32 replies to this topic

[CGS 23]

I've finally (sort of) figured out what I need to buy in order to properly connect my Maxbright binoviewer/prism diagonal to my Celeston 6" SCT (a Baader T-2 Quick Changer System) and I've discovered that there is a heavy duty version of it. The regular set is $89 (and in stock) and the heavy duty version is $137 and NOT in stock. Should I hold out for the heavy-duty version? I will only be using it for my binoviewers for the foreseeable future. 

 

Any/all advice is appreciated. 

 

[Manoj]

I am new to Binoviewing so I do not want to purport to be an expert. I have used both with my Binoviewer and the heavy duty one is definitely the way to go. If you purchase a regular one now you will more than likely be upgrading in the future anyway. Contact Alpine Astro who are Baader’s North American distributor. They may be able to give you a good ETA or perhaps even know a retailer who has them in stock.

[betacygni]

Binoviewers are about as heavy as anything you’ll hang off a telescope, I’d highly recommend the heavy duty version. Teleskop express out of Germany has some in stock, they are significantly cheaper than buying domestically, and even with international shipping should be at worst about equal cost. If you need any other Baader accessories it can help offset the shipping cost so it can get even cheaper overall:

https://www.teleskop...ing-System.html

Edited by betacygni, 13 October 2023 - 09:56 PM.

[denis0007dl]

So, whats is important to know there when comparing normal Baader Quick Changer vs Bader Heavy Duty Quick Changer:

 

1. normal have screw, and that screw leaving set screw marks on binoviewer or any other equipment used. Heavy Duty dont leaving any marks!

 

2. normal: once you unscrewing locking screw, you can tottaly unscrew that screw, and it can fall down, which is not desirable when using in dark etc, but on Heavy Duty one, nothing cant take apart or fell down!

 

Hope it helps,

Denis

[denis0007dl]

You can check here one interesting thread I worted

 

https://www.cloudyni...eiss-to-baader/

 

Denis

[Astrojensen]

The normal one will hold a bino securely, but the HD version is much, much nicer and better. 

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark

[vkhastro1]

I own several different binoviewers using the Baader heavy duty quick changer.

I do not trust the single heavy duty single clamp contact to secure my expensive binoviewer.

 

I had a machine shop drill and tap a series of evenly spaced 5 holes on each heavy quick changer on the circumference.

Ordered a large # of threaded knobs with nylon tips (similar in appearance to knobs on the regular Baader quick changer).

I use an additional 2 of these knobs in the Baader heavy duty quick changer thus creating a 3 point contact with the binoviewer - the original heavy duty clamp + 2 extra threaded knobs with the nylon contacts.

Absolutely secure !

[tturtle]

 I’ve been using the heavy duty version for about a year now and love it. It is expensive but worth the money. The weight of binoviewer plus eyepieces is really really large so you need that extra clamping force. I like also how easy it is to adjust the angle for comfort.  

[RAKing]

Binoviewers are about as heavy as anything you’ll hang off a telescope, I’d highly recommend the heavy duty version. Teleskop express out of Germany has some in stock, they are significantly cheaper than buying domestically, and even with international shipping should be at worst about equal cost. If you need any other Baader accessories it can help offset the shipping cost so it can get even cheaper overall:

https://www.teleskop...ing-System.html

 

Unfortunately, I tried to order some Baader parts from Teleskop Express and the web site told me they could not ship the items to the USA.  The same thing happened when I went directly to Baader's web site.

 

Your best bet is to contact Alpine Astro.  They are the Baader importers here in the US and can get you a price quote and delivery info. 

 

Cheers,

 

Ron

 

PS - I also prefer the HD version.  I still have the regular version from a dozen years ago in a box and they look so wimpy now.  I switched both of my BV units to the HD version and they work fine.

Edited by RAKing, 14 October 2023 - 04:48 PM.

[betacygni]

Unfortunately, I tried to order some Baader parts from Teleskop Express and the web site told me they could not ship the items to the USA. The same thing happened when I went directly to Baader's web site.

Teleskop Express ships to USA, just bought some Baader items from them today (and have made many other orders over past few years from them, since they usually carry items out of stock here).

[CGS 23]

Thank you all so much! I'll be going heavy duty!!! 

[RAKing]

Teleskop Express ships to USA, just bought some Baader items from them today (and have made many other orders over past few years from them, since they usually carry items out of stock here).

 

I am glad you got the stuff you ordered.  I have purchased several things from TS before with no problems but got blocked with the Baader order.  I also tried to order direct from Baader with the same results.

 

No big deal.  Alpine had the stuff I needed, and shipping was fast - as usual.

 

Cheers,

 

Ron

[kroum]

And here I am using the regular non heavy duty quick change system for my binoviewer…  

 

[betacygni]

And here I am using the regular non heavy duty quick change system for my binoviewer…  

Clearly doom is nearly at hand 

[ngc7319_20]

Just to offer a contrasting view -- I've been using a Baader / Zeiss Mk IV with the "normal" quick changer for 25 - 30 years with no issues.  I replaced the metal locking screw with a nylon locking screw maybe 20 years ago to prevent marks on the bino flange.  I use it with heavy Morpheus pairs, etc.  No problems ever.  Maybe for heavy 100 degree eyepieces (Ethos?) it might want heavy duty.

[denis0007dl]

I personally feels way safer with Heavy Duty version, and wouldnt part with it after using both normal one and Heavy Duty one.

 

Denis

[kroum]

I think if we’re realistic, both types are more than safe enough as long as the setscrew is tightened.

 

Baader themselves use the language “extreme load capacity” in the description of the non-heavy duty version. ‍

Edited by kroum, 16 October 2023 - 12:01 PM.

[RAKing]

I think if we’re realistic, both types are more than safe enough as long as the setscrew is tightened.

 ‍

 

Good point!  I used the standard QC for many years with my Mark V binos with zero issues.  In fact, the setscrew is easier to reach and adjust on the standard QC clamp.  I use an EQ mount and some of my focusers do not rotate, so I have to adjust my binos a few times during a session.

 

Here is a picture of my FS-128, with the Mark V back in 2010 with the standard QC clamp.  You can see the clamp screw off to the side.  The standard QC is quite stable with the Mark V and a pair of CZJ orthos.

 

Cheers,

 

Ron

 

[noisejammer]

I've been meaning to purchase the heavy duty ring for quite some time. I placed my order this afternoon.

 

I did a quick weigh in - Mark V + 2x 12.5 APM eyepieces is 2kg. That should count as enough to be regarded as ''extreme".

 

I have regularly found the thumb screw badly located so I really like the idea that Gary suggested in this post. I'll have mine modified when it arrives.

[RAKing]

 

I have regularly found the thumb screw badly located so I really like the idea that Gary suggested in this post. I'll have mine modified when it arrives.

 

I hate it when the thumb screw ends up in a bad location, so I use thin brass shims to get the adapter stopped in a better spot.  It usually just takes one or two .010 or .015 shims to hit the "sweet spot".  The added 0.5 or 1mm of added length has not made any difference in my views or backfocus travel over the years.

 

Cheers,

 

Ron

[kroum]

I hate it when the thumb screw ends up in a bad location, so I use thin brass shims to get the adapter stopped in a better spot.  It usually just takes one or two .010 or .015 shims to hit the "sweet spot".  The added 0.5 or 1mm of added length has not made any difference in my views or backfocus travel over the years.

 

Cheers,

 

Ron

Baader sell a set of plastic t2 shim washers for this purpose, but it’s $18 plus shipping and I’d only need one or two max, so I haven’t caved in and ordered it yet.

 

What I did was to wind a bit of wire around the base of the threads and then thread the quick change adapter against the wire.  This has been working OK… so far.

 

If there was someone local (SF Bay Area) that wanted to split a set of these shims, I’d be down.  I’m also considering trying to make some using my wife’s Cricutt machine, but by the time I buy materials, I’ll probably be approaching cost of the baader set anyway…

[RAKing]

I forgot which T2 accessory I got from Baader (they make so many!), but it included one of those plastic shims.  But the Baader T2 plastic shim was too thick, so I used it as a pattern for my thinner shims.

 

Cheers,

 

Ron

[betacygni]

I forgot which T2 accessory I got from Baader (they make so many!), but it included one of those plastic shims. But the Baader T2 plastic shim was too thick, so I used it as a pattern for my thinner shims.

Cheers,

Ron

Yes, I used one of their shims and amusingly it was the exact thickness to place the bolt in the precise spot it was originally. I’ve often wondering if something like Teflon plumbing tape might change the point a thread locks down.

[Kunama]

Yes, I used one of their shims and amusingly it was the exact thickness to place the bolt in the precise spot it was originally. I’ve often wondering if something like Teflon plumbing tape might change the point a thread locks down.

I found the same, so I ended up sanding the 1mm Teflon spacer down to 0.8mm and got the orientation I wanted…..

 

I switched to the HD QC a long time ago on my ‘Spartanix Zeiss’

Edited by Kunama, 18 October 2023 - 04:06 PM.

[Spikey131]

The standard Quick Changer is $51, the heavy duty one is $93.

 

I use several of them frequently, changing out binoviewers on to diagonals, a Powermate and a Quark.

 

The standard one has a stainless steel thumbscrew and it mates to a tapered stainless steel ring.  I have found it perfectly adequate for my use.  The only thing the screw touches is the mating ring, so it isn’t going to mar anything.  If it ever lets go, it could only be user error.

 

The heavy duty one is certainly a nicer bit of hardware, but it is nearly twice as much money.  I think $51 is quite enough to spend on a ring of aluminum and a thumbscrew.

Attached Thumbnails

• 
•