rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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This is the series previously promised. It consists of a series of small pictures on successive replies that show the adapter that can be simply made and applied to the vertical column of the Sky Window base. It permits me to see moonrises/sets, low elevation star objects but also use the base for terrestrial viewing with correct image viewing. (The Sky Window reverses up/down).
Note: this is a home recipe for my use, but it is an open domain concept. You are welcome to try it, adjust the design, or whatever. There is no fee, no drawings, no requirement to try this or any variation. It works for me; I use it.
The orginal brackets I used were 1/4 inch aluminum with punched holes for 3/8 hardware. They were for an unrelated purpose. I adapted one bracket with a couple extra holes, some standard hardware, plastic milk jug material for washers under the metal washers, and put it together. It was tested with our Fuji 16x60s but, of course, works well with anything smaller. I have short comments with some pics. If you have questions, holler or send me a PM...
Clear skies.
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Roland
Sketches in members galleries: rolandlinda3
Inspirational stories/sketches at:
www.christworksministries.org
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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Here is the bracket alone with the standard adapter that attached larger binoculars. The standard adapter for binoculars is the same one offered by several vendors. It has 1/4 inch threads and two holes so it can be mounted. I put two holes in my aluminum bracket to 1/4x20 hardware could be used. Since the little "knobs" are threaded all the way, I put in a couple aluminum spacers to make it easy to tighten them. I leave the bracket assembled as you see it.
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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Now a series to show what happends. Here is the standard sky window set up with the Fuji 16 x70. You remove the binoculars and the window. Then remove the knob at the top of the vertical column so the column is bare except for the laser mounting piece, which I leave on.
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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Here is the bracket and hardware laid out so you can see it unassembled before it goes on the vertical sky window vertical column.
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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Forgot to mention: the Sky Window base is full of nicely made holes for either 1/4 or 3/8 hardware. I have never understood why, but they are sure handy for modifications. In any case, the vertical column has holes for 3/8 hardware. So, my holes in the aluminum bracket are also for 3/8. You could make another bracket out of steel and perhaps even hardwood and it would do the same thing. Note: I space things so the binocular bracket is as near center of C.G. as possible but raised some (but not too much). Here is the bracket installed without the binoculars.
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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There is an adapter that goes with the Fujis to make them focus on the sky window. For smaller binoculars, there is no adapter. I remove it and attached the binoculars to the aluminum bracket with the binocular adapter as shown.
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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Another view:
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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I have some other pics if needed but I think you get the picture. I personally like 8x56s which are a little lighter and even easier to use with this arrangement. One does have to re-tighten the wing nuts to make sure everything stays where it is supposed to. Otherwise, it's a pretty easy fix for terrestrial viewing or low elevation viewing where you want correct image. And, of course, it uses the built-like-a-brick Sky Window base. It takes about 2 minutes to change everything back. Piece of cake.
Last pic....
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Roland
Sketches in members galleries: rolandlinda3
Inspirational stories/sketches at:
www.christworksministries.org
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rodelaet
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/28/06
Posts: 3063
Loc: 50°56' N - 4°58' E (Belgium)
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Roland,
Your adapter is indeed a fine solution.
Thank you for adding the pictures. They speak for themselves.
Clear skies,
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Rony
My Astronomical Sketches
My Binocular Sketches
Callibrate your Monitor with this little strip.
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cosurgi
member
Reged: 09/25/09
Posts: 14
Loc: Gdańsk, Poland, EU
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Oh, is that the sky window from tricomachine.com ? I mailed them whether they sell to Europe and got no response at all. So I started to wonder whether they went out of business, stopped selling it, and the website is plain obsolete.
I pondering to buy it, because I suffer some back-pain, and staring in the zenith isn't comfortable for me after 30mins. But I'm afraid that after I pay, I won't receive anything. How long ago did you buy yours? I ask, because all positive opinions and feedback on the web is like 4-6 years old...
best regards
Janek Kozicki
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Deon
super member
Reged: 07/21/07
Posts: 173
Loc: Pretoria, South Africa
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Janek,
Not to hijack this great thread, but why not make your own? All you basically need is a first surface mirror, and you can build your own base.
Attached is a pic of one I built recently, out of scrap wood, and the mirror, although quite thick (18mm) came from a old printer, but works wonderfully.
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GSO 8" Dob
Garrett Optical 12x60 LW
Panasonic DMC FZ50 Camera
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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Thanks Rony and others for looking and the comments. And, it does not hijack the thread (or bother me) to mention trying to get these guys...they are hard to get. They make a great product, but it is really hard to nail them down. I had proposed the adapter in a different way for them to make and offer, but after a few months of no response, I went ahead and made the one you have seen. The best way to get them is to call them during working hours.
And, yes, the concept can be homemade. I have to admit, however, their stand and mirror is a class act.
As for the adapter, as long as you make the right angle adapter so it raises the binoculars a little but not over 3 inches or so, and you keep the center of gravity relatively centered left to right, the whole thing stays very stable. Remember to use at least 3/8 hardware for tightening the adapter to the vertical column. Anything smaller is to small to get your hands on and too small to permit enough stiction to hold binocular position for 16x70s. Anything smaller/lighter is probably not an issue.
Deon....nice rig!! I like the wood set up.
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Roland
Sketches in members galleries: rolandlinda3
Inspirational stories/sketches at:
www.christworksministries.org
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rodelaet
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/28/06
Posts: 3063
Loc: 50°56' N - 4°58' E (Belgium)
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Janek,
They did ship mine to Belgium about two years ago.
Don't know if they're still in business.
Best,
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Rony
My Astronomical Sketches
My Binocular Sketches
Callibrate your Monitor with this little strip.
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Deon
super member
Reged: 07/21/07
Posts: 173
Loc: Pretoria, South Africa
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Thanks Roland. Yes, it is QUITE sturdy  This was just the first prototype, which has since been modified even further.
I have made a dob type base for it as well, so it can be easily turned, and is busy with a smallish tripod, to make it the ideal sit down and look down mirror mount.
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GSO 8" Dob
Garrett Optical 12x60 LW
Panasonic DMC FZ50 Camera
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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Would be delighted to see a thread with this explained, what wood is best, where to get the mirrors, some dimensions, etc. Or, if you have already done this, I would like a link to it.
Thanks for reading.
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Roland
Sketches in members galleries: rolandlinda3
Inspirational stories/sketches at:
www.christworksministries.org
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Deon
super member
Reged: 07/21/07
Posts: 173
Loc: Pretoria, South Africa
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I have not yet started a thread on it, but will do so soon.
As to the dimensions and best wood to use, well, lets just say I use whatever I have handy  and work from plans in my head. I like to build prototypes, and generally take it from there.
The front surface mirror was rescued from an old desk sized printer/copier that was scrapped. Bit heavy, but that just keeps the mount stable.
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GSO 8" Dob
Garrett Optical 12x60 LW
Panasonic DMC FZ50 Camera
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 2233
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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When you do the post, send me a PM since I am not often on this forum. Your cradle assembly has me thinking since another CN member mentioned using a cradle as a simple mount for a small scope. I am trying to go down that rabbit trail as we continue to refine a simplified mount for use in way out places (Uganda countryland, Haitian villages....places where you cannot get tripods or anything else). I know its off my original subject, but if you ever see anything along that line, let me know. However, with some adjustment, we can also use it to mount a binocular at standing height for a group in the same places.
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Roland
Sketches in members galleries: rolandlinda3
Inspirational stories/sketches at:
www.christworksministries.org
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Deon
super member
Reged: 07/21/07
Posts: 173
Loc: Pretoria, South Africa
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I will send you the link, once posted, and also let you know if I find anything related to using basic cradles for smallish scopes and for binocular mounts.
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GSO 8" Dob
Garrett Optical 12x60 LW
Panasonic DMC FZ50 Camera
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