Skytee II Mount Alt Backlash Fixed

[cloudsweeper]

Too much slop in use, getting to be a nuisance when using slow-mo controls (jerking), changing EPs, etc..

I decided to use trial and error to have a go at fixing it, and this seems to have worked.  

1. Remove the three screws/grubscrews around A, and twist it (and the saddle) off.

2. Slacken the lower thumbscrew on B and slide it off.

3. This reveals three grubscrews on the right.  Slacken them.  Slacken the alt lock.  Grip ring C (with a cloth) as well as the right hand saddle, and twist inwards.  This takes out the slop.  

4. Check it's not too tight by screwing down the grubscrews again, and rotating the saddle.  It should be smooth without being too loose.

5. Put it all back.  

Useful point about grubscrews:

One of the inner ones had its hex profile rounded and couldn't be slackened.  I selected a small slotted s/d that fitted snugly in the hole, and with gentle pressure, the grubscrew yielded.  To replace it, I found a brass electrical connector strip with screws with the same thread and size.  Keeping it in the strip made it easy to grip in a vice so that the head could be sawn off.  Still in that position, I sawed a slot in the now headless screw, unscrewed it, and put it to use on the mount.

A few hours' work, costing nothing.  I hope this might help others with the same issues!

Doug.