11 replies to this topic

[J_D_Metzger]

I'm curious - I've had this plate for quite a while, have no idea exactly what TeleVue used it for, although I would guess it was for mounting rings on a TeleVue upswing or early Panoramic head.  It's 71/2" long, 2" wide, and 1/4" thick.  All the holes are countersunk, on opposite sides.  If anyone knows for sure, or if someone from Tele Vue sees this, maybe you can id it.

 

 

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[RichA]

Wild guess.  An interface plate for the Genesis and the Systems (Carton) equatorial mount.  I'm probably wrong.

[AstroBruce]

https://www.televue....?id=43&Tab=_bal

 

Bruce

[Bean614]

Bruce nailed it!

[Castor]

Hi J.D.,

 

I’m no expert, but your plate sure looks like the old Tele Vue Super Polaris Adapter Plate (APL-1005).  I couldn’t find any reference on the Tele Vue website, but I found one (discontinued) on Optics Planet site, here:

 

https://www.opticspl...is-adapter.html

[Look at the sky 101]

Hi J.D.,

 

I’m no expert, but your plate sure looks like the old Tele Vue Super Polaris Adapter Plate (APL-1005).  I couldn’t find any reference on the Tele Vue website, but I found one (discontinued) on Optics Planet site, here:

 

https://www.opticspl...is-adapter.html

Plus 1

[J_D_Metzger]

Thanks, guys!    I agree that it certainly appears to be the APL-1005. 

[briansalomon1]

https://www.televue....?id=43&Tab=_bal

 

Bruce

+1

 

It looks exactly like my TeleVue balance aid P/N APB-1008.

 

On smaller telescopes, like TV76 (and my vintage Oracle Three) it moves the telescope forward on the tripod in order to balance when using a heavy eyepiece like a Nagler 31 or Ethos 21, or a binoviewer.

[Castor]

Not intending to be argumentative with fellow CNer’s who I’m sure enjoy their Tele Vue gear as much as I do,

 

Even though at first glance the TV plate from the OP looks very similar to the TV Balance Aid, once you have a closer look at the pictures that he posted, you will see that his plate has one pair of countersunk holes in the middle (for TV clamshell/rings) and another, more widely-spaced pair of holes (presumably with the spacing for the top plate of Vixen Super Polaris mounts), but the countersinking is on the opposite face, as noted by the OP.

 

The Tele Vue Balance Aid Plate (APB-1008) has two pairs of holes, both with the same spacing (for TV clamshell/rings), with the countersinking on the opposite face of the plate for each pair (see my picture attached below).  So, I’m afraid, not the same as the OP’s TV plate!

 

The only other option that I can think for the possible identity of the OP’s plate, is the Tele Vue Mounting Adapter Plate for the old Meade LXD-500 EQ mounts (ALX-500), but this was less common than the Super Polaris Plate (APL-1005) and I only have an old, poor quality printout from the stock photo for this item (attached below at the bottom), so I would not venture to bet on it.

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Edited by Castor, 24 September 2023 - 01:34 AM.

[briansalomon1]

Not intending to be argumentative with fellow CNer’s who I’m sure enjoy their Tele Vue gear as much as I do,

 

Even though at first glance the TV plate from the OP looks very similar to the TV Balance Aid, once you have a closer look at the pictures that he posted, you will see that his plate has one pair of countersunk holes in the middle (for TV clamshell/rings) and another, more widely-spaced pair of holes (presumably with the spacing for the top plate of Vixen Super Polaris mounts), but the countersinking is on the opposite face, as noted by the OP.

 

The Tele Vue Balance Aid Plate (APB-1008) has two pairs of holes, both with the same spacing (for TV clamshell/rings), with the countersinking on the opposite face of the plate for each pair (see my picture attached below).  So, I’m afraid, not the same as the OP’s TV plate!

 

The only other option that I can think for the possible identity of the OP’s plate, is the Tele Vue Mounting Adapter Plate for the old Meade LXD-500 EQ mounts (ALX-500), but this was less common than the Super Polaris Plate (APL-1005) and I only have an old, poor quality printout from the stock photo for this item (attached below at the bottom), so I would not venture to bet on it.

You're right - It isn't a balance aid. Thanks for posting pictures of yours, it saved me a trip to the garage to dig mine out.
 

[davidgmd]

Try calling Tele Vue: 845 469-4551. They’ve been reliably helpful and pleasant when I’ve called.

[Castor]

You're right - It isn't a balance aid. Thanks for posting pictures of yours, it saved me a trip to the garage to dig mine out.
 

Thank you for your reply Brian, that’s most kind of you!

 

You are welcome, glad to help with the pictures!