The Trubble Telescope

Hi all, Sorry for the delay in posting. Just giving an update on the damaged CGEM mount. Sent the mount off to the Celestron Dealer in Thatcham Berkshire. The Celestron team were very helpful and said the RA motor needed replacing and that it would cost £96 What a relief that there wasn't more serious damage as I feared the worst. I dealt with Daniel who was very friendly and helpful and easy to talk to, he kept me informed of progress on the mount and made sure that everything was working ok before sending it back. I am extremely pleased with the Celestron support team, and wouldn't hesitate to contact them again if needed. Thanks again to Daniel. I have since wired in a little red light that comes on when the mount is switched on and shines though a little hole in the side of the obsy right next to the lock, so I can see it when I lock up even in daylight. Thanks to everyone's suggestions, I don't think I will let that happen again.! Also wanted to mention that I had my DSLR camera ( 600D ) modified by 'Astronomiser' in Derbyshire. Rear filter removal and sensor repositioning £90. Some people try it themselves, I would rather leave it to someone who knows what they are doing and Astronomiser obviously does. He also has new and used cameras for sale. Clear Skies

Another useful suggestion, Thank you

The CGEM is definitely damaged, motors still whirring after it's stopped slewing , very juddery motion and it continues to slew ( on max speed ) for about 12"- 15" after button relese. Well either way it's on it's way to a celestron workshop. They said they would assess the damage and let me know ( stay tuned ! ) At least they are going to update the firmware for me, never been done, mount 7 years old. Tried doing it myself but if you know me you know that me and technology don't mix.! 🤣

Yes I've had a few helpful suggestions from SG members ( thank you all ) just looking into the best wat forward for me.

Ok mate thanks I'll check that out

That sounds like a good idea, I'm no good with electrics but I will get an electrician to install something for me even if it's just a simple circut breaker which will be the last thing that I ALWAYS turn off when I leave the obsy.

Thank you, well it goes off to a celestron workshop today for evaluation . The expense has already started £80 to send , mostly insurance cover 🤨

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear you had that experience but it does make me feel better knowing that I'm not alone. This is the first time I've ever been on a forum ( everyone will have to forgive me if I get things wrong, I'm not very good with technology ) everyone has been so kind and helpful with their comments and advice.

Ha ha, Love it. I'm gonna do something similar !

Thanks, yes totaly agree. I'm waiting for a reply from Celestron I'll post what they say if I get a reply from them

Thank you, well the shots were ok and the 6.3 reducer gave a much better, wider field of view than the f 10 on the 11" SCT however I also discovered that I need to do a collimation, which seems a bit irrelevant at the moment, I also took some test shots with a small skywatcher scope which was giving some good results. I intend to trade in my OTA for probably a Skywatcher Esprit 100ED Triplet, all feedback on them seems good

Thanks, yes I'm going to do something like that before I get set up again

That's for sure !

Thank you I'm not sure I've got the confidence or ability to do that, sounds scary ! Thanks for the info

You know what I think I'll do ? I think I'll connect a small red light to the out outside of the obsy. Thanks Kev, great idea ! 😉

Thank You, I'll post the outcome

👍 Good idea

That's what I've always thought, don't know why they haven't. I can't be the only one that's happened to. 🤔

Thank You

Well fingers crossed !

Hi all, Just joined the forum so first time post. I just wanted to share my horror story and warn all fellow observers not to make the same stupid mistake that I did. After spending months getting my new obseratory up and running, and with lots of problems along the way with the roll off and telescope set up ( hence my name ) I was finally ready to start aquiring some images. I had waited ages for even just a small break in the clouds to try out my latest set up ( you've all been there ) Finally I got the chance, there was a break in the clouds, out I went did a quick star alignment, didn't have to be accurate just wanted try out the 6.3 reducer on my 11" SCT and test the field of view. Just got some shots before the clouds started rolling in again. never mind I'd got something to look at indoors. Quick close the roof it's starting to rain ! Slewed the telescope and CGEM mount to horizontal position closed the roof and locked the catches as the wind was getting up again. Can't wait to see my results but it will have to wait until the morning now as it's 2.30am . Another 2 days of wind and rain set in, never mind I'll go to the obsy and get a bit of red film to put over a torch. Went in the obsy....What the!!....????? What's my telescope doing in the rafters !!!?? OH NO, in my excitement at getting some images and my hurry to close up before it rained, I had forgotten to TURN OFF THE MOUNT ! It had continued to track for 2 DAYS !! and had been pushing against the A frame of the roof for 2 days. Needless to say the CGEM mount is now ruined, making a horrible noise and juddering when slewing in RA, continuing to slew when buttons have been released then stopping suddenly, I can also hear the gears spinning round in the mount when it has stopped slewing. Just waiting to hear back from Celestron support to find out if it can be repaired and for lockdown to end so I can take it somewhere to get the damage assessed. Luckily the OTA is undamaged... Anyone wanna buy a Knackerd CGEM mount ? Goodnight All The Trubble Telescope Don't foget to turn the lights off when you leave, Oh ......and the mount ! Clear Skies