Counterweights for the front of the OTA?

[04Stefan07]

My OTA is weight heavy at the rear where I put my eyepiece therefore I need to push the tube higher up mount. Are there any counterweights I can mount underneath the OTA at the front?

Marked the area with a red arrow.

[pluto]

I used this with an RC8 I used to have:
http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Counterweights/Losmandy-Counterweight-br-DVDWS-with-2-5lb/1391/productview.aspx

Instead of buying extra Losmandy weights for it I just got a 1.25kg $4 weight from Rebel Sport and screwed it on, but my camera gear is pretty heavy.

[04Stefan07]

Woah $89, bit expensive for some extra weight.

Is there an alternative I can use or maybe I can pick up a used one?

[barx1963]

On my old dob I made a counterweight out of an old car speaker magnet wrapped in foam and duct tape. Stilld to the metal and easy to move or remove. Of course if you have a look at Nikos counterweight in the photos on this thread http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=128736&highlight=Heathcote you will see some innovation!!:P

Malcolm

[traveller]

Yes, you can drill a hole in the middle of the dovetail towards the front end, and use a long bolt and nut to secure a small weight to balance it. It's not pretty, but works.
Bo

[Steffen]

Why won't you just push the tube higher up? You seem to have a fair bit of travel left in that dovetail.

Cheers
Steffen.

[04Stefan07]

I can do that until the bottom is right on the edge but it feels awkward.

[5ash]

On the vixen dovetail of my C9.25" I use a "GS special dovetail mount adapter" ,$35 at Andrews , glue on a suitable weight( large washers / a piece of steel plate etc) to the back. This then attaches to the front of the dovetail and slides up and down to balance the OT assembly.
Regards philip

[04Stefan07]

Can you supply some photos of the parts and it being attached?

Cheers.

[Huey]

5Ash,
I would go with magnets. Have a look at this site
http://aussiemagnets.com.au/magnets/Rare-Earth-%28Neodymium%29/
They even give you the pull strength and you can adjust the weight by adding counterweights if you like. Magnets are the way to go as was suggested in a previous post.

Clear skies Huey

[brian nordstrom]

:D Hi mate , as said just slide the OTA forward like I do with my C9.25 to acheave balance , I like the look of your set up by the way :thumbsup: looks good .
Brian.