I recent bought a Nexstar 8SE telescope that comes with the single fork arm mount. Frustratingly I can't find any information on how the telescope attaches to the mount as it appears they are usually shipped pre-attached so it isn't in any instructional video or manual.
It appears there's a clamp, and it does hold the telescope. Is that it? That the clamp on the mount holds the telescope? It doesn't seem like a very safe method!
Please explain to me how the mount is supposed to hold the telescope!
Yes, the dovetail rail on the telescope fits into the clamp on the mount and the threaded locking device will clamp the scope quite securely. These dovetail rails and clamps are standard fare on all mounts, although there are different sizes and standards.
Thanks for the info! I'm worried that I need to tighten it tightly and it will crack something! Is there any chance of that? And how far down the clamp does the rail need to sit?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tinderboxsky
Yes, the dovetail rail on the telescope fits into the clamp on the mount and the threaded locking device will clamp the scope quite securely. These dovetail rails and clamps are standard fare on all mounts, although there are different sizes and standards.
Have a look at page 8 in your manual. It's pretty brief & not particularly detailed but, it's there together with a diagram.
You'll find most of the weight is to the rear (primary mirror plus diagonal & eyepiece). To achieve decent balance & not strain your motors it should look pretty much like the diagram or thereabouts.