Electrifying Astronomy: Is Your HEQ5 Pro a Shocking Experience?

It's a dream for many amateur astronomers: a sturdy, reliable equatorial mount to track the cosmos and capture stunning astrophotography. However, for one user, the pursuit of celestial wonders turned into a literal shocker with their brand new Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro mount.

A Jolt of Reality

The user, who recently acquired their HEQ5 Pro, encountered an unnerving issue shortly after setting it up. While attempting to polar align the mount – a crucial step for accurate tracking – they experienced a distinct electrical jolt upon touching a bolt. Initially dismissing it as cold, further investigation revealed a concerning reality: 41VAC was being outputted, directly from a 12V DC input.

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Adding to the concern is a strange whining noise emanating from the mount, which the user suspects could be related to arcing. This discovery has prompted an urgent call for advice from the astronomy community, with the user seeking to understand if this is a common issue and, more importantly, how to fix it.

Community Reactions and Potential Solutions

Reactions from fellow enthusiasts have been swift and largely centered on the clear safety implications of the problem. Many commenters strongly advised against attempting any personal repairs, emphasizing that a product delivering such a shock is inherently defective.

"It’s clearly a defective product. Why are you not just sending it back for replacement?" one user pointed out.

While the user mentioned the inconvenience and cost of return shipping, particularly after purchasing the mount on eBay without essential accessories like counterweights, other users highlighted consumer protection rights. "I'm pretty sure eBay T&C entitle you to a refund including shipping fees given the product clearly does not function as described. Take videos as evidence and escalate as needed," suggested one commenter.

Another practical suggestion was to "try a different power supply, of the correct voltage and sufficient current?" This could help rule out issues with the power source itself, though the significant voltage discrepancy points towards an internal fault within the mount.

Prioritizing Safety in Astrophotography

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of electrical safety, even in our beloved hobbies. When dealing with electronic equipment, especially those designed for outdoor use, it's crucial to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.

If you're experiencing similar issues with your astronomy equipment, or any electrical device, err on the side of caution. Prioritize safety, consult with the manufacturer or seller, and do not hesitate to seek professional advice or return faulty equipment. Let's keep our stargazing experiences awe-inspiring, not alarming!