Modified Celestron or Meade Fork mounts for DOB

[netwolf]

Hi All,

Would it be possible to mount a 10" reflector (dob tube) on a 10" Fork Mount like the Celestrons and Meade (LX series).

What kind of mounting plates or rings are required for this. I am sure it would not be hard to locate unwanted older Fork mounts. Like this one.
http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=406224

Regards.

Netwolf.

[mick pinner]

hi Netwolf, l'm pretty sure it would be impossible as you would never balance the tube because of the short amount of swing through, with so much cantilever effect at the viewing end you would destroy the motors.

[netwolf]

Thanks Mike.
I thought as much.. Oh well you know how it is you get as many useless ideas as you get good ones. Can they be adapted to work with other non meade OTA's? like say a C8 or a C9.25.

Regards
Netwolf

[anthony2302749]

This was the original design, called an English Yoke mount, but the top was cut off. See:
http://home.earthlink.net/~indig/DesignMusings/text/Design_Mountings.html
You need the extra strength across the extended fork to take the flexure out.
See why you thought you could though ...

[netwolf]

Ok i know its an old thread but i finaly saw it
http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=441936

This is a 8' but proves its kinda possible.

[ballaratdragons]

oooo, it looks good too. Kinda suits the OTA!

[netwolf]

Basicaly it seems he has added a custom built bracket/dovetail to attache the OTA tube rings to this gives it clearance to swing down and through the fork frame. Also i would assume that his OTA weight is comparable to a 8" SCT, otheriwise is Mick mentioned it would overload the motors.

[allan gould]

Netwolfe
Just in case you are interested, I have a set of LX50 fork arms for a 10" tube with mag2 set up for sale. Basically you could name your own reasonable price as I bought a Losmandy with gemin goto for the OTA. My wife wants it out of the house. Mounting the dobsonian on a mounting plate is the way to go as in your photo.
Just thought I would mention it if you are still interested you could PM me
Regards, Allan Gould

[netwolf]

Wow Allan what an offer, i have pmed you. By they way Happy Birthday. And your giving away gifts.

[netwolf]

Ok i nabbed this photos from the LX50 yahoo groups archive. Its dobe my Gary Easterly the same scope that is up for sale mentioned in my earlier post today
http://www.astromart.com/classifieds...fied_id=441936