skyguy1
member
Reged: 03/23/04
Posts: 75
Loc: Yarker, Ontario, Canada
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I posted this question in the mounts forum but haven't had any responses so I thought this might be a better spot.
I want to finish the top of my pier ( a six inch diameter pipe) properly so I can achieve proper alignment for visual but more importantly for photography.
Any pointers on how to do this right the first time will be greatly appreciated.
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"We are made of Star Stuff"
Carl Sagan
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Spoonsize
Vendor/Clothing
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 3297
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Norm:
Perhaps a flat ring welded to the top of the pipe with four holes. Then another flat plate with four matching holes you can bolt the mount head to. Use four lengths of threaded rod with several nuts to stand the mount plate a couple inches above the top of the pier and adjust them to be level. Mount the pier to a base so the whole thing aligns close to north and use the adjustment on the mount for fine tuning.
There are many examples posted in the forums with pictures, you'll have to browse thru them for ideas.
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Steve Durham
www.margesmonograms.com
(Marge made me do it)
"Nobody get's in to see the WIZARD, Not Nobody, Not Nohow"
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RobertED
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/11/03
Posts: 1192
Loc: Johnston, RI
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Here's an example...already had a solid concrete pier, so had it made to accomodate already protruding rods...hope it helps?!
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RobertED
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/11/03
Posts: 1192
Loc: Johnston, RI
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...another quick view
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GJJim
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 09/09/06
Posts: 907
Loc: Western CO
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A large, flat plate with holes for an adapter plate is your best bet. The plate should be at least as thick as the metal used for tube of your pier. The adapter or interface plate will connect your mount to the top plate of the pier. If you know which mount you are going to use and don't plan on changing it anytime soon, you could even skip the adapter plate and bolt the base of the mount directly to the top plate of the pier.
I wouldn't use long, spindly bolts to level the adapter plate. Simple shims between the top plate and adapter will do the job nicely and the compact setup is less prone to vibration.
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skyguy1
member
Reged: 03/23/04
Posts: 75
Loc: Yarker, Ontario, Canada
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You guys are awesome!
This is exactly the info I needed to get on with the job.
Simple, fast and relatively inexpensive.
Most appreciated.
Astrophotos here I come!
Clear Skies,
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"We are made of Star Stuff"
Carl Sagan
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imjeffp
Aluminum Falcon
Reged: 09/30/03
Posts: 4902
Loc: Cedar Park, Texas
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I had this plate machined at work, based loosely on the ones at Dan's Pier Top Plates.
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Luigi
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 4943
Loc: MA
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It doesn't really matter if the base of the mount is level as long as you can adjust the alt and az of the mount so that the polar axis is aligned. If the top of the pier is reasonably level, there's no need for an adjustable plate. It's just extra money and extra opportunity for flex.
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17.5" f/5 Dob. IM-715 MCT. 120ED. Lunt 60mm Ha.
Zeiss, Leica, Fujinon, Nikon, Pentax, Bushnell bins
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skyguy1
member
Reged: 03/23/04
Posts: 75
Loc: Yarker, Ontario, Canada
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imjeffp,
Very nice set up and the custom one you had made is beautiful.
BTW thanks for the link.
Luigi,
You're absolutely right about the base. I already have a very sturdy bottom plate that I intend to use and I'll add the top plate to fit my needs. Strong bolts are the way to go and the fine adjustment is going to be very welcome.
Thanks to all who took the time to reply.
Much Appreciated.
Clear Skies
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"We are made of Star Stuff"
Carl Sagan
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astrotrf
professor emeritus
Reged: 09/30/07
Posts: 709
Loc: Rodeo, NM
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Some mounts have provision for azimuth adjustment built in, so your pier top plate doesn't need to adjust at all. The two different mounts I have simply require a flat (and reasonably, not exactly, level) mounting surface with attachment holes that are aligned with north to within +/- 3 degrees or so. Sighting on Polaris (especially if you compensate for the nearly 1-degree offset from the pole) easily fulfills that requirement.
What you *need* to do (vs. what you might *want* to do) depends a great deal on exactly what mount you have.
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Terry (astrotrf)
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skyguy1
member
Reged: 03/23/04
Posts: 75
Loc: Yarker, Ontario, Canada
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astrotrf,
When I originally had the top made for my pier I did not allow easy access to the nut to loosen for adjustment in R.A. So for the last few years I've played a game of "close but no cigar" when it came to accurate alignment. Stupid I know, but now's the time to make it right and this was the right place to ask the question. I got the right answers right away,
As it turns out I can utilize the bottom plate that I already have so all I have to do is fabricate a top plate and add some hardware.
It will be so nice to take some longer subs with my DSLR.
Oh yea, I'm using the EQ-6 which you guys refer to as an Atlas.
Cheers!
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