Jonk

Good news, hopefully this helps others too.

Some adaptors only work if you connect via the scope's handset in 'pc direct mode' rather than directly (in the case of skywatcher mounts, not sure about others) - have you tried this?

Although another long shot, have you tried connecting EQASCOM to the simulator? Just to rule out an issue with the installation. Has it ever worked?

I don't use my hitec astro cable any more, it's this one: http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-eqdir-adapter.html It works, but has a small split in the outer cable insulation (could probably just tape it up). To avoid breaking the site rules, PM me if you want it for £20 delivered.

Open the device properties and check which com port it has been allocated. I remember using a hitec adapter and had to reset all the com ports in order for it to work. Can you try the cable in another pc?

Long shot but you could try and reset all com ports http://superuser.com/questions/408976/how-do-i-clean-up-com-ports-in-use Probably works for other windows versions too (not sure what you're using?)

Thanks Steve - I'll measure mine to double check and draw it manually. I was hoping to find a proper dwg of the whole mount to show on the drawing.

I'm trying to design my own pier for an AZ-EQ6 and rather than measure the mount, or copy an image from a PDF, I was looking for a CAD drawing to add to the drawings. Quick searches online don't offer much, so I was wondering if anyone else had found any?

I think I'll get the Baader LRGBs, they're less than half the price of the Astrodons and hoefully won't be too different. The Astrodon NB will be later on. The rain has just appeared here again, after 4 hours of clear-ness!

They won't be on a DLSR, I'm upgrading to an 8300 CCD, so will be looking at LRGB and NB imaging. From what I've read since, the general consensus is 'the narrower the better', especially for use during certain phases of the moon. I can't find much on Baader vs AD RGBs though.....another topic.

Fair point Dave but these will be useable for hopefully many years to come. I'm trying to decide on the 3nm or 5nm Astrodons (the moon point is in my mind too), and also which LRGB to go for - Baader or Astrodon? Once they're bought that's it - money has gone, hence the need to get it right.

I'm looking at filters at the moment whilst compiling my unbearable shopping list! Yes they're all expensive, but I want to buy the best I can while I can. Is there a huge difference to a narrowband beginner between 5nm and 3nm Astrodons? I mean mainly for the moonlight points above, at what phase of the moon are these filters usable worse case? For full moon nights I will just play with lunar mosaics or plentary, or do something else!

I tried it both ways with the same result. (i.e. washer brass side and casting side of the rollers). All 4 roller bearings (2 large, 2 small) have a washer either side.

Right - as I guessed, I had 3 washers on the RA axis - I can only assume one was stuck and when I reassembled it, I didn't notice, therefore having 2 on 1 side of the rollers. I wrongly assumed they were spacers used when tested in the factory (like shims). Obviously not! Moral of the story - check twice! It's back together now and appears to be fine (offload), so tonight if it's clear and not too windy. I'll set up outside and test with weight on. For others wanting a photo guide, I haven't got photos of every stage, but now know how it all works. it really is straight forwards, probably easier than the HEQ5, so am happy to help where needed.

Yes, I've cleaned and dried it 2 or 3 times. I wonder if I've put 3 washers in the RA axis, or 1 washer was missing? The mount is 2nd hand, not new. Thanks for doing some photos, I hope they help.

No, that's a steel washer stuck to the roller bearings. The last picture is the empty casting. That was my thought - is there supposed to be 1 either side of the bearings, as that would make sense?

Right, I've taken some photos of the DEC axis being disassembled. The only thing I can think that isn't right, is the roller bearings only have a metal disc / washer on 1 side, whereas I'm sure on the RA axis, it had 2, 1 either side of the bearings? The roller bearings on the clutch wheel certainly has 1 either side. I don't really want to pull apart the RA axis again to look, but I may have to if no one else is currently doing the same.