1143 replies to this topic

[norvegicus]

I found him a bracket that fits.  Now he needs a 6x30 finder scope.

Finder found!  

[ccwemyss]

I need the ring assembly that clamps onto a Unitron 128 mount to hold the platform that the drive motor sits on. I realize it's unlikely to find an orphaned one as a give-away, but I'd really be happy to just get some carefully dimensioned photos of one so I can try to fabricate something close.

 

Chip W. 

[Garyth64]

I made something similar a few years ago to hold eyepieces in the same location.  A bracket could easily fabricated to hold the CD.

 

Here a couple picture of the eyepiece tray to give you an idea:

 

 

 

Edited by Garyth64, 09 April 2022 - 06:39 PM.

[semlin]

i am looking for the spring loaded clip strap hanger things that attach a unitron 142 spreader tray to the pin that passes through the tripod leg.  has anyone found a source for these?  i can't quite  figure out what they are called to google them.

 

i am going to make a replacement tray.  i will use half a strap hinge if i cannot find them.

 

[Terra Nova]

i am looking for the spring loaded clip strap hanger things that attach a unitron 142 spreader tray to the pin that passes through the tripod leg.  has anyone found a source for these?  i can't quite  figure out what they are called to google them.

 

i am going to make a replacement tray.  i will use half a strap hinge if i cannot find them.

 

They are cute, but they can pop out when you least expect it. I came home from Stellafane a few years ago to find that two of mine had popped open and the legs (sitting on small glass coasters) had slid across the hardwood floor. Fortunately the sliding was stopped when one of the legs encountered the edge of the Persian rug and the other came up against the baseboard. Otherwise, the scope would have pancaked. So don’t rely on them! I made a safety chain for my 142 that hides under the accessory chain. Barry has it now.

[Dave Trott]

Terra is absolutely correct. The little clip things are very untrustworthy. I suggest that you fabricate something more like this:

 

 

This is the style that was used on the Unitron 4 inch scopes with weight drives. Nearly foolproof.

Edited by Dave Trott, 14 April 2022 - 09:56 AM.

[semlin]

thanks guys,  for the time being i have the keyring and safety chain solution.

 

 

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[65&Counting]

Here's an ask for a rare part - past few months got an 80mm GOTO on original EQ mount/legs/case in phenomenal condition. Anyone with a replacement OTA cage?

 

Much to my chagrin (and not exactly a nod to GOTO's famed reputation) the rear thumbscrew hole at the bottom/rear of the OTA cage was badly misdrilled (by the factory) a whopping 4mm laterally off and it's impossible to fasten the 80mm OTA with both thumbscrews engaged. The front one is correct and will hold it but you can't then screw in the rear one without scratching the tube. I've conjured possible fixes including filling the screwhole and attempting a re-drill/tap but it's not quite far enough off to work well.

 

So - if anyone has a parts 80mm GOTO OTA cage laying around I know of a home for it - there are three screws in a triangular pattern holding the entire cage on the mount and would be easy to swap.

[kjkociba]

Regarding the cage. You can epoxy a threaded aluminum plug and drill/tap a new hole after it sets. I’ve saved a cradle that way before. Might be easier than finding another cage.

[1939Dodge]

I’m now doing something like that with an RA drive mount. You can get threaded inserts or sleeves at hardware stores. Better to install a sleeve than to try to tap soft metal, less likely to break again.

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[Dave Trott]

A little sanding and paint and this fix will look like it was always a part of the original casting. Nice work!

[1939Dodge]

Thanks, not done yet but it’s coming along! I know, we’re not supposed to converse on the page, but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter none the less.

[semlin]

I’m now doing something like that with an RA drive mount. You can get threaded inserts or sleeves at hardware stores. Better to install a sleeve than to try to tap soft metal, less likely to break again.

outstanding.  is that for the atco 1200?

[semlin]

Here's an ask for a rare part - past few months got an 80mm GOTO on original EQ mount/legs/case in phenomenal condition. Anyone with a replacement OTA cage?

 

Much to my chagrin (and not exactly a nod to GOTO's famed reputation) the rear thumbscrew hole at the bottom/rear of the OTA cage was badly misdrilled (by the factory) a whopping 4mm laterally off and it's impossible to fasten the 80mm OTA with both thumbscrews engaged. The front one is correct and will hold it but you can't then screw in the rear one without scratching the tube. I've conjured possible fixes including filling the screwhole and attempting a re-drill/tap but it's not quite far enough off to work well.

 

So - if anyone has a parts 80mm GOTO OTA cage laying around I know of a home for it - there are three screws in a triangular pattern holding the entire cage on the mount and would be easy to swap.

can you post photos?  i feel like there is a solution to save the part.

[1939Dodge]

Atco 1254. A wonderful CNer donated it, hoping to use it with my Civil Air Patrol group after the sunset times start getting earlier in the evening

[1939Dodge]

See my 3/21 posting for as-found condition. I’ll post some intermediates to show stitches.

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[1939Dodge]

No, it’s for an ATCO 1254….I was just illustrating a repair method.

[Terra Nova]

What is the ‘cage’ with reference to the Goto refractor OTA?

[65&Counting]

Terra - yes - the 80mm GOTO OTA cage or really the bottom part of it (that attaches to the mount via the 3 screws).

 

Thanks for the other above replies.

[norvegicus]

What is the ‘cage’ with reference to the Goto refractor OTA?

I was thinking clamshell / tube holder.

Edited by norvegicus, 15 April 2022 - 11:03 AM.

[CltFlyboy]

All - PLEASE take the conversations off to their own thread(s). This one is ONLY to be used for the asks. Thank you!

[Terra Nova]

I was thinking clamshell / tube holder.

Or cradle.

[Terra Nova]

All - PLEASE take the conversations off to their own thread(s). This one is ONLY to be used for the asks. Thank you!

I only asked so that myself and others might have a better picture of what is needed.

[65&Counting]

Here's the ask (clam parts for 80mm GOTO OTA) with pix - not sure filling/redrilling will work and thought I'd try for parts first - thanks!

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[semlin]

i think you file the thumbscrew hole in the upper clamshell into a slot so the thumbscrew lines up and this will allow the clamshell to close properly,  you may need to add a retaining c-clip and a thin washer so the thumbscrew stays on.