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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts

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JAT Observatory
NOT a Wimp
*****

Reged: 02/20/05

Loc: In the Primordial Soup
Just a reminder... new
      #3117716 - 05/20/09 10:13 PM

..for those of you that mount OTAs on rails, be sure to install the stop screw on the end. It might just save your OTA someday.

It saved mine a couple of days ago. I attached my 12" SCT on my Paramount while the mount was horizontal. I left the mount horizontal and did some other work on the mount, but neglected to completely tighten the clamp screws down that hold the OTA.

Later when I rotated the mount 90 degrees so it pointed skyward I was treated to the sound of very loud POP! The sound was the OTA sliding down the Paramount's Versa-Plate and coming to an abrupt stop by the 2 screws I have on the end. These 2 screw stopped the OTA from sliding off on the floor. Talk about my heart skipping a beat.

So remember to attach your stop screws on the end of your rail or dove-tail plate.


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PGW Steve
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 10/03/06

Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
Re: Just a reminder... new [Re: JAT Observatory]
      #3117762 - 05/20/09 10:35 PM

Safety screws saved my 14" from the same fate one time, good advice!!!

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David PavlichAdministrator
Transmographied
*****

Reged: 05/18/05

Loc: Mandeville, LA USA
Re: Just a reminder... new [Re: JAT Observatory]
      #3117852 - 05/20/09 11:33 PM

Had that happen with a C6R at my very first outreach event. Thank my lucky stars I had the safety screw in place.

David


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LLEEGE
True Blue
*****

Reged: 03/03/05

Loc: Cloud-chester,NY
Re: Just a reminder... new [Re: David Pavlich]
      #3117857 - 05/20/09 11:37 PM

I am shocked people don't use them.

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Doug D.
Carpal Tunnel


Reged: 08/23/05

Loc: Virginia
Re: Just a reminder... new [Re: LLEEGE]
      #3117898 - 05/21/09 12:09 AM

When I'm setting up a new plate I sometimes think - nah, I don't need that but I still do it anyway. And the first time I leave one off will almost certainly be the time it will slide right off..... Thanks for reminding me to not be lazy about such a trivial fix.

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jacktechie
super member
*****

Reged: 03/20/08

Loc: SF Bay Area
Re: Just a reminder... [Re: Doug D.]
      #3120119 - 05/22/09 01:22 AM

Good thing I normally use the safety bolt on the orange CGE dovetail of the c11. Wasn't careful and didn't totally lock the saddle bolts. When I heard the loud bang, the stainless steel bolt was still perfectly straight but now angled 60 degrees rather than the normal 90.
Jack


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