EQ-3-2 Mount

[mauriciofleming]

Hello!

My name is Mauricio, I live in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

I'm a newby, so I don't really know what I'm talking about...So I'd like to ask you your help.

I've bought a Skywatcher Maksutov 127/1500 and I'm very pleased with the equipment, I think it's a great telescope.

The thing is, I bought a tripod here in Brazil and I think it's not quite right for my telescope. Here's the link:

:: Tripé SkyWatcher Equatorial ::

First of my problems is the counterweight. I think it's too heavy for my equipment. It has two 5kg counterweights, and the telescope weights just 3,4kg, so I can't balance it properly. Should I buy another conterweight?

I've tried to balance it with just one counter-weight, but I have to get the weight really close to the mount.

I was having some problems with the handles (I can't remember if it's the RA or the declination handle), and I was assuming it was caused by the heavy conter-weight. There's a point when I turn the handle wheel clock-wise my telescope doesn't move, but when I turn the other way it moves normaly. Do you know what may be causing that?

Thank you a lot for your help!

[steppenwolf]

Mauricio,

It is fine to have one weight on the counterbalance shaft close to the mount, provided you can get it to balance, that is fine.

Unless I am missing something, the clamp ('handle') appears to be working correctly from your description.

I have an EQ3-2 mount and find it very good.

[mauriciofleming]

I don't know if I was clear...

When I said handle I meant the wheel you turn to control the telescope, NOT the lock.

Is the telescope supposed to move in just one direction when I'm handling the control?

I thought it might do that, since the stars will only go in one direction...

Thank you!

[steppenwolf]

Mauricio, my apologies, I misunderstood your use of the word 'handle'.

With the 'clamp' tight, turning the 'wheel' in either direction should move the mount almost immediately although there is always a very small amount of backlash when changing direction. If you have a lot of backlash, this can be adjusted my undoing the little centre screw (grub screw) on the mounting plate that covers the gear drive and tightening the two larger screws a small amount until the backlash has gone. At this point, re-tighten the little centre screw. It is important that you do not tighten this plate up too much as you still want the control to move easily. The enclosed photograph may assist:-

[mauriciofleming]

Thanks, Steve!

I made a newbie mistake...

The problem was indeed the clamp, I was turning the wheels without locking it. I didn't realize I had to lock it to move the wheels. I thought it would be the other way around...

Thanks!

[steppenwolf]

Good news, Mauricio I am delighted that the 'problem' has been resolved.