Introduction
The Celestron AVX mount is a heavy-duty telescope mount known for its massive functionality. Frequent usage and mismanagement over time can lead the mount to face several issues.
So, how do we solve the Celestron AVX mount problems?
Tightening the bolt of the clutch knob will lift the movement restriction of the declination. Adjusting the DEC and RA axis at a different angle can solve the problem regarding backlash. In many cases, the mount may have faulty connectors and plugs. Try fixing them before usage.
Are you not satisfied yet? Don’t worry! You’re in the right place! We’ve discussed the topic in detail to help you fix the issues yourself.
Let us dive right into it-
Celestron AVX Mount Issues And Fixes
The AVX mount is the smallest of all German equatorial Celestron mounts. It’s computerized with a lot of accessibility functions. But you may face several problems with your AVX mount after a usage period. These problems can affect other telescope areas, like those with Celestron StarSense.
Clutch Problems
Clutch problems often surface due to loosened knobs disabling the declination from moving.
The AVX mount cannot move beyond a certain point in such cases. The loosened knobs will weigh down on the declination of the telescope. Hence, the movement of the mount is limited.
Fix
First, unscrew the knob and remove the plastic piece to fix this problem. A brass box will unveil, which is the bolt used for loosening and tightening the clutch.
Reinsert the plastic knob at a different angle. This will eventually fix the clutch issue and allow better telescope mount movement.
Backlash Issue
The delay in scope movement when using direction arrows is caused by the backlash. This can usually be problematic when moving in the opposite direction of the scope’s tracking. Bad backlash can cause a lag of more than 10 seconds.
Fix
You need to adjust the tightness of the RA/ DEC axis to fix the backlash issue. This will ensure better guidance and less stress on the gears and motors.
We remove the Dec axis’s counterweight bar to reveal the tension ring. Loosen the two grub screws at the side of the ring with a tiny Allen key. Now insert a slightly larger Allen key into the access hole. Put it against the grub screw to wedge the tension ring tightly against the Allen key. This will hold the tension ring in place when you turn the axis.
Loosen the tension ring by rotating the mount saddle counterclockwise until you feel some vertical play. Move the saddle up and down by grabbing it to test the vertical space.
Tighten it slowly until there’s no play. Finish off by tightening the grub screw.
This operation requires quality Allen keys for precise movements. Here are some of our top picks on Allen keys for you-
| 30-Piece Premium Hex Key Allen Wrench Set | |
| HORUSDY 30-Piece Hex Key Set |
Now it’s time to move onto the RA axis. Remove the plastic cap from the axis. You’ll notice that the RA axis has three grub screws in its tension ring. A control panel cover will also hide the access hold. Uncover the hole and turn the axis to locate any vertical play.
Once you adjust the RA and DEC axis, put some new grease on the wheels. That will take care of the backlash issue in your AVX mount. You can try this if you have alignment problems with the Celestron telescope.
Connector Problems
The mount will either see the GPS unit or go for the Starsense instead. Switching the Starsense and GPS to different ports won’t work either. In the best-case scenario, you’ll only get half a view of both. Also, rebooting does no good for such issues.
This problem can be blamed on dirt-collected pins in the connectors. Sometimes, the pins might get bent down from being left plugged for a long time. As a result, the connectors lose their spring, and the points inside the port get bent.
Fix
Clean the pins in all the connectors using alcohol.
A dental pick can return the bent-down pins to their previous form. Use the dental choice to bend them back. Doing so will help the male plug pins better connect with the port.
These are the fixes for the most common problems in the Celestron AVX mount. Contact Celestron if you still have difficulty dealing with your AVX mount. You’ll also have to check thoroughly for an issue with your Nexstar hand control. If found, it’s better to fix the problem as soon as possible.
FAQs
Question: Will the AVX Mount be compatible with any Vixen Plate?
Answer: The AVX mount will be compatible if the plate is longer than 100mm. The vessel has to be long enough to let the knobs come in contact with it. You don’t have to think much about the width as the Vixen-style dovetails can accommodate 1.75’’ to 3’’ for width.
Question: What’s the latitude range of the AVX mount?
Answer: AVX mount allows a latitude range of 7-77 degrees. This range is enough for precise alignment. The user doesn’t necessarily need to use a pier extension and can avoid it.
Question: What is the Weight Capacity of the AVX mount?
Answer: AVX mount comes with a load capacity of 30 lbs. This offers a sturdy enough platform for any AVX optical tubes. Remember not to exceed 50% of the load capacity for optimal performance for imaging.
Final Words
You have learned how to fix Celestron AVX mount problems. I hope this guide helped you in improving your AVX mount issues. You can set the problem on your own with this guide.
We look forward to your valuable remarks. Have a great day!
