AZ-GTi EQ mode, RA gear load?

[Ags]

The AZ-GTi was originally intended as an AZ mount only, so I've been wondering about the off-axis load on the RA gear in EQ mode. How much would be too much?  Counterweights reduce strain on the motor, but add to the off-axis load. I hesitate to try out my C6 (3.3 kgs with presumably 3kgs of counterweights) for example.

[Ags]

Does anyone have an idea?

[GoldTop57]

Hi I'm waiting for the EQ6-R Pro to come in to stock so I'm spending a lot of time with the GTi at the moment -  I have it set up in equatorial mode. The rig is 5kg with a 1.3kg counterweight right at the end of a 30cm bar so hopelessly unbalanced and well over the capacity of the mount for AP you would have thought. However it is guiding surprisingly well - anywhere between 1" and 1.5" RMS total error, not bad for a £250 mount.

[GoldTop57]

I should add that the motor controller firmware versions have been a bit hit and miss for this mount, the latest version 3.33 has been well received.

[Ags]

4 hours ago, GoldTop57 said:

The rig is 5kg with a 1.3kg counterweight right at the end of a 30cm bar

So my rig at 4 kg with 2-3 kg counterweights should be fine. Hopefully...

[AstroNebulee]

On 19/09/2021 at 17:38, Ags said:

So my rig at 4 kg with 2-3 kg counterweights should be fine. Hopefully...

I should think so, my sw 72ed, Canon 600D and 2 star adventurer weights set up on az gti eq mode mount is about 5.5kg and can get mostly 1-2 rms also and quite often when settled will guide below 1 too. Not tried the 3.33 firmware yet due to clouds.