Height Adjustable telescope Pier

[Hagar]

Hi All,

I have been looking for a height adjustable telescope pier for my observatory which would allow me to keep my alignment and setup in the upright parked position. With a low roof design this has been impossible. I have to swing the EQ mount with telescope attached over to one side to allow the roof to close.

I found an American company who made the type of system I was looking for and proceded to investigate. Link below.
http://www.pier-tech.com/pier-tech2_telescope_pier.htm

I also spent some time on google and found some interesting reading in the attached PDF which made a few assumptions, but based on reasonable information. PDF link below.
http://www.dd1us.de/Downloads/A%20telescopic%20column%20as%20a%20 pier%20for%20your%20telescope%200v4 .pdf

I then found the Linak site for Australia and exchanged emails with the manager only to find the DL2 seemed to be the beast I was after. These are not cheap RRP of about $1500 AU. At the moment they have a few of these on sale to reduce stock for $430 + GST so I ordered one. Linak Australia Link below.
http://www.deskline.linak.com/Products/?id2=173
I will let you know how things work out after I recieve the unit and do some tests on it's operation and stability.

[netwolf]

Doug,

I to emailed them sometime back but got no response from them. I will try again.

Regards
Fahim

[h0ughy]

That is what I got from Steve Bain - i ordered 2 - one for the EQ6 and one for the G11. I have them in a box ready to go - but no observatory yet.....sadly

[netwolf]

Houghy,

Did you get the DL2 or a Pier-Tech pier? Have either of you got a the Pier Caddy for this like the one Pier-tech make? At present i want this as a portable pier that can me moved around. And then later I will make it a permanent pier when i build an observatory, some day...

Regards
Fahim

[h0ughy]

the dl2

[ozstockman]

That's actually a good idea. I found Pier-Tech website a year ago but considering their price I stopped thinking about it. However now thanks to Doug links and much lower price from Linak I am thinking to get one too.

Does it come with a motor , a control box and both(base and top) plates for $450 or this is price for two section pillar only?

This guy (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200159147434&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:Watchlink:middle:us) on ebay has 50 similar pillars for sale for just $300. It seems they are supplied with everything except for a bottom base for attaching to floor and a top plate. And they seem to be made by another company called SKF Magnetic Corporation (http://www.linearmotion.skf.com/en/0/cat-cat1988-Telescopic_pillars.html) in Germany.

[netwolf]

Mike,

From the information i have seen yes it does come with all that you indicated.

I too have contacted distributors in china of similar Linear Actuator based platforms/piers. Many are also sold for use for TV Stands, to raise a LCD panel from inside a specially designed cabinet when required.

The special price from Liniak is only for a few they have on clearance. Pier-tech use different variations, and also seem to have cusomised the frames to add features like handles, tripod legs etc. There base unit also seems to retail for 1500$ so not much difference there on the regular price from Liniak. Mcmaster carr in the US also sell these for about 500-1000$ depending on specs required.

The ebay link is a very good find. This gives more options to select from.
I was also directed by Linak to AME System who make desks/trolleys etc based on the Liniak systems. They advised me they maybe able to help with the Pier Caddy. Pier-tech are charging 650$ just for the caddy which is quiet expensive for what it is.
Regards
Fahim

[h0ughy]

Doug it has been a while - how have you founf the DL2 to be going?