From: "KirkusMcGurkus" <kirk@stenvall.net>

Date: October 1, 2008 1:08:09 AM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Custom drive ratios disrupt tracking?

I have an LXD75 that I've recently modified by replacing the motor

drive gears with a belt drive system. In doing so I've changed the

drive ratios in my Autostar. Can these changes cause tracking errors

with AstroIIDC?

The reason I ask is that the last 2 nights, since modifying my mount,

when I begin tracking a star, both RA and DEC run off course by what

seem to be near equal amounts and in a very consistent manner.

When observing the tracking star visually it moves off course very

slowly... my initial alignment has been good. But as soon as AstroIIDC

takes over (following successful calibration), these very consistent,

smooth errors in both axis appear. I have a screenshot if it would

help to clarify what I'm saying.

I guess I'm wondering if something needs to be modified in my

AstroIIDC software to compensate for the modification to my mount.

BTW, the new drive ratios, when using the mount without tracking, are

spot on.