EQ6-R PRO mount repair: Both axes..no response

 

Problem:
The SkyWatcher EQ6-R PRO mount is known for its robustness and durability, yet one arrived with the error message "Both Axes - No Response!"
As it later turned out, the cause was that the batteries were connected with incorrect polarity when powering the mount.

Solution:
Because the incorrect polarity was not yet known, we first tried to resolve it by updating the firmware on the handheld controller. You can find out how to do this under: "Update Handheld Controller Firmware."
In this case, of course, this did not solve the problem.
When removing the circuit board from the mount, there were some indications that this must be the actual problem. This quickly clarified the cause of the polarity reversal.
Although this was a predecessor model of the current EQ6-R PRO, the circuit board and the associated outer plate are compatible, which simplifies replacement.



By opening the mount's cover using the 4 outer (!) screws, you can carefully open the cover on which the circuit board sits. Before disconnecting the connectors, carefully check where all the connectors are located on the board. Make a careful note of the designation on the respective slots (marked in silver lettering on the board) - a photo of this can simplify correct assignment later. This is necessary because the slots on the new board have changed their layout.

After carefully loosening all the connectors and removing the old board, check the new board to see how the connectors should now be positioned:

The small connector with two black wires is responsible for the PolLED.
The other small connector with red and black wires is the RA Wor Indexer.
The two four-pin connectors with colored wires control the respective DEC or RA axis motor; it's best to have one of the connectors color-coded.

Once the layout is clear, the new board can be connected to the cables in the mount.
Connecting the pole LED connector to the new circuit board is a bit tricky because the cable is now a bit short for the new slot.

After screwing the new cover and the new circuit board neatly back onto the mount, we thoroughly check that everything is working correctly (including the pole LED).

After everything was working correctly again, we checked whether the latest update to the handheld controller was active.

 

If that's too much tinkering for you, feel free to contact us for a repair. ;-)