Telescope Reviews: Tripod for Paramount MX

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remuscj
sage

Reged: 04/05/06

Loc: Singapore

Tripod for Paramount MX
#4633257 - 06/11/11 05:42 AM

Hi!

Just a curious question: for those who ordered the MX, did u choose the stock tripod option? any other alternatives?

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: remuscj]
#4633902 - 06/11/11 12:47 PM

I have several of Rob Millers tripods. I can't say enough about what a pleasure he is to work with. The product is top notch and he uses the same anodizing vendor as Bisque. His tripods are the lightest of even picked up. They are as stable and rated as high in capacity as anything else out there. I have a couple of the Tri36H (h= heavy) here but I think the MX goes on the M version. The L version weights 8 pounds! I think the M is in the low teens.

http://www.catamountsystems.com/contact-us

Shoot him an email and he will get back to you. PM if you want pics, however, I think someone here posted some in a thread also.

Did you get a ship date for your MX?

Joe

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frolinmod
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 08/06/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4634279 - 06/11/11 04:45 PM Attachment (124 downloads)

Some alternatives:

1. Rob Miller TRI36M tripod made specifically for the MX.

2. Astro-physics portable pier (8-inch or 10-inch diameter) with locally fabricated aluminum top plate adapter.

3. Software Bisque's MX tripod which is more than twice as expensive as the above two alternatives.

Here's a picture of Rob Miller's TRI36L, TRI36M and TRI36H tripods:

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PascalN
member

Reged: 04/13/08

Loc: Plano, Texas

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: frolinmod]
#4636307 - 06/12/11 10:43 PM

I chose the TRI36M red anodized tripod from Rob Miller. A beautiful, amazingly stable, and very light tripod. Now - for the MX to arrive.

Pascal

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: PascalN]
#4636373 - 06/12/11 11:47 PM

Did you order the levelers? Also a very handy option for fine adjustment in leveling the tripod. Gives you a 3" round footpad with an additional 1" of adjustment.

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Alph
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/23/06

Loc: Melmac

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: PascalN]
#4636474 - 06/13/11 01:40 AM

Quote:

I chose the TRI36M red anodized tripod from Rob Miller. A beautiful, amazingly stable, and very light tripod. Now - for the MX to arrive.

Pascal

Does the base rotate 360 degrees?

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: Alph]
#4636476 - 06/13/11 01:41 AM

The base plate in dovetailed on with 6 set screws. It's greased and yes does rotate 360.. Joe

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frolinmod
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 08/06/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4636774 - 06/13/11 09:58 AM

When I asked Rob if it was possible to have those six hex head set screws for the rotating base be "knobs" instead, he said no.

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: frolinmod]
#4636845 - 06/13/11 11:03 AM

Yeah the ME plate hangs over 4 of them on the E and W sides and I don't think there is much clearance in there. The MX plate/mount base are the came so I'm thinking it will be the same as on the H tripod.

See now if you replaced the 4 that are underneath with teflon tipped ends (like those holding a finder scope), they could be snugged up and still allow movement on the greased bearing. The two that protrude on the N and S could be knobs to lock it down after you had it set.

Joe

Edited by jmiele (06/13/11 11:03 AM)

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remuscj
sage

Reged: 04/05/06

Loc: Singapore

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4636934 - 06/13/11 11:59 AM

thanks for the input guys! no, i have not ordered my MX yet, but it would be a member in a list of mount upgrades from my current decade-old G11. The RM tripods certainly look good, and with the rotatable base, i will assume the head can be positioned in such a way that the weight shaft can be between any of the two tripod legs when used at 0 degree latitude? Thanks!

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: remuscj]
#4637093 - 06/13/11 01:57 PM

Remus,

"i will assume the head can be positioned in such a way that the weight shaft can be between any of the two tripod legs when used at 0 degree latitude?"

That is correct. Joe

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Alph
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/23/06

Loc: Melmac

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4637106 - 06/13/11 02:07 PM

Quote:

The base plate in dovetailed on with 6 set screws. It's greased and yes does rotate 360.. Joe

Can it be rotated while doing the polar alignment?

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frolinmod
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 08/06/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: Alph]
#4637192 - 06/13/11 03:14 PM

Quote:

Can it be rotated while doing the polar alignment?

It can be rotated at any time by first loosening six Allen head set screws. You loosen the screws with an Allen wrench, rotate the plate, then tighten them back up. The top plate rotates smoothly and easily. The screws are distributed around the circumference. Some can be reached with the short side of the wrench and some require the long side of the wrench. Therefore some can be torqued more than others. Probably not a good idea to loosen the set screws with an unbalanced mount sitting on top of the tripod. So I'd say at least balance the mount first.

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Alph
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/23/06

Loc: Melmac

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: frolinmod]
#4637378 - 06/13/11 06:14 PM

Quote:

It can be rotated at any time by first loosening six Allen head set screws. You loosen the screws with an Allen wrench, rotate the plate, then tighten them back up. The top plate rotates smoothly and easily. The screws are distributed around the circumference. Some can be reached with the short side of the wrench and some require the long side of the wrench. Therefore some can be torqued more than others. Probably not a good idea to loosen the set screws with an unbalanced mount sitting on top of the tripod. So I'd say at least balance the mount first.

Is the SB tripod any better in this regard?

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: Alph]
#4637406 - 06/13/11 06:40 PM

Looks like the top plate is similar. The only differences I see from the CG image on the SB site is the built in levelers. They appear to be long threaded rods. They may produce more adjustment not sure.

Joe

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PascalN
member

Reged: 04/13/08

Loc: Plano, Texas

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4637565 - 06/13/11 08:35 PM

No. I did not get the levelers. They were not yet available when I ordered mine. Rob was still working out the details. I may get them in the future.

Edited by PascalN (06/13/11 08:43 PM)

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: PascalN]
#4637600 - 06/13/11 09:09 PM

You still have adjustment in the legs anyway. That's where you get the most adjustment. Up to 4" I believe. The levelers give you 1" of fine adjustment.

Thing that most impressed me was the first time I picked it up. These things weigh next to nothing.. Joe

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M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: PascalN]
#4637950 - 06/14/11 01:06 AM Attachment (44 downloads)

Quote:

No. I did not get the levelers. They were not yet available when I ordered mine. Rob was still working out the details. I may get them in the future.

They are $200 a set of three and worth every penny. Gorgeous works of art which work.

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PascalN
member

Reged: 04/13/08

Loc: Plano, Texas

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#4638199 - 06/14/11 08:38 AM

Oh boy! Now I have to get those levelers.

Thanks for posting the picture and comment.

Pascal

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Nick Black
journeyman

Reged: 05/05/08

Loc: Amarillo, TX

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4638774 - 06/14/11 02:36 PM

Joe,
Which tripod are you referring to? I picked up a Tri36M from Rob, which is what he recommends for the MX, and the length of the legs is not adjustable.
Nick

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M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: Nick Black]
#4638813 - 06/14/11 02:56 PM Attachment (44 downloads)

Quote:

Joe,
Which tripod are you referring to? I picked up a Tri36M from Rob, which is what he recommends for the MX, and the length of the legs is not adjustable.
Nick

Yes, you are correct, the legs are not variable length but they can be ordered at almost any length one might want.

The spread of the legs allows the height to be adjusted by over four inches on the 36 inch leg length model. The variable spread of the legs allows the tripod to be leveled over about a 5 inch change in slope. The leg levelers pictured allow a further one inch of adjustment per leg.

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Nick Black
journeyman

Reged: 05/05/08

Loc: Amarillo, TX

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#4638841 - 06/14/11 03:20 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Joe,
Which tripod are you referring to? I picked up a Tri36M from Rob, which is what he recommends for the MX, and the length of the legs is not adjustable.
Nick

Yes, you are correct, the legs are not variable length but they can be ordered at almost any length one might want.

The spread of the legs allows the height to be adjusted by over four inches on the 36 inch leg length model. The variable spread of the legs allows the tripod to be leveled over about a 5 inch change in slope. The leg levelers pictured allow a further one inch of adjustment per leg.

Ah, now I understand. Thanks for the clarification.
Nick

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: Nick Black]
#4639031 - 06/14/11 05:35 PM

You can move the legs in and out by loosening the screw and pulling up on the gold knob. I'm referring to the black spreaders between the tray and the legs. Moving a leg out in essence raises it. Joe

Edit: Sorry I didn't see 13's response before a wrote that

Edited by jmiele (06/14/11 05:36 PM)

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PascalN
member

Reged: 04/13/08

Loc: Plano, Texas

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: PascalN]
#4639109 - 06/14/11 06:31 PM

Levelers ordered from Rob Miller. Should get them by beginning of July.

Pascal

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Nick Black
journeyman

Reged: 05/05/08

Loc: Amarillo, TX

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4639124 - 06/14/11 06:39 PM

Quote:

You can move the legs in and out by loosening the screw and pulling up on the gold knob. I'm referring to the black spreaders between the tray and the legs. Moving a leg out in essence raises it. Joe

Edit: Sorry I didn't see 13's response before a wrote that

Thanks Joe. I was aware you could adjust the stance, but never really considered using that functionality to adjust for slope. I will now!

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: Nick Black]
#4639392 - 06/14/11 09:49 PM

Nick,You get about 4 inches of adjustment. The levelers add another inch. You will love it!

PascalN, Good deal they are most defiantly worth it. I'm also looking into 10-32 threaded double locking caster as well. Joe

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M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4639537 - 06/14/11 11:25 PM

Quote:

Nick,You get about 4 inches of adjustment. The levelers add another inch. You will love it!

PascalN, Good deal they are most defiantly worth it. I'm also looking into 10-32 threaded double locking caster as well. Joe

Casters? This is one I haven't heard about. Any pics or further info?

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#4639551 - 06/14/11 11:37 PM

My project not Robs.

I found a source for the double locking caster like used to be an option with the ATS Piers. One locks the wheels from rotating 360, the other stop the wheel from turning. Joe

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M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4639607 - 06/15/11 12:39 AM

Quote:

My project not Robs. I found a source for the double locking caster like used to be an option with the ATS Piers. One locks the wheels from rotating 360, the other stop the wheel from turning. Joe

Aaaaahhh! That makes sense in some ways. I am not sure I would want to stress the legs in compression too much. The design is all about tension provided by vertical loading.

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#4639629 - 06/15/11 12:59 AM

That's a good point as well. This design is light and as a result things need to be just so. To me, the levelers should be required on them. I like that the load is forced straight down onto the pivoting foot. Joe

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vman69au
journeyman

Reged: 06/20/11

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#4657097 - 06/24/11 09:56 PM

Anyone comment with experience how stable these are for a mount like paramount MX or AP900 compared to a portable pier.

Here is a pic of my current pier and trying to decide if i should get something more portable like Robs tripods but dont want to sacrifice stability.

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Bowmoreman
Clear enough skies

Reged: 09/11/06

Loc: Bolton, MA

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: vman69au]
#4657147 - 06/24/11 10:29 PM

nice rig!

and welcome to CN vman69au!

i really like the lines of MI250's

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jmiele
Patron Saint?

Reged: 12/04/10

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: vman69au]
#4657297 - 06/25/11 12:31 AM

Very nice. Rob's tripods are GREAT! As stable an the AP Pier IME. I had an 8" AP pier. Also, extremely light. The Med is for the MX I think. Did you get a ship date? I know they were assembling the new hand paddles this week. They look very neat. I'm getting one for the ME. Joe

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Dan Crowson
sage

Reged: 10/08/10

Loc: O'Fallon, MO

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: jmiele]
#5681237 - 02/15/13 11:36 AM

I know this is an old thread but I'm not sure on where else to ask. I've tried sending an email to Rob Miller a couple times (the only way to contact him on his site) and I haven't received a reply. Is he still doing this work?

Thanks,

Dan

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ASTERON
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 11/24/07

Loc: ISRAEL

Re: Tripod for Paramount MX new

[Re: Dan Crowson]
#5681883 - 02/15/13 04:18 PM

Dan,
Rob Miller is probably trying to establish a new company.
There is another thread in this forum with all the rumors and available info about why he does not respond to any e-mails.
some people claim to have talked to him over the phone and he said he is going to be opening for bussiness by April or May.
Note - these are all second hand information so should be taken with a grain or two of salt.
The facts are that I have been trying to contact him by e-mail for a month now- still no response.

Edited by ASTERON (02/15/13 04:20 PM)

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