HEQ5: Motor Error fixed with board replacement

Product Description

Problem:
The hand controller of the Skywatcher HEQ5 displayed the error message "Motor Error" after powering on.
Very rarely, this is a genuine motor failure.

More often, this error indicates electronic issues. In the simplest case, connectors have lost contact because they have become loose or corroded. In the more complex case, the circuit board is defective, corroded, or has contact problems.
In this case, unfortunately, the fault was caused by the very circuit board that had become defective.

Solution:
The clear and stable design of the HEQ5 mount allows for easy circuit board replacement. For mounts that are in frequent and extended use, it is advisable to check the lubrication and gear play at the same time.

Step 1:
Open the mount.
To access the circuit board, the side panels and the top (curved) cover must be unscrewed. The screws on the top cover are countersunk screws, which are not on the side – it's best to keep both types of screws separate for later closure.

Step 2: HEQ 5 Gearbox-Motor Block
Remove the right motor-gearbox block.
The left screw, which holds the circuit board, can be accessed with a long screwdriver through the holes in the front of the gear block and can be removed this way. Unfortunately, to remove the right screw on the circuit board, the right motor-gearbox block must be removed. Pay attention to the various retaining screws on the block for the gearbox and motor.
The screws with the flat black washers only hold the metal plate to the housing; the screws with the silver "washers" are threadlockers and connect the gearbox to the motor. Be sure to reapply these threadlockers, otherwise the screws may loosen over time due to vibration.

Step 3:
Replace the Circuit Board.
Disconnect all contact connectors from the circuit board. Since all connectors are different and only fit into a single slot, you can't go wrong.
Now swap the old circuit board for the new one. Be careful to only touch the circuit board by the plastic parts and avoid damaging it with the screwdriver. Reinsert the connectors.

Step 4:
Attach and adjust the motor-gearbox block.

After the new circuit board is firmly in place, you need to screw the motor block to the housing. Don't tighten the screws completely yet. Now place the gearbox on the motor and mount housing. Don't tighten these screws completely yet either.

Next, align the gearbox with the main pinion. It shouldn't be too close, but it shouldn't have too much play either. Tighten the screws clockwise one at a time, adjusting the gears as you go.

Step 5:
Finally, connect the hand controller and power supply and check the still-open mount to see if the circuit board is working and the gear play is correct. Then unplug the power cord and the handset.

If everything worked as it should, this is the perfect time to check the gear lubrication and, if necessary, relubricate it.

Step 6:
Once you've verified that all components are securely in place, the mount can be closed again. As mentioned, make sure you use the correct screws to ensure the housing plate fits smoothly and doesn't stick out.

Final Step:
Remove any grease residue, etc., and enjoy a functioning HEQ5 mount.

If this is too much work for you, feel free to contact us for inspection or repair (for a small fee).