What is wrong with my equatorial mount setup? (Losmandy GM8)
I've only been using it for about a month or so, but it seems like the R.A. motor is slipping and when it isn't, the image doesn't track very well regardless. It will slip and catch itself before the target moves completely out of frame, or it will just stop tracking the R.A. completely. When I press on the controller I can hear it turning and making a buzzing sound while the worm gear stays still. I'm fairly certain it has something to do with the connection between the two, or maybe too much pressure is being put on the worm gear? When it is working, the image in my camera will slowly sway back and forth over the course of about 20 seconds, which isn't a huge deal for planetary photography but it limits my exposure to about 3-5s max. I have a theory as to the issue, as I'm using an Orion 10" f/3.9 Newtonian Astrograph with equipment on a Losmandy GM8 mount. The weight capacity is technically 30 pounds, and my equipment likely totals around 33-34 pounds, but I really don't like that answer because I love my 10" and I don't want to get another telescope or mount. Is it just a weight capacity issue?