Hi Gil, The very first day I had my HGM-200 mount, I immediately knew
it needed lubing.
As you mention, the RA bearings are easy to inspect, and re-lube.
If you have noticed that these bearings seemed sticky, and reluctant to
freely rotate, then for sure, the same will apply to the Dec Bearings
also.
Don't hesitate to disassemble as I have mentioned earlier. It will be
worth the work.
What the reasoning is behind Scott's use of this lube, I just don't
know.
To me this grease resembles a heavy damping grease.
Provided that tolerances are tight (Which my HGM-200 was, absolutely no
slop in these areas) I don't see the reasoning behind using them, if
they will eventually dry out, and hinder/damage the bearings, and shaft
surfaces over time.
I don't think you could go wrong using ANY type of high-grade grease.
About the GOTO for the HGM-200, I had been asking this same question for
2 years. (1997)
This upgrade should have been made available quite some time ago, and
new issue mounts should have had it as standard by now
It was one of the key reasons that I sold my HGM-200,( Spring '99) and
ordered the AP1200GTO. (Expected In Oct.)
I just got tired of waiting, and hearing excuses.
Please do not take my critical remarks as being too harsh though, as the
HGM-200 is a very, very fine mount.
I had talked with the folks at Astrometric at the '99 Astrofest meet,
and they had considered doing one for this mount.
The differences are not that great between the G-11, and HGM-200. Mark
