HEQ5 SynTrek Problem

[r-mo]

I've just received my HEQ5 mount from FLO. I've managed to get it all set up, I think. Scope is balanced as per the instructions and seems to move well with the lock levers open. I've now closed the lock levers and tried to power it up to move the scope with the motors and I've hit a snag.

When I power it on I can move the RA axis fine using the left/right buttons on the controller, then I can move the Dec axis with the up/down buttons. Then if I go back to moving the RA after I've moved the Dec it moves a couple of degrees then makes a clunking noise and won't move again until the power is reset, Dec axis still moves OK. What could I be doing wrong? or could the handset or mount be faulty?

[Bizibilder]

Are you sure that the clutches are locked fully? They need to be quite tight. What are you using as a power source?

[r-mo]

The clutches are as tight as I can get them. Power is from the 12V rail of an old 450W computer PSU I converted to use as a power source for some of my electronics projects. I've also just tried it with the AA battery pack from my SupaTrak mount and that makes things worse. Does this thing just need more juice?

[Glider]

2A or there abouts when slewing, 1A when just tracking I think.

[Bizibilder]

Yup! It takes around 1 amp to track and, I believe, around double that to "fast slew" - attach it onto a well charged 12v car battery and try that for size!!

[Astro_Baby]

Agreed - 2amps for fast slew but you may need a little more, check out the power cable, the wet string that passes for a cable when the mount is shipped can be a cause.

[r-mo]

Wow, that's some going. I'd have though my PSU would cope with it though it's rated to 16A peak on the 12V rail. It is getting on though and there's a reasonable stretch of wire between scope and PSU. Have to get my multimeter out...

Thanks for the help, as always

[Bizibilder]

The other possibility is that one of the RA gears is loose on its shaft. If you feel confident to do so it might just be worth a check.

[Photosbykev]

if the voltage is too low, or gets pulled too low when you try to drive the motors the power LED will flash on the mount body (or it does on the NEQ6).

16A on the 12Vrail should easily cope with the power demand of the mount, if it is delivering 12v at the mount