SV134 Fully Metal Multi-Purpose Azimuth Mount Theodolite

This mount is a very good design and works well, but I only gave it four (4) stars since it has some minor issues that needed addressed. I quickly discovered the declination control needed adjustment or some minor repair to prevent it from slipping at the worm gear engagement. What I found on one unit was that the worm gear housing was mounted too low below the declination gear. All I had to do was to loosen the two Phillips mounting screws, slide the housing upward and re-tighten the screws. But on the second unit, this did not resolve the issue. There was not enough upward adjustment of the declination control housing, to get the worm gear to COMPLETELY engage into the declination gear. So I had to remove, dismantle and slot the two (2) mounting holes in the declination control housing. This allowed the additional upward adjustment to obtain full worm gear engagement and eliminate any play or slippage. There was no problems at all on the right ascension control. The second issue was the assembly bolt for the right ascension pivot. On both units, this bolt needed tightening to eliminate play and looseness. The third and final issue is the dovetail mounting saddle plate. Although it does work and is also aluminum, it is quite small and only has one (1) dovetail locking knob. Most dovetail mount have two (2) locking knobs. Overall, it is a very nice mount. The design is very good, but some of the build should be refined to resolve some of the manufacturing and assembly flaws.

I quickly discovered the declination control needed adjustment or some minor repair to prevent it from slipping at the worm gear engagement. What I found on one unit was that the worm gear housing was mounted too low below the declination gear. All I had to do was to loosen the two Phillips mounting screws, slide the housing upward and re-tighten the screws. But on the second unit, this did not resolve the issue. There was not enough upward adjustment of the declination control housing, to get the worm gear to COMPLETELY engage into the declination gear. So I had to remove, dismantle and slot the two (2) mounting holes in the declination control housing. This allowed the additional upward adjustment to obtain full worm gear engagement and eliminate any play or slippage. There was no problems at all on the right ascension control. The second issue was the assembly bolt for the right ascension pivot. On both units, this bolt needed tightening to eliminate play and looseness. In order to do so, the base mounting plate needed removed to access and tighten the assembly bolt and lock nut. (NOTE: I wish that SVBony would have installed a heavier and stronger right ascension pivot bolt. I feel the 6mm bolt, although hardened grade, is slightly undersized for such a mount.) I would like to see SVBony make some changes to the declination control, to resolve the worm gear engagement and install a larger 8mm or 10mm hardened right ascension pivot bolt for added strength and stability.