Hi gang,
I ran PE testing a few nights ago and then just today ran the PECprep program to analyse the data.? ?The report is attached, and so is the PHD2 tracking file in case you want to try yourself to run it.
PECPrep reports the RMS PE as 0.74 arcsec.??
This mount has several modifications to improve its native PE. These were:
1. Losmandy (old long version) OPW One Piece Worm system.
2. Precision Brass Losmandy worm.
3. Replaced RA worm bearings with R4ZZ ABEC-7 versions ()
4. Installed R4 size Belleville spring washer in to the far worm bearing block with the OD of that bearing polished down so it would?slide in the block.
5. Replaced the plastic stock 25:1 gearbox with a McLennan 25:1 gearbox?
Only the RA had these key improvements...the DEC still has the plastic gearbox and no OPW.
6.? The counterweight rod for this case is not the standard one.? This extra long counterweight rod is nearly 33 inches long, and hollow.? It was made by my neighbor who wanted a longer counterweight rod, made this one, and found it wobbled too much for him.? But it was needed for me to counterbalance a very heavy Celestron C14 EdgeHD telescope and other gadgets.? ??
The mount was very heavily overloaded, as documented in this report.? I estimate the total weight on the mount head (scope, gadgetry, counterweights) at about 133 pounds.? The mount is rated to 100 total pounds, I believe.
Anyway, I'm happy with the PE result, my best so far documented.? I also ran 300 second exposures on the C14 EdgeHD scope with 0.7 FL reducer, and got good round stars during those 5 minute autoguided exposures.? I will be shooting more tonight, which is looking clear.??
Stay well and safe, everyone,
Michael
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Michael Herman