(Viewed 630 times)

[RobbW]

Okay, after I effectively trashed my GoTo mount trying to make a DIY power supply, I decided to try something different. My mom has a Galileo reflector with an EQ motorized mount that she hasn't used since she bought it a few years ago. I asked to borrow the tripod and EQ mount to try it out with my Meade DS-2130.

I got everything set up and then turned on the power to the EQ mount. I pressed one of the arrow buttons on the handbox to start slewing the scope, and it took right off. And never stopped! It just keeps slowly spinning clockwise. Nothing I do or press stops it. Even turning it off and back on doesn't help.

Does anyone have any ideas on what would make an EQ motorized mount behave this way?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb....

It's one thing or another....

Off the top of my head...I would say it's firmware.

Something got jumbled, maybe a magnet got too close, EM field or just got dropped.

There should be a way to re-install the firmware to the mount.

Good batteries...? Sometimes a varying power supply can make things goofy. Clean the contacts and check the hand controller for crossed or pinched wires.

If it were me....I would hang my laundry on it for a quick dry.

[RobbW]

Firmware, huh? I wouldn't have thought this thing has firmware. It's not a GoTo mount, but a relatively simple motor mount that you can slew with the handbox, and it will match the sidereal rotation once you find your target. I will look to see if there is anything about firmware at the manufacturer's website. I was using freshly purchased batteries. Seems like I've been buying a lot of those since I got my scope!