Vixen GP vibration

[A McEwan]

Hi,

I've had my Vixen GP for several years and it's always performed fine. It came to me fitted with a set of Skywatcher drives (EQ5 type I think) which are good with very little backlash at all.

However, the last couple of times I've used the mount, the 'ticking' noise of the drive has become much more noticeable and there is now vibration that is showing itself at the view in th eyepiece and detracting from the view - specially noticeable on Jupiter last night.

What do you think is the most likely suspect here?

Thanks,

Ant

[dweller25]

I would look at how the drive gears are meshing together. I used to have the same problem with a HEQ5, changing the angle of how the gears meshed sorted it out.

[A McEwan]

Thanks - I'll have a look today. Though I haven't changed anything on it at all. It would be nice if it was that simple...

[A McEwan]

I partially disassembled the RA assembly, and everything feels really smooth and tight. I suppose it's possible the motor itself could be on its way out, yes? What sort of lifespan do these things have? I got it all together in July 2005 and haven't tweaked ANYTHING on it until today!

[dweller25]

'IF' the drives are on their way out then these are very good replacements .....

DK-3 Dual-Axis Drive System & Controller

[A McEwan]

Thanks, but the DEC drive seems fine still. I'll see if I can find another EQ5 RA motor to try out and see if that cures it.

[dweller25]

You could try swapping your existing motors over ....

[A McEwan]

Yes, I looked at that but they're in different style housings so are not directly swappable - I'd have to take them apart and rewire them which I really don't fancy. Nice idea though.

[Dangerous-Dave]

The motors should be identical on the GP, the only difference is the plastic box around the RA drive, which pops off easy enough.

[A McEwan]

They're not Vixen drive motors but EQ5 type. Skywatcher - Dual-Axis D.C. Motor Drive for EQ5

The RA and DEC motor mountings are different so they are not interchangable 'out of the box'.