My star tracker just died on me during a clear night in Sedona

Was trying to capture the Milky Way over Cathedral Rock last weekend when the motor started making a grinding noise and froze up. Had to pack everything up after only getting 15 minutes of exposure time. Anyone know a good repair shop in Arizona or should I just replace the whole unit?

3 comments

3 Comments

avery_flores171mo ago

That grinding noise is a BAD sign, usually means stripped gears inside the motor. Repair costs can get close to just buying a new tracker, which is a total bummer. I'd call a few camera shops in Phoenix first to get a quote, but mentally prepare to replace it. Losing a clear night in Sedona over a gear failure is the actual worst feeling.

knight.felix1mo ago

Ever feel like your gear is just laughing at you?

taylorshah1mo ago

Ugh, absolutely. My old tripod head made this tiny clicking sound right as the Milky Way lined up perfectly. It felt like pure mockery. Just total betrayal by a piece of metal and plastic. You spend all this time getting to a dark spot, and your own stuff decides to quit on you. It's the worst kind of frustration.