· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Equipment Discussions >> Mounts Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 MtnGoat Carpal Tunnel Reged: 02/18/07 Loc: Columbia Gorge, WA Can an LXD75 run a teensy bit slow (or fast)?       #3054690 - 04/20/09 12:03 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I've been trying to figure out the source of a slight drift over time in my images. I've got the polar nailed (pier mounted) and get the 'less than 5'' messages each time I do an alignment. This is supported by the fact that I get very little if any DEC drift over any period of time. However I am getting RA drift, which to me seems to indicate a slight speed issue with the RA drive. It is possible I need to dial the RA drive speed up or down a percent or two? (haven't analyzed if it appears fast or slow yet, I just know I have RA drift). Is this something I would deal with using the 'tracking rate' field in Autostar, or by changing the gear ratio a tiny bit? Post Extras:       JAT Observatory NOT a Wimp Reged: 02/20/05 Loc: In the Primordial Soup Re: Can an LXD75 run a teensy bit slow (or fast)? [Re: MtnGoat]       #3054803 - 04/20/09 12:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   There is a menu item that allows you to set the % of sidereal tracking speed. You need to change the % number to increase or decrease the tracking speed. Post Extras:       jgraham Postmaster Reged: 12/02/04 Loc: Dayton, Ohio Re: Can an LXD75 run a teensy bit slow (or fast)? [Re: JAT Observatory]       #3054827 - 04/20/09 12:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Also, make sure the drive rate is set to sidereal and not lunar. Post Extras:       MtnGoat Carpal Tunnel Reged: 02/18/07 Loc: Columbia Gorge, WA Re: Can an LXD75 run a teensy bit slow (or fast)? [Re: jgraham]       #3054886 - 04/20/09 01:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   thanks for the tips so far. I'll make sure I check what my drive rate is set to. am I crazy in thinking that the rate could need a tiny bit of tweaking? I mean...it's all digital timing with very accurate clocks and known gear ratios..how could this be? Post Extras:       sang33ta scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 07/08/08 Loc: UK Re: Can an LXD75 run a teensy bit slow (or fast)? [Re: MtnGoat]       #3055083 - 04/20/09 02:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Make sure your weight is balanced in both axis if it's out it'll drag or pull. Post Extras:       gordianknot professor emeritus Reged: 09/04/05 Re: Can an LXD75 run a teensy bit slow (or fast)? [Re: sang33ta]       #3055188 - 04/20/09 03:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I agree about checking balance. My first guess is that something is slipping. Post Extras:       MtnGoat Carpal Tunnel Reged: 02/18/07 Loc: Columbia Gorge, WA Re: Can an LXD75 run a teensy bit slow (or fast)? [Re: gordianknot]       #3055270 - 04/20/09 03:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   yes, checked the balance. if anything, it's a bit too balanced! I was going for the slightly E heavy approach, but backed off on it when I started noticing this. Post Extras:       Skywatchr Carpal Tunnel Reged: 06/03/06 Loc: North-Central Pa. Re: Can an LXD75 run a teensy bit slow (or fast)? [Re: MtnGoat]       #3056856 - 04/21/09 09:54 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The tracking rate can be affected by a small amount of extra friction somewhere slowing it down some. Could be the lube on the worm isn't spread out enough, or a bearing is dragging (polar bearing too tight), or something rubbing that shouldn't be. Being heavy on the East will slow it down a little unless it's only about an ounce or so. Just enough to take out any flex. Jeff Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 17 registered and 34 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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