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Top dovetail recommendation for an Astro-Tech AT130EDT

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#1 hyiger

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Posted 06 February 2023 - 02:00 PM

I've been temporarily attaching my guide scope to the finder shoe which is an obvious no no.  I definitely need a top mounted dovetail. I'm thinking universal Losmandy style dovetail to use as a mount base for guide scope and accessories. Can anyone recommend a brand or length that will fit on the rings which are spaced by the stock vixen dovetail?

 


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#2 MarMax

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Posted 06 February 2023 - 02:19 PM

I put the 14" D plates on top and bottom when I had an AT130EDT.

 

AT130_SideViewS.jpg


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#3 FRANKVSTAR

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Posted 06 February 2023 - 02:21 PM

   I put a handle on my 130EDT and was able to attack a guide scope to the handle. The guide scope is a 72ed refractor with rings and it is not perfectly aligned with the main scope but I can still see plenty of guide stars to use.

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#4 zakry3323

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Posted 06 February 2023 - 02:22 PM

There was a time when the Celestron 14" Universal D-style plates were much less pricy than the alternatives. I just checked and it seems like they're nearly 3x as expensive now than when I bought a few just a couple years ago. They work great, but there may be better alternatives than a big weighty dovetail if you're only needing to place a guide scope. 


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#5 hyiger

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Posted 06 February 2023 - 03:08 PM

There was a time when the Celestron 14" Universal D-style plates were much less pricy than the alternatives. I just checked and it seems like they're nearly 3x as expensive now than when I bought a few just a couple years ago. They work great, but there may be better alternatives than a big weighty dovetail if you're only needing to place a guide scope. 

Yep, I have more than enough mount for it: EQ6R-Pro. But still, the less extra weight the better. I like the handle idea. 



#6 hyiger

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Posted 06 February 2023 - 03:10 PM

   I put a handle on my 130EDT and was able to attack a guide scope to the handle. The guide scope is a 72ed refractor with rings and it is not perfectly aligned with the main scope but I can still see plenty of guide stars to use.

I'm liking the handle idea because I need something to grab onto when hoisting it. 



#7 hyiger

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Posted 06 February 2023 - 03:12 PM

I put the 14" D plates on top and bottom when I had an AT130EDT.

 

attachicon.gifAT130_SideViewS.jpg

Yep, either dual D plates, dual vixen or a handle. 



#8 Space_Race_T.J.

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Posted 06 February 2023 - 03:21 PM

This thread has options and pictures of handles if you end up going that route.

 

https://www.cloudyni...-for-tube-assy/


Edited by Space_Race_T.J., 06 February 2023 - 03:23 PM.

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#9 hyiger

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Posted 06 February 2023 - 05:07 PM

This thread has options and pictures of handles if you end up going that route.

 

https://www.cloudyni...-for-tube-assy/

This is exactly what I want. Thanks! Hopefully it arrives before Saturday. 

 

ASTRO-TECH HANDLE KIT FOR REFRACTORS


Edited by hyiger, 06 February 2023 - 05:38 PM.

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