AZ-4 'tuning'

[Teal Rain]

Morning all,

I have recently acquired an AZ-4 mount. I was wondering if there is any merit in polishing the metal bearing surface on the altitude axis that the telfon disc runs on. I've done a couple of CG-5s before as per Astro-Boy's instructions and they made quite a difference in the motions.

Any advice welcome!

Thanks

M

[John]

I find the motions on my AZ-4 fine without modification. The tension adjustment seems to work and I find I need it as my eyepieces range from a a few oz in weight to a couple of pounds !

While you want the motions smooth you also want enough resistance to hold the scope in position without having to re-balance it each time you change an eyepiece. I find the mount does that well enough without tuning.

I use a Vixen ED102SS on mine and occasionally an ED120.

[Teal Rain]

Thanks John. I think I'll just give it a good clean and re-grease. I've noticed there's a sort of 'notch' as the dovetail axis goes past the vertical. There's nothing I can see on the bearings so I'm assuming it's a function of the sprung tension washer used? Any thoughts?

It didn't have a very good debut - my lunt prism slipped round in the FS-78 compression ring and tipped my 18mm BGO on to the garden slabs! much swearing was heard by all in ear shot. My fault though for not tightening it enough!

[John]

I've noticed that "Notch" too but I can't put my finger on what is causing it. It does not seem to cause any problems though.

I hope the BGO 18mm escaped unscathed - they are collectors pieces now you know !

I do envy you your Tak's by the way, especially the FS 102

[nightfisher]

I have a penchant for fiddling and fettling things to try to make them a little sweeter and smoother, but the AZ4 is one item i am more than happy with, its now my most used mount and love it

[twotter]

I have a penchant for fiddling and fettling things to try to make them a little sweeter and smoother, but the AZ4 is one item i am more than happy with, its now my most used mount and love it

Glad to hear it....I decided to get an AZ-4 for my TAL, rather than a SkyTee 2, and it's on the way from FLO

[nightfisher]

The Tal and AZ 4 work in hermony.....enjoy

[RikM]

I think the 'notch' is deliberate. Mine does that as well.

I mainly use a 150P Newt on mine and haven't felt the need to mess with the bearings. It works very nicely out of the box.