Disassembly Pictures for NexStar 5/8/5i/8i Azimuth
Axis
In chapter 12 of the NexStar User's Guide I describe how to disassemble,
reassemble and adjust the NexStar 5/8/5i/8i mount. I included as many
pictures as was practical for a book, but thought additional pictures would
be useful. Note that the book describes more detail; these pictures
are meant to supplement.
Caution! The very real possibility exists during the procedures
described here that you may damage something. Also, disassembly may void
your warranty and you should consider returning your telescope for warranty
work rather than attempting adjustments on your own. After the warranty has
expired you should consider the possibility that you will cause costly
damage when working on your scope. While I consider the following procedures
reasonably safe, not everyone should approach an expensive piece of
equipment with a screwdriver in their hand.
The pictures below were provided by Brian Schilt - thanks Brian!
Click any of the pictures for a larger version.
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Disassembly of the azimuth axis starts by removing the
battery cover and then removing the four screws that hold the base
cover (with the battery compartment). You may have problems
removing the base cover with the inside fork arm cover in place.
Sometimes it is enough to simply loosen the two screws at the bottom
of the inside fork arm cover, other times you might need to remove it
entirely. If you must remove it entirely, you will first need to
remove the optical tube as shown
here. |
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After lifting up the base cover, you will find a cable
running to the battery compartment. You may want to disconnect
this cable as you work. The connector is generally "keyed" to
fit only one way, but it might be advisable to note the orientation
for reassembly. After the cover is removed, you will find one
circuit board on the NexStar 5/8, two circuit boards mounted together
on the NexStar 5i/8i. Like most electronics, these boards are
sensitive to static electricity. Be sure to touch a grounded
object (the metal chassis of a PC, refrigerator or washing machine for
example) before proceeding. Remove the screws holding the
board(s) to the base and you can move it aside. If you decide
you must disconnect the wires to the circuit board(s), make a sketch
to insure you replace them correctly - mistaken connections can
definitely damage a circuit board. |
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After removing the circuit board(s), you will be able
to remove the large nut and washer holding the base together. |
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Once the nut is removed, the top and bottom of the
base pull easily apart. Note the three nylon disks which in this
picture adhered to the track in the top half of the base. When
reassembling, place the disks in the recesses in the large gear. |
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After reassembling all the parts, tighten the large nut just to the point where
the fork arm no longer rocks back and forth. Too tight on the
nut and the mount may not move freely, tracking will suffer and
battery life will be shortened. Apply power to the mount and
ensure free movement for 360 degrees. Adjust the nut again
if necessary.
See The NexStar User's Guide for
more details on adjustments, cleaning and lubrication of the axis. |
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