Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Bought Universal Astronomics UniMount Light equipped with the standard 4 axis setup....soon discovered that more were needed for viewing seated or reclining (see "Perfect Binocular Chair?" thread).
After talking with Larry at UA, I purchased the optional 5th axis and DeLuxe L bracket options which give 6 degrees of freedom and provide truely effortless viewing seated/reclining.
The image shows the added 5th axis between the parallelogram arms and the right angle bracket that provides yaw movement.....
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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This shows the L bracket which allows roll axis binocular movement....
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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View of complete mount....can you identify the 6 degrees of freedom?
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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For modularity, mount each binocular on its own L bracket and mounting V-block....
Takes about 10 seconds to swap binoculars.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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Bill, I had a feeling you'd be going back for the hinge; now you understand.
Nice looking setup; I find the Unimount and Fujis are a great combination.
I'm still sticking with my LaFuma recliner! 
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
Bill, I had a feeling you'd be going back for the hinge; now you understand.
Nice looking setup; I find the Unimount and Fujis are a great combination.
I'm still sticking with my LaFuma recliner!
Rich V
Rich...meant to give you credit for putting the "bee in my bonnet" on an earlier post (somewhere.)
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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Bill, I think it's great that Larry has made the Unimount more modular; my hinge axis is welded to the upright at the end of the p-gram arms- it had to be ordered that way.
You may find that a little tension tweak at various points in the mount will "customize" it to your personal preferences. The tension of the hinge vs. binocular yaw axis is important as is the relationship of the tension between the central azimuth axis and the hinge. I found the handle mounted close to the hinge is handy to control whether just the hinge swings or the whole p-gram swings in azimuth. The handle just adds a bit more control over the motions; you can hold one axis while moving another.
Oh, BTW, I've gone back and forth with having the bins under the mount and over the mount; since it balances perfectly either way I eventually settled for having the bins over the mount. I usually use a RDF on the bins and I like having open sky above the binocuars. I find it makes the mount "disappear" more easily, FWIW.
Enjoy,
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
Edited by Rich V. (10/05/09 08:52 PM)
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MacRoberts
sage
Reged: 08/25/05
Posts: 421
Loc: Redlands, CA
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Say Bill, what tripod is that?
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Jim
"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?" Psalms 8:3-4
TV Refractors
Fuji Binoculars
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Erik D
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/28/03
Posts: 3196
Loc: Central New Jersey, USA
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Looks like a Bogen-Manfrotto 475 B with adjustable/lockable center spread:
http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-Manfrotto-Digital-Geared-Maximum/dp/B00009R6MA
Have a look at the new series 5000 Tripod offered by Garrett Optical. $150 for legs only.
http://www.garrettoptical.com/product-p/series5000.htm
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
Say Bill, what tripod is that?
As Eric says, a Bogen 475.....very stout.
Got mine from BigBinocular for $305 which seems like the going price on the internet.
No such thing as overmounting.....can be used with alti-az mounts for refractors as well (or professional large format cameras); 26 pound capacity.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
Bill, I think it's great that Larry has made the Unimount more modular; my hinge axis is welded to the upright at the end of the p-gram arms- it had to be ordered that way.
You may find that a little tension tweak at various points in the mount will "customize" it to your personal preferences. The tension of the hinge vs. binocular yaw axis is important as is the relationship of the tension between the central azimuth axis and the hinge. I found the handle mounted close to the hinge is handy to control whether just the hinge swings or the whole p-gram swings in azimuth. The handle just adds a bit more control over the motions; you can hold one axis while moving another.
Oh, BTW, I've gone back and forth with having the bins under the mount and over the mount; since it balances perfectly either way I eventually settled for having the bins over the mount. I usually use a RDF on the bins and I like having open sky above the binocuars. I find it makes the mount "disappear" more easily, FWIW.
Enjoy,
Rich V
Rich
post a picture of your head setup....especially interested in the handle arrangement.
Wish Larry would do a better job showing details on his website...had to guess about some of what I bought from UA.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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Hi, Bill, UA's website really needs to be modernized!
My Unimount is the Deluxe Light from around 7-8 yrs. ago; the hinge and handle were standard. Things have changed a bit since then. I think Larry now provides the "03225 Adjustable Guide Handle $39+7 sh". Kind of pricey for a handle but maybe there's more to it than I think. There's a picture of it on his homepage; it looks like it only points one way now. My old style can be flipped 180°.
Here's a pic of the head of my older Unimount:
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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GaryHeath
super member
Reged: 08/13/09
Posts: 118
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This is what both of my ~4 year old UA UMDs looks like.
As you can see from all the pictures of the same basic mount, Larry went through some changes during the production runs.
On both I took the pivot SS carriage bolts out and replaced them with longer SS ones (from True Value Hardware) and added some ribbed plastic wire loom around the extension with some tape that, as can be seen .... is coming off (I need to replace that with heat shrink) and a 1/4-20 round knob on it's end.
I don't use the handle that came with the UMD, as I find it easier to position the binos/mount using one hand on the binos and the other hand on this round knob (also available in the specialty hardware bins at True Value Hardware) that I added to the end of the longer carriage bolt.
Best regards,
Gary
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For equipment see: My Gallery
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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"The added fifth axis between p-gram arms" ?? Do you mean the hinge axis, or the yaw axis? The hinge axis is parallel to the main azimuth axis,is oriented up -down, and is outboard of the P-gram arms, not between them. The yaw axis is not between the p-gram arms. Nor is the roll axis.
What have you found about the usefulness of the roll axis, which in this case is a continuation of the binocular hinge axis? It appears to be most useful for (otherwise?) contorted, reclined viewing with straight view binoculars. (?)
If you were to provide a roll axis for one of your inclined view binocs(how?), would that be worth the added mechanical complexity? How would one add a roll axis to a mount for a hingeless binocular with little separation of the objective barrels, such as a WW II 10 x 80 with 45 deg. inclination of the line of sight ? For this,
one can consider nested gimbals, such as for gyroscopes or compasses on ships. Complex and large.For this axis, a single arm fork would avoid interference with the chest or jaw. But the single arm, unless extremely thin, would obstruct at least part of the objective lenses mounted in closely separated tubes.
I once sat in a 3-axis gimbal(pitch, yaw, roll) , supposedly surplus from NASA astronaut training, in Mazatlan, and found that , contraintuitively, one can rotate oneself by applying a torque, at right angles to the chosen axis,or to more than one axis simultaneously, as I recall. I rapidly became motion sick ( had recently eaten) and dismounted before reaching a vomit condition.
" Can you identify the motions?" 1: Central azimuth rotation (axis up-down); 2: p-gram end up-down translation( The four p-gram joint axes are parallel and horizontal); 3: The hinge,a rotation axis pointing up and down, parallel to the central azimuth axis; 4: Pitch rotation axis, horizontally sweeping part of the horizon during hinge axis rotation. The pitch axis rotates the line of sight up and down; 5: A yaw axis , for side-to-side rotation, through the outer part of the plane of the L-arm; and 6: A roll rotation axis, in this case an extension of the axis of the interpupillary distance changing hinge which joins the two parallel telescopes.
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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Can we have more pics showing details of the newer, non-welded (?) p-gram end-hinge- pitch axis region? Are those joints dovetails, or tenon-in-slot,or?
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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West Marine is closing out some 2008 reclining chairs, some of which are "zero gravity". I bought one for $35 this week. It is not the "zero gravity", feet up version, which is about $80. I just Googled La Fuma, and their zero gravity ones look very similar, if not identical, to some which West Marine sells. Made in China , of course. <<www.macsports.com.>> Steel legs, aluminum upper part, secure, lockable, foldable, very comfortable for binocular use. I already have a lazy-susan bearing based Baltic birch turntable. Will put the new chair on it soon.
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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Gordon, I'm sure Bill is speaking of the hinge axis he added to the end of the arms as this "fifth axis". All Unimounts are equipped with the yaw axis.
Varying the combination of the hinge movement and yaw movement while aimed above horizontal will "twist" the binocular such that the roll axis at the attachment point is needed to keep the binocular level for comfortable use.
Yes, there are many "clones" of the LaFuma chair now; when I got mine it was the only game going. The prices of the Chinese models are WAY below the French made LaFuma but I don't know about their durability. I guess at the current prices, who cares?
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Gordon...
A couple of pictures of the 5th axis.
--------------------
10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Another.....
--------------------
10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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I see tapped holes are provided on one side of the L arm for handle attachment.
I've never had a close look at this newest iteration of the Unimount. It is interesting to see the changes over the years; thanks for the pictures, Bill and Gary. Larry makes a nice product; I've been impressed with the solid build and functionality.
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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GaryHeath
super member
Reged: 08/13/09
Posts: 118
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Rich,
I agree, the UA line of products work very well indeed.
No slop or tendency to wander about after you aim the optics, and smooth movement throughout the travel.
I think Mr. Bill got a better set-up by 'not' buying the Deluxe version, and then adding the yaw axis to the Light version.
That way he got a set-up that is more modular and easier to pack up for travel than is the deluxe version with the welded on yaw axis.
It looks to be every bit as solid as a welded unit, while being much more versatile.
Pretty clever of him!!
Yes, there are twin threaded holes in a few different places to attach the handle to the mount.
Best regards,
Gary
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For equipment see: My Gallery
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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Thank you for the new , clearer pictures of the one-sided dovetails. I wonder if those, and/or the two sided , thick dovetails shown in your previous pic,for quick-change of the binocular, are sawn from standard aluminum extrusions?
There are too many dovetail systems: Tapered, untapered, one-sided, two-sided, various Vixen and Vixen compatible , various Losmandy, Stellarvue improved Vixen, Manfrotto-Bogen, QuickSet, Bolex, Sachtler, WW II Zeiss unilateral tapered, Busch WW II bilateral straight, Fuji 25 x 150 II unilateral tapered , inter- barrel bilateral tapered for some USN 20 x 120 (for which I made a milling machine table fixture for production. A unilateral, tapered, would have sufficed, but the designer had probably never seen one), etc. A Babel of styles and adapters. I spent some time making tapered and untapered , mostly male. The unilateral tapered gives secure location(but is non-adjustable), and is easier to make than the bilateral tapered( which is also non-adjustable along its axis). But the tapered styles cannot be sawn from long lengths of extruded stock. Unless: For a unilateral, the single dovetail edge were extruded(or milled on the edge( or inside, for the female) of a bar), and the easier straight, non-dovetailed edge were then sawn out(or milled out, for the female) at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the extrusion, after the blank had been transversely cut from the extrusion or bar.
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
Rich,
I think Mr. Bill got a better set-up by 'not' buying the Deluxe version, and then adding the yaw axis to the Light version.
That way he got a set-up that is more modular and easier to pack up for travel than is the deluxe version with the welded on yaw axis.
It looks to be every bit as solid as a welded unit, while being much more versatile.
Pretty clever of him!!
Gary
Plain dumb luck on my part....every once in a while you do the right thing inadvertantly.
Actually, talked to Larry prior to purchase about options and he said I could add 5th axis later so my bases were covered.
Edited by Mr. Bill (10/12/09 06:57 PM)
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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Looking at UA's price list makes me think this "modular" system is the only way the Unimount is offered these days.
It's much better to have a base product with options that can be added depending on the user's individual needs. You pay for the options you want. Way to go, Larry!
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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Downward Bound
Adrenaline Junkie
Reged: 03/29/06
Posts: 2641
Loc: Seattle
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Thanks Bill - cool indeed.
What is the capacity limit for this mount?
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Bill
'flector: R200SS, 22" f/3.6 (on order)
'fractors: PST, AT-66, TV-85, FS-102, NP-127, TMB-152
'bins: 15x63, 10x52, 22x85
410+028B, Sphinx, Telepod, EZ Touch, G-11
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Mateyhv
member
Reged: 10/10/09
Posts: 54
Loc: 43°N
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Hi Bill,
Adding to the question of Downward Bound, do you think this parallelogram/tripod could support Garret Optical 28x110 binos (16 lbs)? Would be more confortable to set up the light than the heavy UniMount.
Matey
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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UniMount light =12 pounds
Millennium UniMount=30 pounds
http://www.universalastronomics.com/
--------------------
10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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As a long time Unimount user, I would not recommend the light model for 16# binoculars; they would be way undermounted. I wouldn't even attempt to mount my 13# 100mm bins on mine.
The original light Unimount was rated for 10#; now that has been increased to 12# but I think that is pretty optimistic. It's perfect with a 5# 70mm bin like the Fujinons or Ultras and I might consider up to 8# but instability in the form of oscillations will creep in. A 16# binocular at 28x will never settle down to a satisfactory level.
For a 28x110 you will need something like the Millenium Unimount; talk to Larry, he'll give you a straight answer. Higher magnifications take their toll on stability every bit as much as weight.
Rich V
--------------------
Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Added homemade T handle made of 1/2 inch aluminum dowel and piece of broom handle that allows easy movement of both altitude and 5th axis azimuth, IMO works better than UA's optional handle because it allows you to rotate 5th axis much easier......
--------------------
10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
Edited by Mr. Bill (10/13/09 04:38 PM)
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Another view....
--------------------
10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Mateyhv
member
Reged: 10/10/09
Posts: 54
Loc: 43°N
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Thanks Rich V. UniMount Light discarded for 16# binos. I have contacted Larry for the Heavy p-gram.
Matey
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ghgwv
newbie
Reged: 08/01/09
Posts: 4
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You guys may be able to help. I want to buy either the light duty above or the millenium from UA in anticipation of getting big binos. Now I have the Nikon 12X50SE- very light but could use a mount. I talked with Larry this morning and his opinion is the right tool for the job meaning the light duty in this case for the smaller nikons. He is afraid that the extra weight will take away the fun. Any one have some words of wisdom? Is the millenium with probably a bigger tripod worth the hassle for me. I must say that now I love the Nikons and will keep me happy for a "while".
Gary
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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I find "happy" to be an ephemeral condition.....
The UniMount light will do you fine but if you want the ability to "strap on" 80mm or 100mm binos in the future and want just one mount/tripod than the obvious answer is to buy the Millenium.
My own preference would be to buy the UniMount light and the Millenium in the future for bigger binos; that way, you can set both up side by side. Hey, that's just me...I like observing with lots of stuff set up side by side, YMMV.
--------------------
10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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Thank you for the new pictures. About the dovetails: the bilateral male one on the bracket connected to the binocular looks very much like the Losmandy VMM. http://www.losmandy.com. Also, compare the Losmandy VA,VSP, and APP. Those also seem to have unilateral, untapered female components, or to fit such holders.
Can anyone refute or confirm UA compatibility (or identity) with the mentioned Losmandy profiles?
As has been mentioned, the UA site falls short in its descriptions. Perhaps Mr. Patriarca is preoccupied with design , production, and filling orders. He has a varied product line, with proven , novel designs. Probably it is better that he not spread himself too thinly with continuous refinement of his site (if that is a time-consuming effort), or with paper catalogs. The telephone may be nearly sufficient for a proven enterprise such as his, with lots of word-of-mouth support references.
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 14731
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Quote:
The UniMount light will do you fine but if you want the ability to "strap on" 80mm or 100mm binos in the future and want just one mount/tripod than the obvious answer is to buy the Millenium.
I would agree with the Unimount Light. The Millenium is way overkill for what you have.
If you decide to get a larger binocular in the future, the U Light will easily handle a 10 pounder up to 20x.
FWIW, Larry is a one man operation.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
As has been mentioned, the UA site falls short in its descriptions. Perhaps Mr. Patriarca is preoccupied with design , production, and filling orders. He has a varied product line, with proven , novel designs. Probably it is better that he not spread himself too thinly with continuous refinement of his site (if that is a time-consuming effort), or with paper catalogs. The telephone may be nearly sufficient for a proven enterprise such as his, with lots of word-of-mouth support references.
It took me about 15 minutes to snap the above photos which certainly makes it clear what you are purchasing. I held off "pulling the trigger" on purchasing a UniMount for a long time because I couldn't visualize what exactly the various configurations are. I finally saw one at the GSSP starparty this summer so I knew what I was getting. I've bought too many things in the past that didn't meet my expectations because of inadequate information.
Most vendors have their websites developed and maintained by others. A clear well maintained website is as important as the products in determining the bottom line.
Basic business stuff, IMO.
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Finished T handle...stained and overcoated with satin polyurethane to waterproof.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Another small improvement...plastic end cap added to end of counterweight rod to keep it from slapping bottom of upper p-gram arm when moved. The weights tend to oscillate and cause rod end to slap.
Cost...25 cents.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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OpalescentNebula
super member
Reged: 01/11/07
Posts: 115
Loc: Calgary, Alberta, Observing so...
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Good idea never though about that. 
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Yours truly,
Bill
"Good friends are like stars...you don't always see them, but you know that they are always there" - unknown
Binos : various binos, Zeiss 10x42 FL, Garrett Optical 20x110
telescope: WO Megrez 110 ED
Eyepieces: 13mm Ethos, 5mm Pentax XO, 28mm WO & 2x Powermate
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Philip Levine
super member
Reged: 03/22/07
Posts: 156
Loc: near Boston, MA
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Hi Mr. Bill,
I also purchased a Unimount Light p-gram from Larry. Went to visit his shop and pick up my p-gram and tripod since I live in Massachusetts, Larry have me a tour of his operation, quite a setup.
Phil
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Zhumell 10" Dob (modified with degree circle and Wixey inclinometer)
26mm 2" GSO eyepiece
9mm 1.25" GSO eyepiece
13mm Nagler T6
Crayford focuser
DewBuster w/homemade heater strips
Nikon 10x50 EX binoculars
University Optics 11x80 binoculars
Fujinon 16x70 FMT SX
Surveyor Tripod w Universal Astronomics Parallelogram
member International Dark-Sky Association
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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OK....got second pair of L bracket/V blocks to set up both binos for fast swap on UniMount.
Another trick is to mark the CW rod position for each bino with white paint on the upper p arm. This allows for instant counterweight adjustment rather than fiddling around in the dark.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
|
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