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[ALPugh]

I recently joined this forum looking for info on how to improve my HEQ5.
So far, my only question has gone unanswered (must be at least 2 weeks now).

Perhaps I should rephrase my question....

I have an old HEQ5 synta mount. I want to  replace the gearing/and or steppers to give me less backlash/freeplay.
Everything is as tight as I can get it but P.E. is still unacceptable.

Will buying or building an astroEQ kit allow me to install different steppers/gears/belts  in order to achieve this?
Is there a more " guided how to "    for those who have no clue how this project works or how to get started?

Thanks!

[Washy]

The simple answer is yes, you can drive any sensible combination with astroeq, I do, the configurator allows you to select the proper ratios. 

The question would be why, even the very first black HEQ5 mounts are quite brilliant given the price point - any mount using a worm drive is going to be susceptible to quite severe PE, but PE error correction is relegated to the past if you can use guiding, it's irrelevant - its a brilliant tool to hide less than optimal polar alignment and periodic error.

If you need perfection, 10+minute unguided subs, then you need a mount without a worm drive, I do have to say it's got to be a fairly short hop from now to mesu style friction drives, it's not that challenging in today's world, but those that need 10+ minutes unguided subs generally have mounts hugely bigger than HEQ5, usually 0.5M+ CDK type telescope mounts.

[Washy]

To answer the rest of your question, see here...

https://www.astroeq.co.uk/tutorials.php?link=config

[ALPugh]

Thank you Washy for the reply.

I have looked through this website/forum for more info on the AstroEQ but there is so much I still need to learn  and I can not find it.
This is a completely new area of knowledge for me and my experience is zero.

I need to know .... where does the AstroEQ board go? 

Does it sit BETWEEN the mount and a computer? 

IS it a stand alone unit that attaches to the mount?

Does it go INSDE the mount after removing the old controller board?   

Does it have a port for a guidescope ... can I use software to control a guidescope to guide my mount?
I found mention of ST4 port in FAQ but does it even NEED this?? what is EQMOD and does the board have this built in?
Will it allow use of guide camera?

If photos of the actual board  were in the gallery section I might have fewer questions.

I have looked through the tutorial / FAQ's but there is more info on configuring and programming , parts and sources, limiting currents.... but hard to find or non-existing info on what the board can do, how to attach it, how to optimize it for your particular needs.

I would probably not hesitate to order a premade/configured bit of kit if I knew it would be a solution for me.

Any guidance anyone can give will be looked into!

I will copy this reply and try to get it to the person who offers the kit.

[tombkk]

ALPugh

My mount is a budget CG4/EQ3-2 with AstroEQ v4.6 controller. This info may answer some of your questions.

Does it sit BETWEEN the mount and a computer?
- Yes, you'll need a USB cable to connect to a PC. In my case, it is connected to a wireless computer (ZWO ASIair Pro) via a USB cable. The controller is connected to R.A./DEC motors via phone cables.

IS it a stand alone unit that attaches to the mount?
- It is not a stand-alone GOTO controller. You'll need a PC connection for that. However, with a key pad, it can function as a stand-alone hand controller.

Does it go INSDE the mount after removing the old controller board?
- I don't think you can replace existing controller board without modification. AstroEQ box is normally attached to the mount, OUTSIDE. It has R.A./DEC ports that can control respective axes via phone cables.

Does it have a port for a guidescope ... can I use software to control a guidescope to guide my mount?
I found mention of ST4 port in FAQ but does it even NEED this?? what is EQMOD and does the board have this built in?
Will it allow use of guide camera?
- Yes it has an ST4 port that connects to camera's ST4 port. Star guiding is done via software like PHD2.
In my case, I don't use ST4 guiding/cabling. Instead, star guiding is via ZWO ASIair Pro.

Hope it helps.

[ALPugh]

Thank you Tombkk,

It DOES help.
I am trying to build a picture in my head of how or if I can use astroEQ.
A I see it now....
The AstroEQ sits outside the mount enclosure but somehow has connections to it directly or indirectly.
It supports a guide camera.

I might be able to install belt drive steppers in my HEQ5 and then with some luck with getting the correct gear ratios entered I might have a working mount.
The people who sell the Rowan belt mod for the HEQ mounts have told me their product will not work in my HEQ5 as it is an older model and would require substantial modification before their kit MIGHT be an option.

Thanks!

[vzr]

Not just that, with addition of an raspberry and INDI server your mount could have GoTo abilities with phone app. I use it that way on CG5 AS-GT with NEMA17 and GT2 belt drive. No backlash, no freeplay, 400 steps per revolution in 1/32 microstep mode gives resolution equal to HEQ6. Besides that, raspberry can use GPS usb dongle, and gamepad, onky sky is the limit thanks to AstroEQ...