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Kfrank
super member


Reged: 12/20/08
Posts: 158
ETX 90 mounting rings??? new
      #3190041 - 06/29/09 11:02 PM

I have removed my ETX90 ota from the fork mount and plan to use it on a UA McroStar. The mount handles the scope very well but mounting it with the 1/4 - 20 holes in the base of the ota, puts the eyepiece at the side of the scope. I'd like to use rings to mount the scope so as to get the eyepiece back to its normal orientation but can't find any rings that the vendors think will fit.

I priced a set from a site where the owner will custom make the rings but frankly, I don't want to pay his prices.

Does anyone know a source (or do you have a clever DIY approach) of rings to mount the tube??

Please don't suggest using a visual back. I've considered, and rejected, that option.

--------------------
Ken

ST80
SV80ED
ETX90 (Deforked)
Orion XT8


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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
*****

Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1150
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
Re: ETX 90 mounting rings??? [Re: Kfrank]
      #3190433 - 06/30/09 07:00 AM

Hi guys,

Similar query to Ken's above although I have an ETX-105 that has had RA drive problems from day 1 (it was a s/hand scope).

Planning to mount it on a NexStar SE mount to start with, then aiming for a GEM later on.

As Ken said, the mounting holes on the ETX are underneath which would mean that to EP/diagonal is at the 3pm position.

Apart from having a custom 'L' bracket made from a block of solid aluminium, are there any other ways of mounting it on my NexStar SE mount as the purchase of a GEM is some way off yet.

Cheers in advance,

Art

--------------------
If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================

Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.

Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.

Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!


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BillBrowning
Vendor - Astrosightsaver
*****

Reged: 05/03/05
Posts: 176
Loc: New York NY
Re: ETX 90 mounting rings??? new [Re: Arthur Dent]
      #3199631 - 07/05/09 12:04 AM

http://www.admaccessories.com/ has rings for just about anything you need. Not sure of the prices but you wont be dissapointed with his products.

--------------------
C8 deluxe
4.5 newt
Orion ST 90
ETX 90 mak
10x50 Minolta binos
15x70 binos
PST
Canon 300d unmodded
SightSaver red screen shield
www.astrosightsaver.com



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nighty
sage
*****

Reged: 12/31/06
Posts: 344
Loc: 75w39n
Re: ETX 90 mounting rings??? new [Re: BillBrowning]
      #3203525 - 07/07/09 06:37 AM

Less expensive but serviceable rings can be found at www.scopestuff.com and www.telescope.com

You may also need a dove tail bar for the Microstar.
I have several sets of each brand's rings.
CS Terry

--------------------
Stuff to look at stars and things
Scopes For Kids Project


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Kfrank
super member


Reged: 12/20/08
Posts: 158
Re: ETX 90 mounting rings??? new [Re: nighty]
      #3204245 - 07/07/09 01:47 PM

Thanks folks.

The problem is solved!!

I looked at a variety of places for scope rings. The ETX90 ota has a diameter of just over 4". Talking with Manish at Agena (who tried some rings out on his ETX90) I discovered that 4" rings won't work (too small) and the 4.2" rings readily available are just to big to give a secure fit, even with additional felt. This leaves custom rings and I didn't want to pay the freight for this option.

Today I talked with Larry at Universal Astronomics. Looks like one of his binocular mounting brackets will do the job. The bracket is designed to work with the MicroStar basic mount that I have. For a very reasonable charge, Larry agreed to remove the captive 14x20 screw for mounting the binoculars and mill a slot in the bracket to accommodate the mounting holes in the bottom of the ota. Problem solved and for a lot less than a pair of custom rings.

Thanks Larry and thanks to all for the suggestions.

--------------------
Ken

ST80
SV80ED
ETX90 (Deforked)
Orion XT8


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Bob Myler
sage
*****

Reged: 05/18/06
Posts: 215
Re: ETX 90 mounting rings??? new [Re: Kfrank]
      #3205320 - 07/07/09 11:26 PM

Mind telling us how much they cost?

Edited by Bob Myler (07/07/09 11:27 PM)


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