Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthernSky
Just wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks to get the scope on the mount safely (have balanced everything)
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Yes there is a way, and I'll see if I can find a video demonstration (have seen one).
1. Assemble mount with dec axis and fit the counterweights in the right position. Set the dec axis so the dovetail clamp is ready to take the OTA pointing vertically down, and clamp.
2. Place an observing chair or similar at max height under the dovetail clamp.
3. Lift the OTA and place it on the chair with the corrector pointing down - assuming the cover can take the weight of the OTA without buckling. If you are worried the cover will buckle then point the scope up but the chair has to be higher.
4. Manouvre the dovetail into the clamp, and do it up, letting the chair take the weight of the OTA (not your back).
This assumes you have a reasonably good observing chair you trust to take the weight without collapsing or falling over.
Second method - no chair. Even if you are tall and reasonably strong the worry is dropping the OTA. Head to Bunnings and buy a 2m strip of Velcro that is double sided, ie one side of it sticks to the back of the strip for a few $. With the OTA in the boot of your car, pass this around the OTA and make a loop over one shoulder, like you would hold a broken arm in a sling, let this take most of the weight. Once on the mount rip the Velcro off. A strong shoulder strap off a bag will do the same job, I must have a half a dozen lying around unused.