Summary

When using the OpenAstroTracker with the AutoPA mod, I encountered an issue where my imaging setup was too heavy, causing the original 6mm GT2 belt to slip. To address this, I modified the rear part of the AutoPA to support a wider 15mm GT2 belt, resulting in a more robust and reliable tracking system. Here’s an overview of the changes:

Belt Upgrade:
The original 6mm GT2 belt was replaced with a 15mm GT2 belt to accommodate heavier loads and reduce the chance of slippage.

Pulley Replacement:
The original pulleys were swapped for those compatible with the 15mm GT2 belt, ensuring proper fit and tensioning.

Screw Adjustments:
The original M5x30 screws were replaced with M5x40 screws, and M3x12 screws were replaced with M3x10 screws to accommodate the new belt and pulley configuration.

Belt Clamp Upgrade:
I designed a custom counterpiece for the GT2 belt to prevent the screws from directly biting into the belt. Instead of a single screw, two screws are now used to secure the belt, distributing the pressure more evenly over a larger surface area. This minimizes damage and increases the durability of the belt.