Periodic error - Does this sound likely?

[Astro Noodles]

Noticed a periodic error on my iOptron Skyguider Pro.

Never had it before, but I think I might be getting close to the weight limit the mount can cope with.

Would using a mount close to it's weight limit cause periodic error to be more pronounced?

Edited May 1, 2022 by Astro Noodles

[900SL]

Why do you think it is PE? Regular harmonic disturbance in tracking  ?

[Astro Noodles]

When I run through the subs on the camera, I can see a slight oscillation on the RA access which takes about 10 frames to complete (10 minutes). It appears to be regular.

[Jim Smith]

16 hours ago, Astro Noodles said:

Noticed a periodic error on my iOptron Skyguider Pro.

Never had it before, but I think I might be getting close to the weight limit the mount can cope with.

Would using a mount close to it's weight limit cause periodic error to be more pronounced?

If it is closer to its weight limit because you are using a greater focal length optic then that would make periodic error more noticeable.

[900SL]

Wind acting on a bigger 'windage' or projected scope area can also cause directional drift. Not usually periodic however

[Astro Noodles]

On 02/05/2022 at 12:37, 900SL said:

Wind acting on a bigger 'windage' or projected scope area can also cause directional drift. Not usually periodic however

It's definitely periodic.

[ONIKKINEN]

Periodic error is there regardless of payload weight, could it be that you are just now noticing it?

[Astro Noodles]

36 minutes ago, ONIKKINEN said:

Periodic error is there regardless of payload weight, could it be that you are just now noticing it?

Maybe. But I didn't notice it before.