Will the KN40GP knob set fit my equatorial mount?
This set is designed for any mount that uses slow-motion control knobs on a 6mm diameter worm shaft. It is a confirmed fit for most EQ4, EQ5, and Vixen GP-style mounts. Before ordering, you can verify by measuring the shaft diameter on your current knobs.
What is the advantage of the KN40GP aluminum knobs over the stock plastic ones?
The primary advantages are durability and precision.
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Material: CNC machined aluminum offers superior rigidity and will not crack or become brittle in the cold like plastic.
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Grip: The machined knurling provides a much more secure grip for finer, more controlled adjustments, especially with gloves.
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Feel: The solid connection to the worm shaft provides better tactile feedback, eliminating the "spongy" feel of plastic knobs.
Why is one knob in the KN40GP set longer than the other?
The extended knob is designed for the Right Ascension (RA) axis. Its extra length provides clearance, preventing your hand from bumping into the mount's declination assembly or motor housings as you track an object across the sky. This makes for smoother, uninterrupted manual tracking.
How do I install the KN40GP mount knobs?
Installation is typically very simple. Most stock knobs are held in place by a small set screw on the side of the knob's collar. You will need a small Allen key or screwdriver to loosen the old knob, slide it off the 6mm shaft, slide the new KN40GP knob on, and tighten its set screw.
Will the KN40GP knobs make it easier to manually track Jupiter with my Vixen GP mount?
Yes. When observing planets like Jupiter at high magnification, you need to make constant, smooth adjustments. The superior grip and solid feel of the KN40GP knobs allow for much finer and more responsive control over the mount's worm gear, making it easier to keep the planet perfectly centered in the eyepiece.
I use an EQ5 mount for imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Can the KN40GP knobs help?
Absolutely. While you'll be using motor drives for the exposure, the KN40GP knobs are invaluable during setup. They allow you to make precise, deliberate framing adjustments to center the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) perfectly without needing to use the hand controller's slew buttons, which can sometimes overshoot your target.
