Replacement EQ6 Saddle

[Eden]

I recently fitted a Losmandy 13.5" DUP to my OTA. Although it fits into the saddle clamp on the AZ-EQ6, it does not sit flush against the base of the saddle due to the clamp being tilted slightly when opened this far.

Apart from introducing about 2mm of cone error, the bolts are fully extended and are not left with much thread to screw into the saddle with.

Looking at replacement saddles, I found the Altair TMS (http://www.altairastro.com/altair-tms-heavy-duty-universal-dovetail-plate-clamp-for-ieq45-g11-eq6-heq5-black.html?cat=308), which looks quite good. I was just wondering what other options there might be out there? I'm also interested to hear from Altair TMS owners who would like to share their testimonials on this product.

Cheers! :thanx:

[Merlin66]

I have dual saddles (Vixen/ Losmandy) fitted to both my HEQ5 and NEQ6.
One is an ADM dual saddle and the other a Geoptik dual saddle.
Both are excellent and have given me no issues over the past five years.
http://www.admaccessories.com/DV_Series_Saddles.htm
http://www.apm-telescopes.de/en/mounts-tripods/mounts-accessories/prism-rails-dovetail-clambs/geoptik-universal-dovetail-clamb-gp-3-losmandy-dovetails.html
The Geoptik on the NEQ6 holds the C11, spectroscope etc etc.

[Eden]

Thanks a lot, Ken. The ADM saddle in particular looks like a good replacement! :thumbsup:

[Nico13]

Hi Eden,
I have a Losmandy side by side mounted on my original EQ6 Pro and it suffered the cone error issue to start with.
It has plenty of screw length so I took the saddle clamp and milled a small amount off the top to allow it to fit into the dove tail neatly and this prevented the tilting when the clamp was tightened.
I recently checked for cone error after mounting a new camera setup, I have an ED80 and a GSO RC8 on the mount and over 180 deg of rotation of the RA axis it never moved off target.
That's all I needed to do to mine.

[pdalek]

An alternative is to add two guide pins. These prevent the EQ6 clamp from tipping.

[Nico13]

That was my next option had the first not succeeded.
It's stiill something I may do, nice job Patrick

[Eden]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. A forum member has kindly offered me a good deal on a replacement saddle which is well suited to the Losmandy plate I am using.

Cheers :) :thanx: