I have some 'play' on my HEQ5 - Is this normal?

[swag72]

Please bear with me, I'm a bit of a technophobe and so this may be hard to describe!!

When the clutches are all tight on my HEQ5, I have some degree of 'play' on the mount. It probably moves about 2mm when I deliberately move it and feels like the scope isn't seated on the cradle properly (that kind of feeling) - It is all tight though. So, I thought that perhaps it needs worm gear tightening?

I know this sounds a little vague, but it's hard to be specific. Initially I thought it was just on the DEC, as when the scope is on I can move it a little. Then I tried it from the counterweight rod and I get the same movement.

Should mounts have any degree of movement in them?

[studio1one]

There is a fine balance between having it too tight so the gears lock up and too loose so there is a little play, you can play around with the screws that tighten and loosen the engagement until it is just right. It sounds a little intimidating but actually it is really really easy. I have had play in my RA axis before and played around for 10 mins or so until it is perfect.

One thing I would add is that once you think you have it perfect, let the axis you have adjusted do a full 360 degree turn, using it's motors to make sure the gears aren't going to bind at any point at all.

here is a great guide

HEQ5 - Worm Adjustment

[Whippy]

If you're not mechanically minded and your mount works, then I'd leave well alone. Most of the mounts I've had have had varying amounts of play it's never affected their performance.

Tony..

[swag72]

I'm not aware that it's affecting things - Does it sound like the worm gear just needs a tighten?

[studio1one]

That's what it was with me, I wouldn't like to say what it is with you but I believe this is generally the problem. Try PM astrobaby, he wrote that guide and I'm sure has a much deeper knowledge of the inner workings of the mount than I have.

[Daniel-K]

sounds like you have what i have on my mount i was panicing about mine thinking all sorts but in the end if its not broke dont fix it mine still has some play in it but works fine so im leaving it well alone till i can get a neq6

[jgs001]

I've had this a couple of times, when somethings not quite been tight enough. Normally the mount head bolt from the tripod... The clutches scope and everything are good and tight, but a teeny amount of play in the head bolt means everything feel wobbly... that really upset everything though.

[swag72]

Thanks all - I will monitor it and see how it goes.