rob12770

Old Post i know but, I had this same problem,  since adding the synscan EQ5 pro upgrade, my scope kept banging into my EQ5 pro mount  and tripod, then realised it was because I had my elevation set to minus ( - ) instead of plus ( + ) 

since changing it to + it hasn't colided with the mount,

I don't know Why this fixed it, but it has, also make sure Auto flip is on.

hope this helps someone someday 🖖

Update

After much experimentation, you guys are right, i put the long dovetail  back on, and have tested it, no slipping, i think the main reason im keeping it on ( apart from  tube strength ) is that its a lot easier to get on and off the mount.

thanks again for all your input 👍

Rob

yes, ok, thats great thanks 👌

16 minutes ago, alacant said:

8" f5 on an eq5 showing rigid tube dovetail arrangement, top bar and anti-slip devices on the underside of the bottom plate.

We found that for astrophotography, anything less requires an OAG.

HTH

I dont know what an OAG is im afraid ( new to all this )

do  you have any links for the dovetails etc you show here ?

i cant really see the anti slip  locking device

 thanks

3 minutes ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

The dovetail bar in your photo is already drilled and tapped. That is the sort of thing they are referring to.

if you mean the long black one, no its not, those are just marks made by the screwhead

EDIT

wait, i know what you mean now thanks

cheers

25 minutes ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

 

Some Sky-watcher mount clamps have an extra small screw which is presumably intended as a safety backup

yes, that is what the smaller white clamp is using, it has the notches for it, thats why im using it over the longer dovetail, i feel its much safer..but im new so ..🤷‍♂️

it seems like a really good idea, to me, this is a monster of a telescope so handling it is um..difficult, but im sure il get used to it soon. 

thanks for your input 

9 hours ago, Pixies said:

That white plate is a proper Vixen SX dovetail plate, I believe.

after some googling, although very similar to the Vixen SX, im not sure it is, what i have has little notches cut out for both the main holding screw and the locking screw, the same  as the third one down here.

I notice it says "customer required to drill/tap both mounting plates as necessary) for the secure mounting of your Intes telescope on these precision Sky-Watcher mounts."

looks like my long plate needs drilled / filed as Merlin mentioned earlier 

Cheers

6 hours ago, Captain Magenta said:

Part of the point of the exposed glass rear of the mirror is to allow it to radiate heat quickly enough to adjust to temperature changes in good time, as the mirror becomes the wrong shape if different areas of it are at different temperatures.

M

Ah, i had wondered if it had something to do with that..i just felt it was rather exposed, with  any other scope i had the mirror  was on a metal mount, i still feel it could be better protected.

Cheers

1 hour ago, Merlin said:

There’s an easy solution to making a dovetail bar safe and that’s to file a slot on one side, so that the locking screw is secured in the slot.

i would need a longer locking screw really, but yeah.

Thanks  very much for your replies guys 👌

a lot  to digest there, i will be using a lightweight..ish  camera lumix GH2

as i say, i feel much safer using the short white dovetail as it has the safety notches, i hear what you say about tube flex, but i will try to file, or modify some notches in the longer rail if i decide to use it..as it is tight now, i fear it could just slide right out if not tight enough..

I plan on motorising the EQ5 mount soon with the  SynScan Pro v3 GOTO Upgrade Kits, so the more stable the better..

Thanks Rob :O)

anyone ?

your sensor is 22.3 x 14,.9mm so try and get a close size swab,  better to get slightly smaller than larger, i suggest getting a wet swab, not  the dry ones, ive cleaned a lot of sensors and  to get good cleaning solution  ( Eclipse ) is expensive, better just getting a few cheap wet swabs.

Hi, i bought a 2nd hand Skywatcher 200P EQ5 yesterday, i like it but i have a couple of questions,

it came with a long dovetail on the rings, but it also came with what i assume is the original short white mounting  pate, i have put the short on on because i think its much safer due to the locking screw notch and main screw notch.

im wondering why you would need a longer than stock dovetail ? aside from easier balancing i see no advantage.. but being a noob, happy to hear your thoughts..

Also i have a question about the primary mirror, to my surprise it looks like the glass back of the mirror is totally unprotected at the rear of the scope.. isnt this a bit dodgy ?  i would have assumed it would be covered on case it got banged ?

thanks Rob :O)

Hi guys, thanks for all your replies, very helpful, 👌 i am working my way through them and doing lots off googling as i go lol..

I use a Micro four thirds Panasonic Lumix GH2 camera and   have dabbled with eyepiece projection, im  waiting on rings for my meade 90 800 refractor to try some prime focus..

im doing things on the cheap ATM because 1 im not rich ans 2 i dont want to sink loads of cash in just yet :O)

i dont like the idea of goto mounts, ( im old fashion i guess )  i just want something solid that tracks well,  has the ability to accept a polar scope and can handle a decent payload, time will tell, but please do keep suggestion forthcoming, im researching them all..

Many Thanks Rob  😃

yeah, its ok, but probably not for astrophotography ..what mount would you recommend for that ?? on the cheaper side ? cheers

Hi, so got a Skywatcher Explorer 130 with the EQ2 mount, but find theres way too much movement when everything is tightened down,

i have carefully balanced the scope as it should be,,

my real question is, what deep socket do i need to tighten the RA nut ? there is little to no space to fit a socked...?? looks about a 16mm ish nut

i cant get anything to fit in the RA tube. any socket would have to very VERY thin walled.. i dont get it ??

cheers Rob