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Removing Edge 8 HD from AM5

ZWO AM5 Harmonic Mount
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Jerry Gerber avatar
Jerry Gerber avatar
When I am done taking flats in the morning and I am putting my gear away, I notice that even though I unlock the dove clamps on the AM5 completely, the telescope needs to be pulled off, the front dove clamp gets a bit stuck,  A little pull and it comes off.

My question is when I do this, I notice the mount head moves a bit to the toward the west.  I am not talking about Alt or Azimuith, I am referring to the RA axis, which is only controlled electronically, not manually. 

Could this movement damage the mount or affect its ability to guide accurately?

Thanks,
Jerry
Nick Grundy avatar
Nick Grundy avatar
Jerry, do you mean that the dovetail bottom gets "stuck" in the saddle a bit? 

and I assume the AM5 is not powered when this happens? (which I'm not sure of, but I think is related to how they lcok down when power is lost)
Eddie Bagwell avatar
Eddie Bagwell avatar
I have the same issue with my ADM dual saddle/EQ6R mount when taking off either of my telescopes. I think it may be from over-torquing the bolts too much? After loosening the screws, it needs a little wiggle to pop loose the clamp from the losmandy bar. Does anyone have a solution?

Thanks, Eddie
Well Written Engaging
Patrick Graham avatar
Patrick Graham avatar
Same issue…..I use the handle of a screwdriver to gently tap the dove plate on both ends.  Works well and helps avoid moving the gear assemblly inadvertently.

Patrick
Helpful Concise
Jerry Gerber avatar
Jerry Gerber avatar
Nick Grundy:
Jerry, do you mean that the dovetail bottom gets "stuck" in the saddle a bit? 

and I assume the AM5 is not powered when this happens? (which I'm not sure of, but I think is related to how they lcok down when power is lost)

Yes.   ZWO recommends is to use a very small amount of lubricant (I used WD-40) on the open areas as shown in the photo below. 

Jerry Gerber avatar
Jerry Gerber avatar
ZWO tech support also said that moving the RA axis manually a bit won't cause damage or affect guiding accuracy.  I hope they're right!
Well Written
Jan Erik Vallestad avatar
Jan Erik Vallestad avatar
Jerry Gerber:
Yes.   ZWO recommends is to use a very small amount of lubricant (I used WD-40) on the open areas as shown in the photo below.


Thanks for the tip, I had been wondering the same thing myself as my bottom clamp also tend to be stuck even though I unscrew it.