Zenofragy
journeyman
Reged: 04/25/08
Posts: 7
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I have recently aquired a 1964 vintage Questar with quartz mirror. This scope functions very well but I am unable to move the RA circle. Does anyone in Questar land know how this problem could be sorted ? 
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LarryV
member
Reged: 06/02/08
Posts: 77
Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ
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Hi Zeno, and welcome to CN,
The RA circle in my 1971 Q is tight, but does turn by using the index fingers on opposite sides of the circle as described in the manual of that time. Try using vinyl gloves (buy at the drug store), for more friction on the circle. If this fails, I would call Questar and speak to Jim Reichert for further advice. If your scope has never been serviced, this may be necessary.
Good luck,
LarryV
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LarryV
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Rat8bug
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/07/05
Posts: 1505
Loc: Michigan
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I would try silicone spray; making sure you cover all scope and optical parts.
http://www.barrie-tao.com/questar1.html
Ciao....Barry
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Nikon D40/D50/D70 DSLR
WO 105mm Triplet APO
WO Zenithstar 66SD APO (Black 'n Blue)
WO 8 x 45mm APO Bino
UO 20 x 80mm Bino
Vixen 80SS Refractor
Orion 127mm Apex Maksutov
Vixen GP-DX with Skysensor 2000
SBIG STV and e-finder
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ColoHank
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/07/07
Posts: 669
Loc: western Colorado
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I lightly moisten the tips of my thumbs before rotating the RA circle, much like a person might do to aid in turning pages. The slight increase in friction is just enough to get the job done.
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Questar 3.5 standard - pyrex and BB coatings
Powerguide II
8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 24mm and 32mm Brandons
modified Bogen 3030 w/ homebuilt wedge
Homebuilt Galileo scope and very large and ugly homemade tripod
other odds and ends, including iPod Touch with StarMap Pro (what a marvelous combo)...
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"Nothing exists but atoms and empty space. Everything else is opinion."
Titus Lucretius Carus 99-55 B.C.
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LarryV
member
Reged: 06/02/08
Posts: 77
Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ
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Zeno,
I spoke to Jim Reichert today at Questar about another matter, and also asked him about my own tight RA circle. I specifically asked about using three or four SMALL drops of Silicone solution spaced out at equal intervals around the outside edge of the circle where it contacts the ledge around the base on which it rides. He said this is O.K., but do not use a spray, because the RA circle is connected to a group of springs and discs inside the base, that form the clutch mechanism for proper rotation of the Right Ascension drive and the drive motor. Thought you might like to know.
LarryV
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Billydee
sage
Reged: 01/23/08
Posts: 239
Loc: Winter Haven, FL
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If all you have is a spray can of silicone you can spray it into a cup (at considerable distance from your Q) and use the resulting liquid to accomplish the excellent suggestion of Mr. LarryV.
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LarryV
member
Reged: 06/02/08
Posts: 77
Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ
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Thanks for the compliment, Billydee. That's exactly how I did mine. Some spray into the plastic top of the silicone spray can, a tooth pic so nothing gets scratched, a small drop at intervals around the edge of the RA circle, and a small increase in it's rotatability, which is all that's necessary. It shouldn't spin too easily!
Larry 
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ColoHank
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/07/07
Posts: 669
Loc: western Colorado
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Don't forget the law of unintended consequences. Silicone lubricants tend to spread and migrate almost endlessly, and they may eventually contaminate surfaces where they can do some harm. They're also very difficult to remove. Get just a trace of the stuff on your fingertips while rotating the RA setting circle you've treated, then pick up and handle an eyepiece or filter, and you may be headed for trouble. Please be very careful with silicone lubricants.
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---------------------
Questar 3.5 standard - pyrex and BB coatings
Powerguide II
8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 24mm and 32mm Brandons
modified Bogen 3030 w/ homebuilt wedge
Homebuilt Galileo scope and very large and ugly homemade tripod
other odds and ends, including iPod Touch with StarMap Pro (what a marvelous combo)...
---------------------
"Nothing exists but atoms and empty space. Everything else is opinion."
Titus Lucretius Carus 99-55 B.C.
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LarryV
member
Reged: 06/02/08
Posts: 77
Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ
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ColoHank,
I couldn't agree with you more. As with most lubricants, a little goes a long way. My RA circle is improved, but I must have gotten a SMALL amount of silicone on the circle itself, as it seems a little sliprier (sp?) under the fingers. Any suggestions as to how to remove this?
Larry
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Billydee
sage
Reged: 01/23/08
Posts: 239
Loc: Winter Haven, FL
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Mr. LarryV,
You are probably the one that can get a product that will take silicone off. In the medical field they need to use silicone but also need to clean the residue for glue. One of the bone breakers of your old profession probably has some (Orthopedics) This is said product,
http://www.vertrelsolvents.com/faq/FAQ_Q18_Silicones.html
I will never forget a Xerox that I once had, it used a silicone lub that was as thick as cough surup and you had to place it on the fixer roll every so often. One day I spilled a drop on the floor and it spread to an area about 10 ft square. It was better than an ice rink. Took a gallon of denatured alcohol and about 12 cleanings before you could walk on it.
Billydee
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LarryV
member
Reged: 06/02/08
Posts: 77
Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ
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Thanks, Bill- I'll check it out.
Clear skies, Larry
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LarryV
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LarryV
member
Reged: 06/02/08
Posts: 77
Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ
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Hi Zeno,
Did you ever get your RA circle loosened up? Just wondering how you made out.
Best, LarryV
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Zenofragy
journeyman
Reged: 04/25/08
Posts: 7
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Hi Larry,
Still working on it I will let the group know when I have sorted the problem. Thanks, Patrick
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LarryV
member
Reged: 06/02/08
Posts: 77
Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ
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Hi Patrick,
My RA circle is loosening up gradually, and actually works fine since I have been using vinyl gloves when setting the circle and observing. They have to be turned inside out, as the rough surface is on the inside of the glove as they come out of the box. I also use a Palm Handheld with "Planetarium" downloaded, and the gloves are great for using the Palm stylus, which is chrome plated and quite slippery. Another plus is easier handling of eyepieces with less chance of dropping one. Brandons are expensive, and my Erfle and Koenig all but irreplaceable. Using gloves may feel strange at first, but after a short time you'll get used to them. Besides, they keep your hands warm on these cool desert nights; and if you're an OCD like me and most amateur astronomers, they prevent fingerprints on those wonderful Questars! 
Clear skies,
Larry
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