Handset problem any ideas? HELP!!!

[magician]

Can anybody help me out? The HEQ5 mount is not obeying the handset,when I plug it in the LED comes on and changes colour when RA or Dec buttons are pressed as is normal, but the motors don't seem to be engaged, I've checked the clamps, and they seem to be alright i.e. tight enough,and I can hear a motor running as if its tracking, but no movement in RA or Dec, would be grateful for any thoughts,the tank is full of juice ,that was the first thing I checked, what do you think?

Thanks Frank

[Greg]

Frank,

Have you tried new batteries or recharged your powertank??

Greg

[geppetto]

Frank

Most of the problems I've come across were down to not enough power.

Even though you charged your power tank up, are you sure it's actually full?

If neither motor is moving then it's something common to the whole system

and power is first up for double checking.

Have you got a volt meter?

Hope it's something simple and fixable Frank

[Kaptain Klevtsov]

Looking at my handset there's a couple of things come to mind. Is the handset switched on with the top right switch (I know but sillier things have messed me up before) and is the speed set high enough to notice the movement?

I expect that it's a simple thing and easily fixed. I've got my fingers crossed.

Like Phil said, it's most likely the power tank as they take ages to fill up properly and run down in a few hours.

Captain Chaos

[magician]

Thanks Fella's, still no joy, the power tank is throwing out 13.4 volts, it was on charge overnight,the handset switch is on, speed set at 18X this is what I would normally use,but the thing does'nt want to play.nothing untoward has happened to it, so I will continue to play,open to any and all suggestions.

Cheers Frank

[geppetto]

Frank

It's not that screw on the setting circle siezing up the mount by any chance?

[magician]

Many thanks Geppetto, No, the setting circle set screw is never screwed down,the mount swings freely in both RA and Dec, with the clamps off,and is usually well balanced.

Cheers Frank.

[geppetto]

Might be and idea to slip the motor cover off to see if the gears are turning.

If it was one axis, you could argue that maybe a grubscrew on the gear shaft had come loose and was spinning freely :?

[magician]

Thanks Geppetto, Point taken, but before I start taking things apart Iwould like to see if any other suggestions crop up, and this appears to be BOTH Axis

Cheers Frank

[FLO]

Check there is enough power and that the leads are securely fitted.

If that doesn't work, return the handset/leads to me for replacement

[geppetto]

Steve

Out of interest, are there any service manuals/circuit diagrams out there anywhere

for the Skywatcher range?

Would be nice to be in a position to fix an out of warrenty unit.

[magician]

Thanks to everyone for your speedy replies,the unit is now on its way to Steve,but this Forum has shown yet again what a great bunch you are,there are no strangers, only Lounge members you haven't met yet

Cheers Frank

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