EQ3 Pro Synscan Supertune?

[Thalestris24]

I was wondering if anyone has tuned (or even supertuned) the eq3 pro else maybe it's not thought worth bothering to do? Mine is ok but I can't help feeling it could be improved!

Louise

[Thalestris24]

I guess not!  

[Dr_Ju_ju]

I have "tuned" my EQ3 Syscan (previous version ?). Like you, I found no direct info, so basically followed the EQ5 tuning(s) & 'downsized' ….

[Thalestris24]

2 hours ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

I have "tuned" my EQ3 Syscan (previous version ?). Like you, I found no direct info, so basically followed the EQ5 tuning(s) & 'downsized' ….

Ok, thanks. I thought of doing that also but wasn't sure how comparable they are under the cover. I've seen (and downloaded) Martin Pyott's videos which seem pretty comprehensive - for the eq5 pro. The thing is, though, is it worth the time and effort i.e. will it improve the eq3 pro?

Louise

[Dr_Ju_ju]

The mechanics are basically similar except for scale...  as for will it improve things ?  for me it did, less 'slop', smoother movement, less backlash... 

To take it further, I would have to fit it with belt drive, as I've done on an EQ5, but as I only use an AZ-EQ6 now, & the EQ3 is for traveling, I've left it as is.

[Stub Mandrel]

Me... I guess. Mainly aiming to reduce the DEC stiction and backlash.

I got the DEC nut off:

I think this gasket takes the DEC thrust!

Fitted a thrust roller race:

This is my grease:

Slathered the worm wheel:

Fitted a thrust race at the other end of the DEC spindle:

Added washers to adjust the worm position for the thickness of the upper roller bearing (and to keep it a bit more solid) (NB removing gasket meant this doesn't have to be as thick as the bearing.

Set a gratuitously crude rig to measure backlash as I tried to minimise it:

Replace the puny stepper I used for DEC with beefier one (with more steps):

I gave the RA axis a darn good adjusting and greasing as well. Much Binding in the Marsh no more...

[Thalestris24]

1 hour ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Me... I guess. Mainly aiming to reduce the DEC stiction and backlash.

That was a lot of work, Neil! Might as well have bought an eq5 pro!

Louise

[Thalestris24]

2 hours ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

The mechanics are basically similar except for scale...  as for will it improve things ?  for me it did, less 'slop', smoother movement, less backlash... 

To take it further, I would have to fit it with belt drive, as I've done on an EQ5, but as I only use an AZ-EQ6 now, & the EQ3 is for traveling, I've left it as is.

Is there a commercial belt drive available? I've not heard of one.

[Dr_Ju_ju]

Not that I'm aware of, but it should be possible to determine the ratios of the existing gears & then replace with appropriate pulleys & belt.

 

[Thalestris24]

19 minutes ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

Not that I'm aware of, but it should be possible to determine the ratios of the existing gears & then replace with appropriate pulleys & belt.

 

Ok, I've no idea how to do that!

[Stub Mandrel]

28 minutes ago, Thalestris24 said:

That was a lot of work, Neil! Might as well have bought an eq5 pro!

Louise

I did