You are not logged in. [Login] Forum Archives · Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Telescope Specific Forums >> Meade ETX Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 jgraham Postmaster Reged: 12/02/04 Posts: 7065 Loc: Dayton, Ohio Simple Counter-balance Weights for the ETX       #2434182 - 06/01/08 10:36 PM Attachment (36 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The ETX design is so compact it handles heavy accessories like cameras and binoviewers fairly well. Still, I thought it would be nice to have the option of adding a set of counter-balance weights or other accessories like a laser pointer to the ETX. The ETX happens to have two ¼-20 attachment points on the underside of the tube which are ideally suited for this purpose. To take advantage of this I made a mounting bar from a 1/8”x2”x12” piece of aluminum flat stock. For the weight I used a stack of 20 ¼”x1-1/2” fender washers. The makes a perfect counter-balance for my Orion binoviewers. One small addition I may make is the addition of a short section of cork between the bar and the tube to eliminate any vibrations. I do plan on making another smaller bar to mount a green laser pointer under the tube. -------------------- -John ================================================ Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5" Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130 Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC Tasco 60mm Refractors Post Extras:       jgraham Postmaster Reged: 12/02/04 Posts: 7065 Loc: Dayton, Ohio Re: Simple Counter-balance Weights for the ETX [Re: jgraham]       #2434185 - 06/01/08 10:37 PM Attachment (24 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Close-up of the bar and weights... -------------------- -John ================================================ Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5" Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130 Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC Tasco 60mm Refractors Post Extras:       StarWars Postmaster Reged: 11/26/03 Posts: 14741 Loc: mNuSa Re: Simple Counter-balance Weights for the ETX [Re: jgraham]       #2434266 - 06/01/08 11:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice counter weight idea... I believe the allen screws would be metric.. Can you post the screw size.. -------------------- Post Extras:       jgraham Postmaster Reged: 12/02/04 Posts: 7065 Loc: Dayton, Ohio Re: Simple Counter-balance Weights for the ETX [Re: StarWars]       #2434282 - 06/01/08 11:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   They're actually 1/4-20 threads compatible with standard camera tripod mounting screws. -------------------- -John ================================================ Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5" Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130 Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC Tasco 60mm Refractors Post Extras:       1_old_dog sage Reged: 09/07/07 Posts: 435 Loc: Smoky Mnts Re: Simple Counter-balance Weights for the ETX [Re: jgraham]       #2434594 - 06/02/08 08:48 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very nice!! I like the simplicity of the build using off the shelf materials, looks like it should do the job. I agree, you should dampen it out somehow and cork is a great idea as it won't really add any extra weight. OD -------------------- old stuff but good stuff http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Posts: 2832 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Simple Counter-balance Weights for the ETX [Re: 1_old_dog]       #2435830 - 06/02/08 07:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   hmm crafty solutuion I like the idea. -------------------- group scope pic my refractors LX200 10"-St120 LX200 8" f6.3-Orion 80ed LX200 8" f10-Orion 90 Mak setup pic Meade 102ED LXD650 Sky Watcher 100 ED Triplet prototype Nexstar 5 etx125 etx70's Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 1 registered and 2 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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