Hi everyone

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There have been a few threads regarding how to tune or reset the spring-loaded worm

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As many of you know, we have a video on the basics of adjusting the spring-loaded worm here:

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There have been a few questions around this process I wanted to add to the record:

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1.?????? I NEED TO RESET THE SPRING, HOW FAR IN/OUT DO I NEED TO ADJUST IT?

When we adjust this at the factory, we use 1/3” (~8.5mm) as the length of the spring, measured between the bottom of the top screw and the top of the bottom screw. 1/3” is also the width of the “back off” spring mechanism screwhead, so you can use that as an impromptu way to measure and set it.

2.?????? THERE IS TOO MUCH (OR TOO LITTLE) BACKLASH, HOW DO I ADJUST THE SPRING-LOADED WORM TO ADDRESS THIS?

You adjust backlash/stiction by adjusting the SECONDARY screw. This acts as a limiter to how far/hard the worm will mesh.

The primary worm screw (the one with the spring) does not impact this. Adjusting this screw tighter can tune it to be more like a traditional “non-spring” worm gear

3.?????? I UNDERSTAND THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE WORM BLOCKS IN PLACE NEED TO BE LOOSE, BUT HOW LOOSE OR TIGHT? HOW CAN I TELL?

The worm blocks should be loose enough to allow the worm block to slide to and from the worm gear, but not so loose that you can rock/rotate the block on the plate. In general, if you are making this adjustment, you probably want to remove the cover and “start from scratch” as shown in the video above

4.?????? CAN I/SHOULD I USE LOCTITE ON THE SCREWS?

Yes, we use a small amount of Loctite Blue (242) on these screws to keep them from backing out. As with any type of glue/adhesive, you want to use it conservatively and be extremely careful not to let it seep onto other surfaces. You want just enough to keep the screw in place, but not so much that it becomes hard or impossible to adjust.

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Thanks

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Brian

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Brian Valente

Losmandy Astronomical

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Losmandy.com

Tutorials and vids at

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