Putting on the new NEQ6 dual saddle on OLD EQ6

[that_guy]

Hi guys, I'm currently looking at ways to get a D type plate on my old (pre 2008 with different "puck" design) EQ6. I'd obviously prefer to buy the ADM universal saddle but it's a bit out of my price range with the current exchange rate and taxes (~$250AUD) whereas a spare NEQ6 dual saddle is about $60. Is there a way to mount this saddle to the old eq6 puck? Do the saddles even separate from the puck for these saddles?

Thanks
Tony

[bojan]

I did this, with a little machining (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=226882).
(You can ignore re-inforcement ring - it is not necessary, the whole thing carries C11 (30kg with counterweight in total) without problem)


Link to pictures is here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=1372525&postcount=26).

[LewisM]

Or if you feel completely overwhelmed, there is the simple option: a vixen V to Losmandy D plate. There was one for sale recently here on Ice, and I think Bintel still have them. ADM definitely still make them.

Just put it in as a usual vixen bar, tighten the clamps, then use the new Losmandy clamps. It is also SIMPLT to make with a regular Vixen bar screwed onto a widely available Losmandy clamp.

[LewisM]

Here's on on Fleabay: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-vixen-type-v-series/adm-vixen-to-losmandy-adapter.html

[that_guy]

I looked on bintel for that exact one and couldn't find it :(

[AstroApprentice]

Hi Tony,
I guess it depends on how many scopes with D dovetails you have, but I only have one, so simply bolted a V dovetail to the base of the D dovetail. That way I can continue to use the V clamps on my mounts and other scopes.

[that_guy]

I'm in the process of purchasing an esprit 100 which comes with a D plate. I just prefer the option or a more stable platform than the way the saddle works on the older EQ6s. These dont have even compression bar and they just use two bolts to hold the vixen bar.

[speach]

Glad to see you don't spend exorbitant amounts of money on counter weights, I use weight lifting weights myself!

[bojan]

Well... this counterweight cost me $10 (and a bit od machining of plastic core, where shaft goes).
It is crazy to spent money on shiny weight, when the same money could be used for components that are not easy (or impossible) to obtain without it ;)

[LewisM]

Works perfectly well. You can barely see it here, but I simply bolted a Vixen V bar onto the bottom of my Losmandy D plate a while back for the FS-102 (since changed to better rings and a William Optics wide top Vixen bar).

I personally prefer the Vixen bars (good ones, not the yak-tastic Skywatcher ones, but solid ones like Losmandy or the newer silver anodised Vixen originals)

Then again, I use the new style large non-marring clamps with the brass wedges (silver puck in photo - the SXP mount will accept ANY puck design, including direct mount to a Tak clamshell)

[that_guy]

Someone's offered me a vixen to Losmandy adaptor for half the price of brand new which I'll be purchasing. This seems like the best avenue to go with since I'm not sure if the Skywatcher D plate has the correct holes for mounting a vixen dovetail under the plate. Thanks for your help guys!

[LewisM]

You buy the Vixen bar with slots...so you don't need to worry about spacing so much :)

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Guide-Star-Dovetail-Mounting-Plate-Handle-Bracket-Telescope-spotting-scope-/322653874699?hash=item4b1fab6a0b

[AstroApprentice]

Or buy one of these:
https://www.ausee.com.au/shop/item.aspx?itemid=2328
The best non-astro, astro accessory I have purchased (perhaps that would make an interesting new thread...?).
Makes accurately tapping perfect threads in aluminium a breeze and means I no longer have to worry about slots and holes that just won't line up - which seems to happen regularly for me.

[bojan]

This (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Double-Clamp-Bench-Drill-Press-Stand-Base-Frame-Electric-Hand-Drills-Holder/401521425339?hash=item5d7c8abbbb:g: YvQAAOSwTMxazyds) then may be a better (and cheaper) option, if you have hand drill.

.