10 replies to this topic

[m00nless]

Is this possible to use an equatorial mount such as the Sky-Watcher EQ3-2 in alt-azimuth mode?

[Ouranos]

I converted a CG4 from GEM to Alt Az. It involved temporarily removing a piece and a little grinding. Here is pic which shows the piece removed and where I removed a bit of material. I have plenty of other pics if you want to see more of the process.

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[m00nless]

"Sky", I think the removed part on your photo exists and is the same on the EQ3-2 too, but why the grinding?

[Ouranos]

There is a tab, which can be seen in the photo, that is is used to set the local latitude when using the scope in the equatorial mode. That tab only allowed the mount to move so far. I had to remove a bit of metal (using a dremel like tool) to allow the tab to swing forward enough to allow the mount to become Alt-Az.

[10000rpm]

Ouranos, can u point me to your other photos for the conversion?

Many thanks!

[Ouranos]

Before

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[Ouranos]

Next

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[Ouranos]

Final

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[Ouranos]

It really is a simple process, one I learned about right here on CN. The only "difficult" part was removing just enough metal to allow the tab (seen above sticking out like a tongue) to swing past the stop. A little work w/ the dremel did the trick.

[10000rpm]

Yup. I just did mine about half and hour ago and then saw your pics. Many thanks anyway and they will help others who want to do the conversion.

Cheers!

[russell23]

I've been very happy with my Vixen Super Polaris mount in alt-azimuth mode. All you need to do with the SP is loosen one screw, shift the mount to alt-azimuth position, and tighten the screw back up.

Dave