Anyone used an HEQ5?

I'm just wondering if anyone here has used an HEQ5 (EQ6 little brother) and how they like it. Specifically, I am curious if the drive system is more accurate and usable than your typical CG5/EQ4. I found the CG5 drive system very frustrating and am hoping the HEQ5 will be made somewhat better.

I have already read the review on CloudyNights of this mount so no referals needed to that site.

Thanks in Advance - Rob

I agree, it's ok for visual, but when trying to do CCD photography at high magnification, the periodic error drives me crazy. If I had it to do over again, I'd spring for a Losmandy.

When I receieved the mount, there is some play on both the RA and DEC axis. After adjusting the worm and gear mesh, there's no noticeable play on both axis. At high power 700X, their is very noticeable "jumpiness" at first but it was fixed after adjusting the mesh between the motor and worm shaft gear. After the adjustment, short time exposure astrophotography is not a problem. However, for long time exposure astrophotography the PE could be a problem. So in summary, this mount is good for someone that meets the following :-

a- on a tight budget for a medium duty GEM mount.
b- know how to adjust and finetune the mount.
c- not planning on long time exposure astrophotography.

I am very satisfied with this mount that I am planning to upgrade the tripod with those of Meade or Celestron adjustable field tripod. The original tripod is not a good match for what the HEQ5 mount can deliver, IMHO.

Steven