Telescope Reviews: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD

· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt

· Submit a Review / Article

Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums

Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User

You are not logged in. [Login]

Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online
FAQ · Calendar

Equipment Discussions >> Observatories

Pages: 1

vpcirc
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/09/09

Loc: Merced CA

My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD
#4370827 - 02/07/11 08:19 PM Attachment (132 downloads)

I could not find a ready made adapter to do a permanent pier mount for my Vixen SXD. I decided to venture out on my own to figure it out. The first step was to buy a Vixen half pillar. I drilled 3 holes in the bottom to accommodate J-bolts to anchor into the concrete.

Post Extras:

vpcirc
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/09/09

Loc: Merced CA

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: vpcirc]
#4370834 - 02/07/11 08:23 PM Attachment (100 downloads)

Top side

Edited by vpcirc (02/07/11 08:23 PM)

Post Extras:

vpcirc
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/09/09

Loc: Merced CA

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: vpcirc]
#4370838 - 02/07/11 08:24 PM Attachment (96 downloads)

Concrete pour

Post Extras:

vpcirc
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/09/09

Loc: Merced CA

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: vpcirc]
#4370839 - 02/07/11 08:25 PM Attachment (89 downloads)

Tube for post

Post Extras:

vpcirc
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/09/09

Loc: Merced CA

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: vpcirc]
#4370844 - 02/07/11 08:27 PM Attachment (90 downloads)

initial leveling

Post Extras:

vpcirc
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/09/09

Loc: Merced CA

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: vpcirc]
#4370847 - 02/07/11 08:28 PM Attachment (106 downloads)

Half pillar in place. I'll post the final view once it's dry with the mount attached/

Post Extras:

cbwerner
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 08/27/05

Loc: Maidens, VA

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: vpcirc]
#4371128 - 02/07/11 10:52 PM

nice job!

Post Extras:

vpcirc
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/09/09

Loc: Merced CA

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: cbwerner]
#4375678 - 02/09/11 11:50 PM

I am having a flat plate cut to match the bottom of the 1/2 pillar. It's impossible to use hefty enough anchor bolts and be able to tighten them for leveling from the bottom. Also, almost blew it by not positioning the unit to face north. Thank God I remembered before it was too late.

Post Extras:

vpcirc
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/09/09

Loc: Merced CA

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: vpcirc]
#4381073 - 02/12/11 01:01 PM Attachment (91 downloads)

Finished!!!
I haven't organized the wire jungle yet!

Edited by vpcirc (02/12/11 01:03 PM)

Post Extras:

Chris Schroeder
Postmaster

Reged: 12/11/04

Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: vpcirc]
#4383167 - 02/13/11 11:37 AM

Looks great

Post Extras:

vpcirc
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/09/09

Loc: Merced CA

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: Chris Schroeder]
#4541988 - 04/24/11 09:36 PM

3 months later still level and stable

Post Extras:

slackard
newbie

Reged: 09/10/11

Loc: Earth

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: vpcirc]
#4820897 - 09/21/11 09:38 PM

I wanted to revive this thread, since I just finished a permanent pier for the SX/SXD myself..

I took a different approach than the OP, designing and milling my own adapter plate. Cost differences were negligible.. but not everyone has free access to a retired Uncle with a 3axis milling machine in his basement

Here are some photos:

Post Extras:

Starman27
Post Laureate

Reged: 01/29/06

Loc: Illinois, Iowa

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: slackard]
#4821576 - 09/22/11 09:30 AM

Wow!! Just so pretty and super functional.

Post Extras:

Al8236
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 08/18/10

Loc: 48.9173N 122.1390W

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: Starman27]
#4821623 - 09/22/11 10:13 AM Attachment (25 downloads)

Looks much nicer than my adapter plate!!
Al

Post Extras:

Al8236
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 08/18/10

Loc: 48.9173N 122.1390W

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: Al8236]
#4821625 - 09/22/11 10:14 AM Attachment (27 downloads)

And mounted

Post Extras:

slackard
newbie

Reged: 09/10/11

Loc: Earth

Re: My construction for a pier for a Vixen SX/SXD new

[Re: Al8236]
#4821980 - 09/22/11 01:31 PM

Quote:

And mounted

That is one beefy hunk of steel youve got there.. the thing by itself must weigh 60+ lbs.. Looks like the cavity was cut open with a torch too.. Classy