Jammed RA gear on EQ-1

[mag10]

Hello from Canada everyone!

I think I've just proven the old rule "buyer beware".

Even though I have 4 new 'scopes including a C8 CGEM, I'm still a relative newbie.

I just bought a used Skywatcher EQ-1 mount with RA motor for my 102mm refractor from a "guy" who posted on a local astronomy site. Well it turns out that the RA gear is jammed solid. The motor "ticks" over inside the box, but no turning of the RA gears. Same thing when I try manually, even with a lot of strength.

The RA mount actually turns (along with the graduated disc), but not the gear underneath, nor the pinion gear to which it's attached, therefore no control for tracking or photography.

When I e-mailed the seller, he fobbed me off by saying it's "normal", that the pinion screw has reached its end, and I just have to "unscrew" it and it will work. I mailed him back to tell him that this kind of pinion screw has no "end", it's just supposed to turn and engage the gears on the RA mount.

I've yet to receive an answer on that one (three days gone).

Any ideas on how to unjam these gears, or was I completely had?

Thanks,

Jerome Tremblay

Montreal