Previously “we” discussed covers and condensation.. Gun Heating Rods sound like a fantastic solution..

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Having given away my power supply – like an idiot – and knowing big rain was coming – I finally dismounted my refractor and brought the mount inside.. A few days ago I cleaned and relubed the mount bearings (not to be confused with the drive bearings which still need to be done) and found something “weird”..

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The cylindrical bearings, flat bearings, and thrust washers were essentially pristine.. but the wavy washers were a different story.. They had standing water on them and the lube was quite sticky.. They cleaned up fine, but I thought I would mention it.. Anyone who mostly keeps there stuff setup, might want to check their wavy washers more often than the rest of the mount..

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Also, the Michael Herman clutch discs were still pristine as well.. A little shiny in spots because I crank my clutches down a lot.. Once I put it all back together, I did play with the mount and figured out I need a whole lot less clutch to make things work, as these clutch discs are either fully slipping or fully engaged.. There is no partially engaged.. Maybe less tightening will help or even fix my Declination backlash issue.. (I haven’t had a chance to try the new PHD2 which is supposed to have improved functions to help with Declination backlash.. )

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I am glad I put the wavy washers in the “outside position” as recommended so the moisture didn’t get anywhere near the flat roller bearings, that’s for sure.. I am more impressed with the G11 every time I touch it.. A really impressive machine..

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Derek