I've been regreasing my AP1200 mount and remeshing the gear-box.
While regreasing the DEC axis, I noticed that the DEC was really stiff
even though there is no gearbox connected. I reviewed some threads on
the AP GTO Yahoo group and Roland mentioned that you should be able to
blow on the DEC to move it. While I took that to be an exaggeration
(like the one where he stated that everyone will get a AP Traveller from
the upcoming run...hm....), my DEC assembly was really stiff and it
took maybe 4-5 lbs of force to move it. I thought, "AHA! This is why
I'm getting really crappy DEC guiding!"
After reading
some threads in the Yahoo group, I noticed references to a RA clutch.
What? That means there's a DEC clutch, right? It took some
sleuthing, but I figured out that those funny flat knobs on the DEC
assembly were adjusting the tension to the movement of the DEC gear.
Oh....
Another one of those moments when I feel like an idiot.
I made the egregiously stupid assumption that the knob was to release air pressure and excess grease from the DEC shaft. 🤦
"It's the DEC clutch, stupid." Wasn't that the iconic phrase from James Carville?
