[AstroJunk (Jonathan)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

there is a MAJOR problem with this mount. there needs to be a stop or bolt added to the main shaft of the pier because if you loosten the two locking bolts the main tub slips down and smacks on the mounts geared locking knob for attaching the mount head. it will bend the threaded shaft!!. Skywatcher need to address this ASAP. in the interim, adjust this pier height lying down. also shot up the tube showing the geared bolt

the last shot shows it in the back of a Subaru forester. the case with the wheels do not fit, i need to take them off to get it in

Of course, you read what the manual had to say:


1.1 Setting Up the Tripod
1. Fully expand the tripod legs on level ground.
2. Install the hand control bracket on the tripod. (Fig 1.1a)
3. Place one or two counterweight(s) just between the bottom of the central post and the ground if there is enough space between them. This is a critical safety effort because the counter weight(s) will prevent users from putting their feet under the central post unconsciously. (Fig. 1.1b)

Fully release the clamp of the central post by loosening the two hex nuts on it with a 19mm hex wrench (Fig 1.1c).

2. The central post might fall freely when the two nuts are loosened. The counterweight(s), which is (are) placed between the bottom of the central post and the ground earlier, will support the central post and prevent any potential damages in such case.
3. While loosening the two clamp nuts, to reduce the possible impact of the falling of the central post, it is recommended to hold the tripod top, or to fill the gap between the top of the counter weight and the bottom of central post with some soft material.
4. User should loosen the two hex nuts alternately to make sure both of them are fully loosened.