StellarDrive 5P (EQ5)

Why upgrade to a StellarDrive™ 5P (EQ5) Mount?
StellarDrive™ 5P (EQ5)

(Stated price is for upgrade/tune to customers own mount)

This for us this is what really changed the game. We had lots of requests for HEQ5 performance, but in a more affordable package, so for many the EQ5 was an obvious choice. Often sold as a great value visual package with 200P, the 8" Newtonian simply overwhelms the mounts motors when you add a camera and guide scope. Even the StellarDrive 5 won't cure this, but it does allow you to image for a couple of minutes longer.

The 150PDS, is a far more sensible option for reliablilty. Again, track for stock EQ5 would be circa 1.7 ArcSec, but completely rebuilt, would go down to an EQ6 beating 0.64 ArcSec RMS. Yes, it's that different, and better than the StellarDrive 3P version, as the ring gear help provide a longer periodic error with the same worm gear.

Check out how your mount compares in our performance charts.

EQ mounts are subject to being outside and often in the damp, so renewing the grease is often a first port of call with a better type more suited to our climate. It will also help reduce friction which means the motors can drive the mount more accurately, both unguided and guided.

Also, with more care in adjusting the worm-gears and motor drive train, they can often be made to run smoother and quieter, which also benefits better tracking and periodic error reduction. Mounts do need servicing and can be tuned, like any mechanical device. No-one as yet has designed a maintenance free mount!

Single 900s test guided frame tuned standard hypertuned HEQ5 Reference Mount.

StellarDrive 5P Notes:

The EQ5 almost as good the NEQ6 for astro-imaging, but loses out in the payloadn stakes. Once tuned our mounts run circa 23-30 arcsecs PE, and around 0.64 arcsecs guided (stock is circa 1.7-2.5 ArcSec RMS) is often reported by our customers in independent tests. Also your EQ5 mount will run smoother and much quieter. 

A StellarDrive upgrade means you can track longer, and more reliably for better longer exposure times. Unguided with a 150P to circa 3-5 minutes with practice, and up to 5 minutes guided with an ED80 APO Refractor/150PDS. The key with this diminutive mount is precise balance to get the best imaging. The sweet spot is circa 7 Kg, but will image up to its maximum of 10 kg. Works really well with a 150PDS for deep sky work. Why did we call it 5P? Portable and and accurate, that's why.

The worm-gear shaft just spins with our upgraded new treated bearings. These reduce the end-float, and provide a very solid feel to the mount, which in turn virtually eliminates the well known rocking motion in both RA/DEC.

Work includes:

Every Mount is examined externally for any damage and owner notified for any extra-parts (replacement Sky-Watcher EQ bolts for example).

The Mount is stripped back in both axis to component level, inspected for damage or wear, and degreased and ultrasonically cleaned where applicable. Bearings are then replaced with low friction and super smooth worm-gear bearings, that really do improve the responsiveness of this mount. All bearings are checked and spun before fitting. Over and above our standard rebuild extra work includes:

• StellarDrive-SPX™ High Precision worm-gears for RA and DEC axis.
• Sleeve crown rings are super-finished, to create exeptional balance and fluidity
• reworked transfer spur gears for reduced harmonics. 
• Surface work on internal castings.
• Our custom lubricant package, to Bonneville v6.3.5
• Benifits the EQ5 and Celeston Omni 4

Owners are notified for any extra-parts (at cost) and time if required if there is a need of repair, as other costs may be incurred.

Mount is reassembled using upgraded dampening greases and oils which operate in all temperatures from -30ºC to +125ºC (we use them in our Export Service and our own products so have been tested at these temperatures for over four years!).

The Mount is then bench tested and adjusted to remove backlash in the worm gear, and to ensure the operation of the mount is as cohesive as it can be.

GoTo Handset and Mount are checked for Firmware updates and updated to the latest version as required and also tested for operation.

In the case of axis repairs and tuning we carry out a load test on every mount with either an 72mm APO Reflector or 150mm ƒ5 Reflector - and adjust edso to ensure the mount is performing as it should under real-world conditions. 

The mount is videoed/photographed during evaluation, disassembly and rebuild, with a soundwave check to confirm drivetrain signature - for our own purposes only.  All work carried out is now covered by our 24 month limited warranty.

E&OE - Mount Build Specification and components used subject to change without notice. Example EQ mount tracking performance is not guaranteed, and is subject to the age and condition of the Donor Mount supplied for rebuild.(Stated price is for upgrade/tune to customers own mount)