8 replies to this topic

[N1ghtSc0p3]

After reading up about the Todmorden piers, I decided that something like that would definitely make imaging a little easier, especially if I can leave the mount out full-time (covered, of course). So this past week I set about procuring the materials, and then spent this weekend putting it all together. I ended up putting half a cinder block in the footer, since I bought one in case I wanted the pier higher than ~32". I used about 125lbs of instant-set concrete, and a 16" square, 2" thick paver, with the base and two cinderblocks tied together via J-bolts and 1/2" stainless bolts.

 

 

Footer hole dug, with 2" of gravel for drainage in the bottom.

 

I used a transfer punch to mark the locations of the holes.

[N1ghtSc0p3]

Here's the half-cinderblock:

 

The anchor bolts being held in position for the concrete to cure.

[N1ghtSc0p3]

Anchor bolts in position

 

Base plate (paver) leveled and in place

[N1ghtSc0p3]

I forgot to take pics as I placed the cinder blocks in place with the construction adhesive and bolts, but the top of the top block ended up pretty level:

 

 

And here's the result at the end of yesterday, after about 5 hours of work.

 

[N1ghtSc0p3]

So one of the problems I ran into was the stainless bolts I bought to mount the plate did not have a consistent head circumference. The one that I tried at the store fit in the recessed hole in the plate, so I assumed they'd all fit. Not so much...2 of the 3 wouldn't drop down into the recess. Fortunately I have a lathe, and was able to turn down the bolt heads just a few thousandths to fit.

 

 

 

Here's the general arrangement of the bolts, with the plate turned upside down. The fender washers will sandwich the top of the top cinderblock.

 

Edited by N1ghtSc0p3, 27 September 2020 - 02:35 PM.

[N1ghtSc0p3]

Here's the leveling mechanism, with the top nuts in this picture securing the plate to the bolts, and the bottom nut/washer combo used to level the plate.

 

 

Here's the underside of the cinderblock top, with the fender washer/washer/lock washer/nut combo.

 

 

Here's the level in N-S:

 

 

And the level in E-W:

 

 

[N1ghtSc0p3]

And here's the completed pier with the plate mounted, leveled, and aligned. When I set up my MYT last weekend, I made note of the N-S orientation (354 degrees) and aligned the plate to the pier with the same measurement. That's why it looks a little off-kilter. The MYT has some azimuth adjustability, so I don't need to be spot on, and I think I'm within a degree of 354.

 

 

I'm hoping to get out tonight, if the weather cooperates, and do a calibration run to polar align the mount. Then I plan on leaving the mount out and covered, so I only need to add the scope/camera, connect the computer, power up, and start imaging. I figure this will ease my setup time by ~80% over using the tripod.

Edited by N1ghtSc0p3, 27 September 2020 - 02:37 PM.

[ldcarson]

Thanks for the pics and write up.  This is on my list of things to do when I get back home to Texas.

[N1ghtSc0p3]

Sure thing, stay safe down there!!