Telescope Reviews: CG-5 Counterweights and Load Capacity

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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts

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Mike4242
professor emeritus

Reged: 11/02/11

Loc: Memphis, TN

CG-5 Counterweights and Load Capacity
#5519587 - 11/14/12 02:09 PM

Until recently I was using an 11lb counterweight that came with my CG-5 and a 7lb weight from my CG-4 to balance my AR152. With this configuration the weights were pretty much at the end of the counterweight bar. I finally ordered an extra 11lb counterweight just like the one that came with the mount so that I could put the 7lb weight back on the CG-4 and leave it. However, since going to the new configuration, with 2 11lb counterweights, I've noticed that the mount seems to be less stable and shakes more when focusing. Are the counterweights counted as part of the mounts overall capacity?

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dakota
super member

Reged: 12/11/11

Loc: SD (God's Country)

Re: CG-5 Counterweights and Load Capacity new

[Re: Mike4242]
#5519886 - 11/14/12 06:06 PM

Mike,

I'm not sure what the weight of the AR152 is, but I have an AT152 which is around 24 to 25 pounds excluding the diagonal and eyepiece. I use the 2 11 pound counterweights to balance it on my CG-5 and have never experienced the vibrations or imbalance you are having.

As far as I know the CW's are not counted towards to mounts overall capacity. With the AT152 on the mount the weights are about one and a half inches from the end of the CW bar.

I assume you have checked everything on the mount to insure things are tight.

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Mike4242
professor emeritus

Reged: 11/02/11

Loc: Memphis, TN

Re: CG-5 Counterweights and Load Capacity new

[Re: dakota]
#5520139 - 11/14/12 08:56 PM

Hans,

The AR152 weighs about 25 pounds with all accessories and a 2" EP. The scope balances just fine. It just seems like there's more shake when focusing since I added the second counterweight. I also recently moved the tripod alignment peg so that it sits over a tripod leg instead of between two legs. Not sure if moving the alignment peg would have any affect on stability or not.

I didn't think the counterweight's should count toward the mount's payload capacity, but wasn't sure.

I might just go back to my original configuration and see if that helps. I can use the new 11lb weight on the CG-4.

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