"Carlos Saraiva" wrote in message .. .
Hi

Can someone help me with this problem (or maybe not a problem).
I used to observe with my LX200 12" (fork mount) and never have balanced the
scope, but never found problems, maybe some tracking faults.

I recently bought a EQ-6 mount for my Taka FC-100 and found a problem with
the RA lock lever. Maybe it is normal, I don't know, I have never used a GEM
before.

The problem I found is about the lock lever pressure necessary for the
clutch to work. When I press the RA lock lever a little bit harder to
"really" lock, the RA axis seems to stop moving. But when I balance the
system and press the lever "half way" the RA axis moves without problems,
and if I loose a bit less then "half way" it seems to "slide" in certain
positions of the axis.

What I want to know is:
1) To use a GEM balancing is a must ?

Basically, yes, though a (very) slight off-balance on the RA axis is
important to assure the drivetrain is working against backlash for
proper tracking [important for astrophotography, though the EQ6 mount
is generally ackowledged as "visual only"].

2) Does the lock lever clutch system of my EQ-6 needs some "tunning" ?

Remove the lever (and bolt) and see if anything's at the bottom of the hole.
There should be a small brass plug. Many replace it with a similar-sized
plug cut from an old leather belt (or similar) for better clutch action.

But the EQ6 is generally poorly-assembled at the factory, and very often
debris will be found in and around all the gears, etc. And the grease Synta
uses freezes solid during cold-night observing.

Strongly suggest you join the "EQ6" Yahoo group (which also serves the Orion
Atlas mount which is essentially identical).