4 replies to this topic

[rmorein]

Classic scopes often exhibit these, mounted on a rod parallel to the tube axis between two rings. Are these still available?

[triplemon]

Not exactly, but weights sliding on dovetail bars seem plentifull. So you don't need much specialized parts outside whats already available to mount scopes to the mount.

https://www.scopestu...om/ss_baln1.htm
https://rouzastro.co...amp-and-weight/
https://telescopes.n...ce-systems.html

 

If your want to make one exactly like the old ones, all you'd have to make is the spacers to hold the rod at some distance from the rings. Small counterweights and steel shafts are readily available in many places.

https://www.stellarv...rweight-system/
 

Edited by triplemon, 22 January 2025 - 04:48 PM.

[deSitter]

Classic scopes often exhibit these, mounted on a rod parallel to the tube axis between two rings. Are these still available?

I rolled my own with 12mm stainless shafts and rail supports (3D printer hardware for fixing the rail) screwed to the ring boss that is intended to be used for mounting to the dovetail bar. I have a few small 12mm bore counterweights to use on it. It looks "store bought" and works perfectly and because you can change the azimuth of the rings, perfect balance is always possible.

 

-drl

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[Bob Myler]

Years ago, Tectron Collimation Tools published a pamphlet 

detailing the proper way to dynamically balance an OTA.  

 

It's not enough to simply counterbalance a heavy camera

- or a 'Holy Hand Grenade' eyepiece.   Before positioning 

the mounting rod parallel to the tube, great care must be

taken into account of the weight and axial location of any

finder or guide scope and the mounting rings that hold them.      

[deSitter]

Years ago, Tectron Collimation Tools published a pamphlet 

detailing the proper way to dynamically balance an OTA.  

 

It's not enough to simply counterbalance a heavy camera

- or a 'Holy Hand Grenade' eyepiece.   Before positioning 

the mounting rod parallel to the tube, great care must be

taken into account of the weight and axial location of any

finder or guide scope and the mounting rings that hold them.      

Yes. My 10" f/4.5 as one extra tube ring with a 12mm shaft extending radially outward. I can put a substantial weight on this rod up to 10" from the tube - this allows perfect balance of the heavy focuser and motor and side scopes/finders. The more the payload the more important such fine balance becomes.

 

-drl