Has anyone had an HEQ5 Belt Drive modification?

[Fordos Moon]

My HEQ5Pro is playing up a lot on the RA and I am thinking of sending it to this chap who comes recommended to be stripped down and rebuilt:

http://www.astrotecuk.co.uk/

He also offers a beltdrive mod and I wondered if someone could tell me what advantage this would be, as it is another £130 while he is at it (the strip down is £100)

Thanks in anticipation, Bob

[Steve Ward]

Not had it done but know that Graham is a great engineer and a thoroughly nice chap too ...  

He's also considering starting a home visit service with a van in case couriering the heavy mount with little or no insurance is an issue.

[Demon Barber]

Well worth it Bob,Graham at Astrotec rebuilt my damaged heq5pro,and made a great job of it,good communication and a fast turnaround,his belt mod it very good quality.

HTH

Mike

[Fordos Moon]

Thanks chaps it alll sounds good - how would i benefit from a belt drive?

[philj]

For visual you wouldnt benefit a great deal but for autoguiding backlash is reduced and its more responsive. Either way its alot quieter, no ticking or crackling as the idler gears are removed

[Jonk]

Worth it for sure, but be sure the belt drive is the correct ratio, i.e. same as Rowan Astro Engineering, because if it's not, slewing and tracking will not be accurate.

The belt mod yourself is not hard to do, if you're good at simple mechanical work.

[Fordos Moon]

Worth it for sure, but be sure the belt drive is the correct ratio, i.e. same as Rowan Astro Engineering, because if it's not, slewing and tracking will not be accurate.

The belt mod yourself is not hard to do, if you're good at simple mechanical work.

 Thanks Jonk, Im hoping the guy I will send it to will know how to do that?

[Fordos Moon]

Well worth it Bob,Graham at Astrotec rebuilt my damaged heq5pro,and made a great job of it,good communication and a fast turnaround,his belt mod it very good quality.

HTH

Mike

Thanks Mike do you by any chance have his email address, the link on the website doesnt seem to work? - ignore that ive found it!

[1parsec]

Worth it for sure, but be sure the belt drive is the correct ratio, i.e. same as Rowan Astro Engineering, because if it's not, slewing and tracking will not be accurate.

The belt mod yourself is not hard to do, if you're good at simple mechanical work.

Graham uses the Rowan Astronomy belt kits as part of his services.

[Fordos Moon]

Thanks so much everyone - mount collected today and on it's way to Graham!