EQ5 RA drive locking nut

[JimFR]

Imaging M57 last night, I noticed some frames looked to have started nicely tracked then the stars and nebula all streak off in the same direction.

It seems the locking nut between the RA drive shaft and the slow motion knob loosens after a bit.

bit of a pain to have to keep an eye on that as well, but also because otherwise I was getting 1 min subs unguided!

any ideas?

[AL1]

I have a gp mount with this issue.  A paper or cardboard washer behind the nut to increase the coefficient of friction worked

[JimFR]

Thanks, I’ll give it a go.

I have had the mount nine years now, so it could just be that it’s getting on a bit…

[JimFR]

Aha… think I’ve found the cause of the lock nut slipping…

It’s in (maybe light) contact with the RA motor cover, which is causing it to drag and loosen.

Edited August 19, 2023 by JimFR