C-14 Mount Help

I have a Compustar 14. I'm in the process of trying to sell it. I took it out of storage to take some pictures of it this weekend so I could place them in my classified add. When I assembled it, I noticed that there was some play in the RA.

Even when the RA locking knobs were fully in the "locked" position, you can move the scope "right to left" a couple of degrees. This has never happened before.

I double checked to make sure if the locking knobs needed adjustment, and they appear to be working fine.

I believe that there's something wrong with - or broken - in the base itself. Any help - or suggestions on where I can get it fixed - would be appreciated.

I want to get it fixed to make it more attractive to a potential buyer - or if I don't sell it - get it fixed so it'll function properly.

Thanks.

>>Even when the RA locking knobs were fully in the "locked" position, you can move the scope "right to left" a couple of degrees. >>

All that the locking knobs do is to attach the axis fully to the worm wheel. Basically it tightens the clutch mechanism to the worm wheel. As you have seen, this does not eliminate the worm backlash (or "play" as you call it). Worm backlash is caused by the driving worm gear being somewhat out of mesh with the large worm wheel. What you must do is to put the worm back into mesh. It is an adjustment that every mount needs at some point in its life, and it is not a sign that something is wrong with the mounting. It's simply out of adjustment. Go back to your manual and look up the worm adjustment procedure.

RC