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NEQ6-tuning kit

Gunnar

By Gunnar
in DIY Astronomer

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Gunnar

Gunnar

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Hi.

My NEQ6 needed some improvements. So why not build myself a NEQ6 tuning kit.

The first fix that I did was to making a part in my milling machine, made out of alumimium2024 to act as a 90 degrees surface for the latitude adjustment screw. It prevent the screw to bend sideways. When testing, it was to my full satisfaction. No more bent screws I think.

The two to pictures to the right shows the prototype part and It`s slightly different in hole spacing than the other screwed to the mount/heel which has 18mm hole spacing!

The prototype fit to my NEQ6 (16mm holespacing by mistake) the other "extra one" are for some of my friends who might need one sooner or later! :smiley:

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Gunnar

Gunnar

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XLNT ! thought of making up a few more ???? put me on the list if you do :)

Hi

It is possible whenever I get time for that. But for now, I have a lot to do with those new caps for my NEQ6. I'll put you on the list. :smiley:

Gunnar

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Gunnar

Gunnar

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:icon_salut: :icon_salut: :icon_salut:

BTW spill the beans, what are the other parts you're anodising??

A heat sink to a jive speed control belonging to a friend of mine. He want it black and orange color on the text. The other parts is all for my NEQ6.

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Gunnar

Gunnar

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The two covers with NEQ6 logo and the degree scale were difficult but necessary to remove and sadly one of them cracked a little at the edge. But then I thought it might be good to be able to open the covers for future maintenance and play adjustment.

So I figured out a way to make removable covers as a replacement for the old ones. I made two fastening rings (orange color) that will be glued to NEQ6 body. Then i can screw the covers to the rings. That will make maintenance easy in the future.

Bling Bling! Homemade Tuning kit for NEQ6, note the small steel insert to reduce wear from the adjustment screw.

Gunnar

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Dipper

Dipper

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Can you tell us is it absolutely necessary to remove the NEQ6 logo circle to open the insides of the mount? If mine gets cracked like yours did I won't have a nice custom built metale plate to replace it with. :grin: But I have to somehow open it as my latitude bolt is bent and it won't get out - it just hits a side wall and won't make a full rotation.

Also, how did you drill the two holes into the mount to screw the new part to it? Is the metal (or whatever the material it is) the mount is made of very solid?

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Gunnar

Gunnar

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Can you tell us is it absolutely necessary to remove the NEQ6 logo circle to open the insides of the mount? If mine gets cracked like yours did I won't have a nice custom built metale plate to replace it with. :grin: But I have to somehow open it as my latitude bolt is bent and it won't get out - it just hits a side wall and won't make a full rotation.

Also, how did you drill the two holes into the mount to screw the new part to it? Is the metal (or whatever the material it is) the mount is made of very solid?

Hi Dipper.

1. Yes it is necessary. The bolt is underneath it.

2. Maybe someone can make a nice custombuilt metal plate for you, :rolleyes: However a friend of mine managed to keep the logo circle intact when he removed it.

3. Standard drill and tap for metal, material is solid cast aluminium, easy to drill and thread. (if using denaturated alcohol for lubricating the drill and tap, A MUST!) and take it slow.

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Gunnar

Gunnar

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Some disgusting pictures from the production :grin:

1. First design, rejected. 2. Fastening ring, no holes drilled yet. 3. Turning metalplate, parting tool in action. 4. Countersink. 5. Finished parts ready to anodise.

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Gunnar

Gunnar

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Hi.

Yesterday was nothing done because we had a lovely "starbecue" on Sandvretens observatory followed by observing and photographing well into the night, and we had lovely weather! The Sandvreten observatory is operated by an amateur astronomical association UAA in Uppsala. There is also a gallery (galleri on Swedish) with some nice astro images photographed by members, http://uaa.saaf.se/index.php Feel free to visit our site!

But tonight, work continued, yet a little tired. I made the latitude scale, it was pretty good.

Some pictures.

1. Ring in the fixture. 2. Ready to go! 3-4.Milling marks. 4-5. Finished scale.

Gunnar.

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daz

daz

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Wow! Great job :)

I wonder if its possible to design a similar piece for the azimuth adjustment as well..?

Suggestion:

On the face plate for the latitude scale, you could drill 3 additional holes to allow access to the 3 latitude tension adjustment grub screws, and some sexy anodised thumb-screws to go with it!!

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Gunnar

Gunnar

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Wow! Great job :)

I wonder if its possible to design a similar piece for the azimuth adjustment as well..?

Suggestion:

On the face plate for the latitude scale, you could drill 3 additional holes to allow access to the 3 latitude tension adjustment grub screws, and some sexy anodised thumb-screws to go with it!!

Thanks Daz.

The 3 screws are already accessible behind the glossy lid, just to remove five screws. Then you can adjust the latitude tension adjustment grub screws. :smiley:

The orange ring will be glued on the main body with appropriate adhesive. Caps are removable by loosening the five screws

See pictures!

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Gunnar

Gunnar

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Hi Gunnar ,you just have to make a kit for the heq5pro mounts,superb work,well impressed.

I for one would buy a kit if you decide to market them!!!!

ATB

Mike

Hi and thanks Mike!

Then it is necessary to borrow a heq5 and take it apart to study what needs to be done I'm afraid. I own no such unfortunately. But it would certainly be possible to do. :laugh::grin:

Regards

Gunnar

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George

George

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HEQ5 is the same, just smaller I think....

In the interest of safety, and to prevent a member from injuring themselves, I'd be happy to test one of those altitude adjusters..... :rolleyes:

Testing should always be done on a wider scale to spot any inconsistancys, better put me down for one too......in the name of consumer safety you understand :grin:

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