3 replies to this topic

[cam_s]

I need to disassemble the OTA to lubricate the focuser and lubricate between the inner and outer baffle tube. However, before I just start taking things apart I wanted to ask if anyone had info on how to defork this telescope. I found one video on youtube where a guy deforked his CPC 1100 HD, but the screws holding the OTA to the mount were visible from the outside, whereas mine are not visible.

[Martinbruce]

Try this thread. https://www.cloudyni...c-deluxe-mount/
 

To query Cloudy Nights about a subject at your Google prompt type: cloudy nights/your question or topic, Enter

 

 

Hope this is helpful. 

[dawnpatrol]

Moving to Celestron Computerized Telescopes for a better fit.

[cam_s]

I got the scope deforked and I lubricated the inner baffle tube and the threads for the focusing knob. So, to defork the CPC 800, you have to open the motor arm, remove the main gear, remove the hub, then remove the brass nut under the hub. Then you have to loosen the four 3.5mm screws at the bottom of both arms so they can be swung outward, and the OTA will come free. Then you remove the two mountings (not sure what they are called) that are still attached to the OTA by removing two 5mm screws. You can't take the OTA apart if these two mountings are still attached.

 

To anyone looking to do this, make sure you have some small containers to keep your screws separated, and take pictures along the way so you know how everything fits back together. There are a lot of parts and different screws that will need to be removed. It was a job that took me three evenings, probably an hour and half or two hours each evening. One session for deforking the OTA, one session for disassembling the OTA and lubricating it, then another session to refork the OTA.

 

Reforking is a bit tedious, because there is a balance you have to strike on the tightness of your screws and the nut under the hub. If things are too tight there will be too much pressure on the mountings and the motor will have trouble moving the OTA. If things are too loose the gap between the mountings and the arms will be too big.

 

It's not impossible. Just take your time, keep the parts organized, and take pictures. I'll update this post later with some pictures and notes.