Advice on older Nexstar 8SE mount

[sweatysock]

Hi there,

I'd appreciate any advice you guys and girls have on servicing Celestron kit.  Have you ever used a service like this ( UK based ) ?

I have a Celestron Nexstar 8SE which has been stored in an an attic for a few years - but I am keen to get back into the swing so dusted it off at the weekend.

My first use was disappointing in how poor the star align was - way off the mark.  During the session I also noticed what I can only describe as 'clutching' where the directional buttons caused the mount to make a distressed noise before jerking around.

My thoughts are this goes beyond simple home repair - I need an expert !  So I wonder if any of you can recommend a company would service a 8SE mount for me?

Thanks in advance....

[Peter Drew]

Sounds like a dodgy power connection somewhere along the line, Mechanics rarely deteriorate whilst stored but electrical connections often do. An intermittent power supply could cause the "jerking" and this could affect the GOTO accuracy.    

[triton1]

I seem to remember a similar thread to this.The problem turned out to be that the grease in the mount had gone hard over a long period of time and a very thorough clean and regrease solved the problem.I had the same problem when I bought my cg5 s/h.

[John]

David Hinds Ltd is the main UK Celestron agent I believe. Might be worth getting in touch with them:

http://www.celestron.uk.com/

[CodnorPaul]

Astrotec are very good at servicing/fixing mounts - try them

[sweatysock]

Thanks all - not keen to open the mount up myself so will ask the two suggested companies if they can carry out a service or something.  

[ronin]

DHinds is the service place for Celestron, although I think he prefers people to go via a retailer. I suppose he will let you know.

Another is sctelescopes: http://sctelescopes.com/

Cannot find reference but I think SCTelescopes are down Kent.Sussex way.