· 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 RandallK Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/10/06 Loc: Nanaimo, B. C. Canada Adding a 3rd weight to HEQ5-Pro       #4347027 - 01/28/11 05:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   With my Meade 8”SCT, Finderscope, 80mm Orion ST-80 guidescope, DMK webcam, ATIK 313E, Orion manual filter wheel, and either a 3.3 or 6.3 focal reducer, everything clocks in at just over 20 lbs. However with the two 5.1 kg supplied weights, I have to remove the Meade finderscope to get balance. These counterweights are right at the end of the shaft. So I have acquired another 5.1 Kg weight. Now there are 3 on the shaft. These weights are now shifted up to about the middle of the shaft and I think that relieves pressure at the end. My next concern is if this would place any strain on the motors. It appears not. I have put my ear to the mount and cannot hear anything abnormal. The next was a slew at 8X and again, everything runs quiet. I’m only using this configuration for imaging with the SCT My SkyWatcher HEQ5-Pro’s specifications state a maximum payload of 30 lbs and when observing, 2 weights are adequate. It’s not as if I’m going to go off slewing 90% of my imaging evening. I’ll be more or less confined to one particular object/area. Any comments on whether the adding of an additional weight will damage the drives would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance Randy Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Adding a 3rd weight to HEQ5-Pro [Re: RandallK]       #4347177 - 01/28/11 06:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   As long as it's balanced correctly you should be fine. Post Extras:       neptun2 professor emeritus Reged: 03/04/07 Loc: Bulgaria Re: Adding a 3rd weight to HEQ5-Pro [Re: jason_milani]       #4350649 - 01/30/11 01:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have HEQ5 Pro mount and i have used even 4 counterweights without problem. When i put my skywatcher 8" f5 newtonian with 80mm f5 refractor piggybacked on it and add the nikon d5000 and meade dsi 2 pro as guide camera i need to use 3x5kg + 1x3.5kg counterweights to get balanced. I have used this combination without any problems putting load of around 12kg while the mount itself is rated as 13.5 to 14kg max. This did not impose any damage to the mount. Of course it makes autoguiding a little bit difficult but mechanically i have not seen any problems with the mount itself handling it. Post Extras:       RandallK Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/10/06 Loc: Nanaimo, B. C. Canada Re: Adding a 3rd weight to HEQ5-Pro [Re: neptun2]       #4350665 - 01/30/11 01:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks for the info. My max payload will be 9.5Kg/21 lbs. Why does this make it difficult for autoguiding? I use PHD and ASCOM. Post Extras:       neptun2 professor emeritus Reged: 03/04/07 Loc: Bulgaria Re: Adding a 3rd weight to HEQ5-Pro [Re: RandallK]       #4350771 - 01/30/11 02:29 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well with 9.5kg you should not have problems with guiding.My setup is muche heavier and much more close to the max payload rated by the manufacturer. Also up to now i did not have the time to make more tests. When i had the problems with autoguiding i examined the mount carefully on the next morning and found loosen screw which may cause this. next time it will become clear if this caused the problems or not. Post Extras:       RandallK Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/10/06 Loc: Nanaimo, B. C. Canada Re: Adding a 3rd weight to HEQ5-Pro [Re: neptun2]       #4351134 - 01/30/11 05:09 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   OK Thanks very much for your info. Clear skies to you! Randy Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 3 registered and 20 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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