Skyawatcher AZEQ6-GT Dual Fit Saddle - some movement.

[WicklowSkies76]

As per the title, when my SCT is mounted on the dual fit saddle on my AZEQ6-GT I have noticed that there is a slight bit of give between the saddle and the mount, around half an inch or so, even when everything is tightened. Does anyone know how to fix this? I am assuming the saddle should absolutely not move at all as this would mean the heavy scope could shift due to gravity depending on its position.

[Dr_Ju_ju]

What saddle are you using? as a standard SW (wedge shaped) will be gripped securely, and I have the same mount, with no issues clamping saddle etc...

[Captain Scarlet]

The rear of the saddle is a round "puck". I can't remember whether the puck is integral to the saddle or bolted to it, I THINK it's integral. That round puck fits into a round recess on the mount itself and is held in place by 3 grubscrews. It sounds as though these grubscrews might be loose. If so, do not put a scope anywhere near it until all is secure, 1/2 inch movement sounds like a lot...

Edited March 23, 2020 by Captain Magenta

[WicklowSkies76]

7 minutes ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

What saddle are you using? as a standard SW (wedge shaped) will be gripped securely, and I have the same mount, with no issues clamping saddle etc...

It's the standard one that came with the Mount. I dropped the mount head many months ago. This could be collateral damage. It doesn't move 'freely' but it moves easily enough to make it a problem...

[Captain Scarlet]

... here we go ...

 

[WicklowSkies76]

2 minutes ago, Captain Magenta said:

The rear of the saddle is a round "puck". I can't remember whether the puck is integral to the saddle or bolted to it, I THINK it's integral. That round puck fits into a round recess on the mount itself and is held in place by 3 grubscrews. It sounds as though these grubscrews might be loose. If so, do not put a scope anywhere near it until all is secure, 1/2 inch movement sounds like a lot...

I wonder if this is something that can be fixed, DIY?

[WicklowSkies76]

I have a spare, secondary saddle for the AZ mode but don't think they are the same?

[Captain Scarlet]

first thing I'd do is unscrew those grubs, remove and take a look at the puck. the pics show where they grip on the puck itself

[WicklowSkies76]

Just now, Captain Magenta said:

first thing I'd do is unscrew those grubs, remove and take a look at the puck. the pics show where they grip on the puck itself

Wasn't sure if I could get at them... I will try that thanks.

[Captain Scarlet]

1 minute ago, WicklowSkies76 said:

I have a spare, secondary saddle for the AZ mode but don't think they are the same?

no i think the spare doesn't have a puck, it screws onto the bar

[Dr_Ju_ju]

It may be that the grub screws have worn down or even scored the inside of the receptacle that the puck goes into. If so you can try longer grub screws. I think they are either M4 or M5 but I may be wrong...

[WicklowSkies76]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gco2NNpeFyN2kCW57

See video. I can't see any screws that are accessible? Just a few thread holes above the dial? Any ideas?

[WicklowSkies76]

These are the holes I am referencing.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8ab8Dmktw195kmkS6

They are empty at the moment. I'm stumped.

[WicklowSkies76]

6 hours ago, Captain Magenta said:

... here we go ...

 

How do you get that off? I can't see any way to take that off the mount.

[Dr_Ju_ju]

just above the marked ring, with small thumb screws, there are three equally spaced holes, which allow access to the grub screws.....

[Captain Scarlet]

See where I’m pointing. Poke an Allen down into them to loosen the grubs. I’ve fitted an adm saddle instead of the stock one but it has the same puck.

 

[WicklowSkies76]

Thanks both! Will give a go.

[WicklowSkies76]

Solved! The grub screws were loose. Sorted thank you so much!

[Captain Scarlet]

Very glad to hear it. Expensive accident averted 🙂

[WicklowSkies76]

Yes thank you :). I was wondering why my GoTo wasn't really working accurately after alignment. The SCT must have been sliding out of position regularly. Imaging with an 11" SCT is indeed a challenge. I can't wait until I move to a widefield refractor imaging setup. I expect it will be far easier.

[haitch]

8 hours ago, WicklowSkies76 said:

Yes thank you :). I was wondering why my GoTo wasn't really working accurately after alignment. The SCT must have been sliding out of position regularly. Imaging with an 11" SCT is indeed a challenge. I can't wait until I move to a widefield refractor imaging setup. I expect it will be far easier.

🙀

[Clifff]

Had this exact same problem today solved by your postings, just tightened up the three grub screws only 3mm expected them to be more substantial,

Still that fixed the movement I had, I am still running in Alt AZ one day I'll try EQ mode.

Thanks to all,

Cliff