Backlash vs. Anti-Stiction en Maxim Dl

https://www.cyanogen.com/help/maximdl/Autoguider_Troubleshooting.htm

ou can try experimenting with the backlash settings; however, it may be better to use the Anti-Stiction feature rather than play with backlash settings. The backlash features works by sending an extra-long pulse out to the mount whenever the declination direction reverses. The amount of time of this extra pulse is entered in seconds. Backlash compensation is usually only required on the Declination axis since the sidereal tracking normally runs out the backlash in RA. Be careful, however, not to set the backlash time too high – that will make the situation much worse. It is far better to set it too low than too high. Also make absolutely sure that any anti-backlash feature in the telescope mount controller itself is turned off. If the mount performs its own anti-backlash functions the star will still be moving when the guider takes the next exposure, and severe instability can result.

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https://www.cyanogen.com/help/maximdl/Backlash_and_Stiction.htm

Stiction problems can be complex mechanically; it can often be hard to determine what the root cause is. Many telescope mounts – even high-end models – suffer from this problem, and it may vary between different samples of the same model. The problem has a terrible effect on guiding because it forces overcorrection.

If you experience bad guiding in declination and cannot resolve it through adjusting the calibration or aggressiveness, you may have a stiction problem. One solution that works is to note the average drift in declination, and disable corrections in that direction. The guider will only be able to push against the average drift, not with it. This works surprisingly well. Some users deliberately adjust their polar alignment slightly off to ensure that the drift is in a consistent direction. You should avoid large offsets that may cause field rotation.