mov IMG_1282.mov

Really appreciate your input. The white disk is definitely being gripped, and isn’t ’rotating’, but the whole unit simply doesn’t stay firmly in either Alt/Az aperture opening of the mount, despite hard tightening. I’ll try to upload a video in the next day or two.

No, I wouldn’t call it ‘slipping’ unless I misunderstand your point. The female part isn’t opening out at all, as far as I can tell, therefore my theory on the diam. of the white disk being the problem?

Thank you for this, it’s what I’ve been trying but with no success. I’m wondering whether the white chamfered discs are just too wide in diameter to successfully expand the inner enough to create the interference fit necessary? I’ll drop FLO a line too and await on Serge for his input. Cheers!

100/800 f8 refractor VAMO Traveller Mount Gitzo tripod

It may be that I’m missing something ( very possible with me!) but I’m having difficulties getting the encoder disks to remain tight in both Alt and Az configuration. No matter how many turns of the Allen key, each disk seems to remain ‘loose’, making alignment impossible. The instructions didn’t show how each individual component fitted together, so I assume I’ve got that bit right? Has anyone else had this problem and if so, any suggested solutions are much appreciated. Thanks in advance. (An email has gone off to Serge also.)

Thank you for creating this dedicated thread - very helpful! I’m the new owner of N. DSC Pro with encoders for a VAMO Traveller Mount (hereinafter VTM). My skill set runs to following instructions ( mainly) and it took me a while to work out how to fit some encoder parts onto the VTM, as the IFU seemed to skip things. I may email Serge, who, prior to purchase (from Astrograph and FLO) was very helpful. I originally thought of buying direct but the savings were minimal. This N.DSC Pro is firmware version 1.1.24 dated April 2023. Hopefully I’ll get chance to mount a scope on the VMT in the next few days and try things out!

Thank you to everyone who has commented so far! I may forward these/your thoughts to his wife/family ( naturally I’ll ask them first) once I see a few more posts and a few more days have passed? Unlike a number of you I never met David in person, but had corresponded regarding a OTA for a mirror set I was thinking of.

I’m not sure if this is the right place within the forums, but I do have family permission to post this… David Lukehurst passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last Thursday. I’d been in communication with him and eventually received a note from his wife, ( Lindsey) giving me this sad news. The family are attending to his business matters, but if you were awaiting orders etc please be aware they will have a lot on their ‘plate’ at present.

Welcome to the forum Elisa! You will find lots of information on here and very knowledgeable people to answer any questions.

This is the one I meant to link to, the first page in the thread - apologies!