Installing MT-1 motors on Super Polaris

I bought the MT-1 motors to put on my SP.

Without the motors, the way it works is to release the clamps, move
the scope, tighten the clamps, and use the fine adjustment knobs
manually.

The motors went on easily. Fortunately, I have "optional" Dec mount
bracket already built into the telescope mount plate, so no problems
with RA or Dec.

Houston, I have a problem operating it. :-)

I got the optional clutches, so that I can still operate the manual
fine control motion. So, the procedure is the same: clamps control
moving the telescope all over the sky by and, clamp down to use manual
fine control. This is with the motor clutch released. Then, lock
down the clutch, and then the paddle should be used to control the
motors.

But, the RA and Dec don't move. It's really weird because with the
clutch released, I can use the manual fine control knobs. Of course,
I can tell that the worm gear turns around as I manipulate the knob,
and the scope moves, of course. With the clutch locked down, I can
manipulate the motor, and I can see the worm gear turn, and the scope
doesn't move.

How can that be? The motor is moving the worm gear just like how it
moves with the manual fine control. How could the scope not move with
the motor when it moves with the manual control? It defies reality.
:-)

Thanks,
==Leonard

Leonard,
The gear clutches operate just like the manual clutch. They have to be properly engaged to link the gear to the shaft. You say if you run the motors, you can see the gear turn on the clutch. If that is so, then you simply need to engage it. There were 2 types of clutches that I have seen, the type with a side setscrew and the type that are just just a ridged knob. I have the ridged knob style, you simply turn it till it is tight against the gear. This should then engage the motors fully. I presume tightening the screw on the other style engages them.
Make sure that the gear clutch is properly tightened to the shaft. These can work free and can be a source of backlash. With the motor removed, you should be able to move the scope by turning the entire clutch assembly. With care you can try to manually turn the gear, although you may want to use something to protect the fingers if the gear is too sharp.

Make sure that your worm gears a properly engaged and not too tight. With the motor clutches loose and the normal manual clutch engaged, the manual knobs should operate smoothly and not require a lot of pressure to move the scope. If you have to put some force in it, then you may need to adjust the worm. Make sure you are properly balanced too!

Have fun, the SP is a neat little mount.

Brian Risley
AM Celestron Moderator.