Telescope Reviews: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor?

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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts

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StarmanDan
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/27/07

Loc: Deep in the heart of Texas

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: scopelover]
#3082031 - 05/03/09 12:03 AM Attachment (101 downloads)

Here's a close up of the rig. No teflon needed, the threads of the pipe are surprisingly smooth, I've viewed at 200x and the scope moves without jumps or jitters. Just have to remember not to go around counter clockwise too many times! Considering how tall the mount is I would have liked to have used larger diameter pipe but 2" was the largest my hardware store had. I originally got the idea off a CN member who posted an article about their pipe mount about a month ago. I originally just wanted a mount for my 6" 15 lbs. refractor. Went to TSP with it and figured I could use something for the binos as well and made the bino mount while at TSP. It is made from 1/2 inch pipe.

Post Extras:

drshr
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 06/09/08

Loc: Darwin, Australia

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: StarmanDan]
#3082240 - 05/03/09 05:48 AM

Looks good and solid.
How do you go changing EP's without a tension knob?

Post Extras:

GShaffer
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 02/28/09

Loc: Bogart, Ga USA

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: StarmanDan]
#3082372 - 05/03/09 08:46 AM

Very nicely done!!! (pipe mount)

Like Dan I would be curious regarding controlling tension for going from light to heavy EP's also......

Post Extras:

SteveC
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/15/06

Loc: The Garden State & Ocean State

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: Trever]
#3083264 - 05/03/09 06:16 PM Attachment (80 downloads)

Here's a picture of my DM6 w/TEC140. A positive that I should mention is that the more weight you put on the DM6 the smoother it operates. I put my WO 80mm scope on it and the motions were a little jerky. I'm sure with experience that would have improved, but the moment I put the TEC140 or my 7" Mak on, the motions were instantly smoother. The DM4 would have been better suited for the 80mm scope. This is one case where a minimum weight should be listed.

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surfindogg
super member

Reged: 06/05/08

Loc: Not quite darkest Dorset, UK.

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: StarmanDan]
#3083276 - 05/03/09 06:24 PM

Quote:

Here's a close up of the rig. No teflon needed, the threads of the pipe are surprisingly smooth, I've viewed at 200x and the scope moves without jumps or jitters. Just have to remember not to go around counter clockwise too many times! Considering how tall the mount is I would have liked to have used larger diameter pipe but 2" was the largest my hardware store had. I originally got the idea off a CN member who posted an article about their pipe mount about a month ago. I originally just wanted a mount for my 6" 15 lbs. refractor. Went to TSP with it and figured I could use something for the binos as well and made the bino mount while at TSP. It is made from 1/2 inch pipe.

I think you should call it the Trombone Mount.

Post Extras:

contrailmaker
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 01/02/09

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: surfindogg]
#3083329 - 05/03/09 06:45 PM

I've had 3 relatively large refractors, the largest was a 5.5" Vixen neoachromat. I used a Universal Astronomics Unistar heavy mount. It can carry 40lb, the mount itself is very light. Seated on a wood surveyor tripod this setup was rock steady and very simple. Also inexpensive. I think at today's prices it'll set you back about $900.00 for both the mount and tripod.

cm

Edited by contrailmaker (05/03/09 06:52 PM)

Post Extras:

StarmanDan
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/27/07

Loc: Deep in the heart of Texas

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: GShaffer]
#3083364 - 05/03/09 07:04 PM

Quote:

Very nicely done!!! (pipe mount)

Like Dan I would be curious regarding controlling tension for going from light to heavy EP's also......

I initially balance the scope with my heavy (40mm Meade Plossel) eyepiece first. From there, the mount has enough stiction that the scope stays put between eyepiece changes but not so much that it affects the motions of the scope. I even borrowed an Ethos from a friend and the scope showed no tendancy for the back end to do a nose dive.

Post Extras:

GShaffer
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 02/28/09

Loc: Bogart, Ga USA

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: StarmanDan]
#3083528 - 05/03/09 08:31 PM

Makes sense, thanks......again very nicely done!

Quote:

Quote:

Very nicely done!!! (pipe mount)

Like Dan I would be curious regarding controlling tension for going from light to heavy EP's also......

I initially balance the scope with my heavy (40mm Meade Plossel) eyepiece first. From there, the mount has enough stiction that the scope stays put between eyepiece changes but not so much that it affects the motions of the scope. I even borrowed an Ethos from a friend and the scope showed no tendancy for the back end to do a nose dive.

Post Extras:

Trever
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/18/03

Loc: North Alabama

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: GShaffer]
#3085878 - 05/05/09 12:54 AM

After seeing all of the opinions of the DM-6, I decided to purchase one. Tom was very nice and informative during our conversation and the overwhelming majority of people seem to love the mount. I purchased the full mount with walnut legs and the sky commander so I will be fully set.

So, as soon as it arrives, I will post images of my refractor mounted on it. It may be a while as I do not know his schedule. I really appreciate all of the information and advice from everyone.

Post Extras:

darylf96
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 08/28/04

Loc: Danville, California

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: davidpitre]
#3085910 - 05/05/09 01:22 AM

Any problem regarding the motion of the DM-6 is a problem of proper adjustment. Many alt-az mounts have no friction adjustment capability. You will not be disappointed in your choice. Enjoy!

Daryl

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Herenomore
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 11/29/04

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: Trever]
#3086208 - 05/05/09 09:20 AM

Trever:

I echo Daryl's comment about not being disappointed. Please post back with pics and your impressions.

Tom

Post Extras:

boydd
sage

Reged: 12/07/07

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: Trever]
#3096929 - 05/10/09 08:23 PM Attachment (76 downloads)

Quote:

Does anyone know of an Alt-Az mount of some kind that is available for large refractors such as my Meade 152ed refractor? I was thinking of getting another CGEM with an extender in the near future but I wanted to check first.

I will say that these scopes are bigger than the standard F/8's offered by Synta so it would have to he hefty.

This is a picture of my twin 6" Astrozap Petzal refractors with Feathertouch focusers.

Tech2000 Dob Driver on a Giro 2 with needle bearing/axel modification.
Losmandy G-11 heavy duty tripod with pier extension.
PUSH TO by electronic pendant and manual
GO TO by computer
Tracking by electronic pendant and computer
All supported on a Scopebuggy

"Only your eyes can make the right decision for you; because it works"

Dave Boyd

Post Extras:

Nick Lloyd
He asked for it

Reged: 10/24/06

Loc: cincinnati

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: boydd]
#3097125 - 05/10/09 10:25 PM

I've used a Giro II DX with a Meade 178ed refractor. It required counterweights on the opposing side, of course.

Right now I use the same mount with a 9.25" SCT~~~~6" f/8 refractor. Both OTAs use 2" diagonals and binoviewers. Just find the balance point and you are good to go!

The mount works beautifully and is very affordable.

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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/15/06

Loc: The Garden State & Ocean State

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: boydd]
#3099326 - 05/11/09 09:58 PM

Quote:

This is a picture of my twin 6" Astrozap Petzal refractors with Feathertouch focusers.

Tech2000 Dob Driver on a Giro 2 with needle bearing/axel modification.
Losmandy G-11 heavy duty tripod with pier extension.
PUSH TO by electronic pendant and manual
GO TO by computer
Tracking by electronic pendant and computer
All supported on a Scopebuggy

"Only your eyes can make the right decision for you; because it works"

Dave Boyd

Someone call the Navy, I believe there's a missile cruiser missing some equipment!

Edited by SteveC (05/11/09 09:59 PM)

Post Extras:

boydd
sage

Reged: 12/07/07

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: SteveC]
#3099564 - 05/12/09 12:08 AM

Quote:

Quote:

This is a picture of my twin 6" Astrozap Petzal refractors with Feathertouch focusers.

Tech2000 Dob Driver on a Giro 2 with needle bearing/axel modification.
Losmandy G-11 heavy duty tripod with pier extension.
PUSH TO by electronic pendant and manual
GO TO by computer
Tracking by electronic pendant and computer
All supported on a Scopebuggy

"Only your eyes can make the right decision for you; because it works"

Dave Boyd

Someone call the Navy, I believe there's a missile cruiser missing some equipment!

Actually I am working on mounting an ICSM/ICBM to the side of each scope. Just because I can, not necessarily because I should.

Dave Boyd

Post Extras:

Trever
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/18/03

Loc: North Alabama

Re: Alt-Az mount for a large refractor? new

[Re: boydd]
#3106415 - 05/15/09 10:30 AM

Quote:

This is a picture of my twin 6" Astrozap Petzal refractors with Feathertouch focusers.

Tech2000 Dob Driver on a Giro 2 with needle bearing/axel modification.
Losmandy G-11 heavy duty tripod with pier extension.
PUSH TO by electronic pendant and manual
GO TO by computer
Tracking by electronic pendant and computer
All supported on a Scopebuggy

Now THAT is a setup!

My DM6 assembly is due to arrive today. When everything is assembled, I will post pics. Can't wait to get it all together. The weather here has been the worst I can remember. I haven't had a scope out since March and then it was only one night. The refractor still has not had the chance to see starlight.

Post Extras:

Trever
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/18/03

Loc: North Alabama

DM6 mount has arrived! new

[Re: Trever]
#3107468 - 05/15/09 09:20 PM Attachment (78 downloads)

Here is the final assembly with my Refractor mounted on it. This easily is the best mount I have owned and it is so smooth! The tripod is solid as a rock and work great with the mount and scope together.

I will still need to work with the Sky Commander but that will have to wait until I get a clear sky. I have not had the chance to take this out as it has rained practically every day for 3 months and it is thundering now even.

My opinion may not be as well known as many here, but I can say that this mount is a winner! I definitely recommend it for anyone needing a quality Alt-Az mount for their Refractor or CAT.

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Jim7728
Postmaster

Reged: 04/10/05

Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC

Re: DM6 mount has arrived! new

[Re: Trever]
#3107575 - 05/15/09 10:40 PM

That is a very nice looking setup!

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Herenomore
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 11/29/04

Re: DM6 mount has arrived! new

[Re: Trever]
#3107722 - 05/16/09 12:18 AM

Quote:

Here is the final assembly with my Refractor mounted on it. This easily is the best mount I have owned and it is so smooth! The tripod is solid as a rock and work great with the mount and scope together.

I will still need to work with the Sky Commander but that will have to wait until I get a clear sky. I have not had the chance to take this out as it has rained practically every day for 3 months and it is thundering now even.

My opinion may not be as well known as many here, but I can say that this mount is a winner! I definitely recommend it for anyone needing a quality Alt-Az mount for their Refractor or CAT.

Congratulations, Trever

I'm sure you've realized by now that pictures do no justice to the beauty of the mount and, in particular, Tom's tripod. I also have the walnut finish and it's like fine furniture.

Enjoy,

Tom

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boydd
sage

Reged: 12/07/07

Re: DM6 mount has arrived! new

[Re: Trever]
#3108158 - 05/16/09 09:13 AM

I use a Sky Commander on another setup. The Push-To is accurate. Enjoy!

Dave Boyd

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