Backlash advice needed for an EQ3 Synscan mount

[dazzystar]

Hi All,

I've removed the stock motors in readiness to replace them with new steppers as part of my OnStep upgrade but have noticed that on both the DEC and RA axis when I turn the worm shaft by hand I can feel backlash. It needs around 1.5mm - 2.0mm of travel before it starts to move (in either direction). What can I do to improve this?

Cheers
Daz

Edited February 24, 2022 by dazzystar

[malc-c]

Worth joining the OnStep user group... seems the subject has been discussed there based on a google search

[dazzystar]

Thanks Malcolm. Already a member there but the .io interface is not as user friendly as here!

Transpires that once a motor and belt are added, this backlash, disappears or rather I can't detect the same feeling as without.

[malc-c]

Can't really comment on your mount, but belt modding other mounts such as the HEQ5 reduces backlash a fair bit as you tend to only have to deal with the worm interface, compared to the gearing mesh on a standard mount.  I would suspect the same occurs on the EQ3 when fitting the OnStep system.

Yes the .io interface takes some getting use to.  Those of us that are old enough will akin it to the old Newsgroups 

 

[dazzystar]

I remember those. I'm probably older than you Malcolm!