Apologies for the confusion. Mine came with the knobs that you use to fix the mount to the ADATRI, but no bolts to attach the ADATRI to the pier. For the latter I had some bolts laying around that I'd used to attach my previous mount to the pier.
Lee - so the three bolts that connect the mount to the base - be it ADATRI or whatever else you use - i.e. the M1485KBKIT, didn't come with the mount?
Did you buy them separately from AP or use something else?
You can use any bolt I drilled and taped the holes I think m8 hex bolts you can get them anywhere . No point supplying them because everyone has different requirements for length or type.
It is a bit disappointing. I was expecting to be up and running as soon as it arrived.
But as Atmos said earlier "what makes a good company is not so much mistakes that may be made but how they deal with them".
I will wait and see how all this is resolved.
Yes, I understand that the bolts to attach the ADATRI to the pier is up to the purchaser. There are a lot of variables around that.
But the bolts to screw through the ADATRI into the base of the mount, and the bolts to screw the Dovetail Saddle Plate into place are fairly specific.
To be fair, I did only have a quick look on Wednesday before I had to leave. I am fairly sure neither bolt sets were in the packaging. As soon as I get home I am going to double check.
I have been away for the last week, and just got home this afternoon. And my saga continues.
My focus was to go through all the packages to make sure that I had not overlooked some of the fixings. I also wanted to make sure that all other parts were the right ones.
I think I have received the wrong mounting bars. See pic.
The larger bar is a 16 inch Dovetail Mounting plate. This is the bar that will attach to the mount.
The smaller bar is a 15 inch Sliding Bar. But I think it is too narrow. I was expecting a wider bar to fit the clamps on the 16 inch. This narrower bar is the one I should be attaching my Rings onto.
I am wondering what others have purchased for this. Or, is what I have been supplied correct, in which case, what am I missing.
The 16" dovetail plate is correct it accepts losmandy style bar I have no idea what the other is for just looks like an accessory bar to me. I assume you have losmandy sized plates on your scope.
I haven't spoken to or contacted Astro Physics yet. OPT took my money, so they should fix the problems. I will need to contact AP to get an extension to the trial period for APCC. My time runs out on 27 July - 3 weeks. I am at least 10 days away from getting the replacement equipment, probably longer.
Paul
Yes, I found the bolts for the ADATRI. Three of them. They were mixed with the screws/bolts for the counterweights. See the pic. The bolt on the right is to go through the ADATRI. The bolt on the left is for the counter weights. I am short one of the cw bolts. Another will be included in the parcel when it ships.
I also found the bolts that secure the Dovetail Saddle Plate to the Mount Dec Hub. They were taped underneath the saddle plate and all wrapped in bubble wrap.
I’m sorry Darrell that your mount didn’t come with all necessary bits. I think Greg’s advice is a good one - it wouldn’t hurt to let the guys at AP know how you got a mix of parts. That’s just not right, in particular for this price. When I ordered my Mach1 directly from AP, everything came beautifully packed and clearly labelled, so putting the mount together was quick, easy and fun.
George at Astrophysics was very helpful in the past.
They pride themselves on being the best. Optcorp are usually good as well but now its a 3rd party, they have to tell AP and AP tells them to tell you etc etc.
But if replacements are already underway then maybe no real point to it unless you have questions about what is needed to get you up and running.
You can of course also send them questions by email and there is also an AP Yahoo Group where Roland often posts and you can ask questions.
I don't want to sound like I am ungrateful, but these perfectly clear, sunny, gorgeous, low humidity days and nights are becoming a bit tedious.
My replacement parts are due to arrive next Thursday, so I have been told. Not all of them, but enough to at least get started. By then, I expect some clouds to roll in.
I have been in touch with Astro Physics. I am just waiting to hear back from them.
Good news! The bulk of the remaining equipment has arrived for the Mach1. Not all, but enough that I can at least start getting everything together and see how it looks.
One pic is just the Mach 1 and my still new Esprit 150. The other pic is a comparison with the EQ6 and Megrez 90.
The Mach 1 is mounted on my "test pier" at home. This weekend I will mount the ADATRI onto the Pier at my dark site.
