Use tracking dob without power?

[Shure]

Probably a simple question but I have been unable to find a definitive answer so far...

I have just picked up a 250px auto but I am not sure if I am fine to use it without any power to the motors?

I've presumed I am ok to do so but am I doing any potential damage to the motors?

Thanks

[brantuk]

It's made so you can "push to" and/or "slew" with the power on. So it must have clutches and I doubt it will do any damage with the motors off. I move mine around and up down when storing it and never noticed any side effects

[johninderby]

While it is OK to move manually the movement is very stiff which makes it awkward to observe with. It's really only intended for moving the scope quickly to a new position and then using the hand control again.

John

[CJBooth]

I move mine about whilst both powered and none powered, it's designed to let you do exactly that.

Sometimes moving it about with the control just takes too long. I think SkyWatcher were spot on the money in recognising this and catering for it.

[ItIsOnlyMe]

+1 for move it about as much as you like. I use mine about 50/50 with and without power. I too find the movement quite clunky and in ALT I find there is a fair bit of play so use power to do any "serious" observing.