Telescope Reviews: Anyone using a QuickSet Hercules??

TX,

I am deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing. I first "met" Tom on the Astromart forum around 2003. I had been looking for a heavy duty Alt Az mount and tripod capable of supporting my 6 inch F8 AP refractor for many years. The OTA was delivered to me in 1989. Seven inch OD and nearly 5 ft long with dew shield and diagonal. Sat in my closet for the next 14 years waiting for a suitable mount.

I am strictly a visual observer. Didn't want to bother with the set up and expense of an EQ mount. First learned about the GR DX mount from David N's review here on CN ~2001 but I knew I'd need a much beefier tripod than the Bogen 3036 for my scope. I considered the wooden surveyor type fixed height tripod or the Manfrotto 3058( rated for 44 lbs). Also contacted APM in Germany about their deluxe wood tripod. The dealer for the Giro mount offered a wood tripod with an adapter to fit the Giro. Max ht was about 55 inches. I would be sitting on the ground to observe.

If it wasn't for Tom's advise and encouragement I would not have continued my quest for an adjustable tripod with geared center column. It took me over a year to assemble all the pieces and to find an affordable, used Hercules (with Tom's help).

After a 14 year wait I finally had my dream mount in 2003: A tripod capable of supporting 150+ lbs, tall enough to reach over 7 ft. Best of all, I can view objects from near horizon to zenith while standing and have the EP at the exact height by cranking up the geared center column. No bending, stooping or lugging my 17 lb adjustable ht chair. It's also makes a very attractive, impressive display in my house when I am not observing. I will always to be grateful to Tom.

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I will go thru my files to see if I can find the notes Tom send me about mounting the Giro head with a bolt and washers. But I feel getting the theodlite adapter is also an worthwhile investment. Permits a clean, secure set up with any mount using 3/8-16 mounting base. My 2nd Hercules purchase came with a geared head with a 3/8-16 mounting bolt. I am now using the adapter (~5.5 inch dia) as a mounting platform and a Manfrotto 516 fluid head on a smaller Quickset Samson tripod. That set up should support a ultra giant bino up to the size of the Oberwerk BT 120 mm. (35 lb+)

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Tim,

I took the cover off the elevation gear on the Hercules. Looks like the gear can be replaced without too much effort. I purchased a used Samson for under $100 a few years back. The elevator crank was bent. It broke when I tried to straighten it. Called Quickset and was told the crank assembly had to be replaced as one piece. IIRC, the part cost was $127. It was cheaper for me to purchase another used Samson for parts.

On the other hand, used Hercules tripods are more difficult to came by. I paid ~$500 for my first one Without a head. You paid $40 for yours With a head. That's a steal! You could invest $200 for the replacement gear and still be 50% under what I paid. Just for reference, the heaviest duty Bogen 3058/Manfrotto 162 MK rated for 44 lbs costs close to $500. The center column travel is only about 10 inches.

I suggest you give Quickset a call and find out the cost of the replacement gear. You could wait years to locate another used Hercules tripod for parts but will cost a lot more than $40. ;-))

ERik D