An adjustable mounting for an Argo Navis

[DJDD]

Hello,

Recently, PeterHA assisted me by mounting an Argo Navis to my 10" dobsonian.

The design is elegant, neat and extremely functional.

Some key points:

- adjustable stalk that allows the Argo Navis to be raised or lowered as needed, as well as rotated out of the way
- the stalk has rounded ends to stop the cable from being cut
- hidden cables running through the stalk
- neat positioning of the base encoder with tidy cabling, as well
- a nut screwed under the stalk to stop it hitting the bottom
- firm attachment of the Argo Navis to the stalk

I have attached photos of the build and encourage others to do this themselves.

I think the best part of his design is the way the stalk is connected to the base, allowing the stalk to be raised or lowered, simply by tightening or loosening the black knob seen at the side of the stalk.


As an aside, Peter has built his own mount for his 12" dob and I recommend everyone have a look at that thread. The mount is solid and light.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=124338



Thanks for your help with this project, Peter.


cheers,
DJDD

[gary]

Hi DJDD,

A really nice installation and love the well thought-out adjustable stalk.

Wonderful that fellow IIS member Peter was so willing to help.

Congratulations all-round!

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[gary]

Hi DJDD,

One thing I did pick up with regards the azimuth installation as
seen in the first photo is the large pulley orientation.

The design intent is to have the large pulley mounted the other way up
to how you have it installed, that is the intent is to have the hub of the
pulley closest to the base of the rocker.

In any case, make sure that the edge of the timing belt is running parallel
to the base of the rocker.

The small pulley has a set screw and can be adjusted up and down so that
it and the large pulley sit in the same plane.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[PeterHA]

Hi Gary,

Actually the manufacturer must have changed the mount base slightly and the brass pivot bolt of the installation kit did not 100% fit the hole in the base.
We had to modify the base and the preferred orientation of the big pulley would not have easily allowed to get the belt parallel to the base.
With the flipped pulley we have achieved a parallel belt.
It should be ok lite it is now.

Regards,

Peter

[DJDD]

Thanks for the replies, Gary and Peter.

Gary, I was going to reply but thought to let Peter reply as he is the engineer who worked on my telescope.

Peter, Thanks for replying to Gary. I am looking forward to eventually getting out and using it but this rain is a problem...