Went on a search today for a spirit level small enough for my EQ6 mount Tripod today.
I found this perfect item at Home Hardware. It is a round spirit level measuring 35mm across, so it completely covers the central hole. It works a treat and only cost $7
Heaps bigger and more accurate than the ones they supply with the tripods.
It is an 'Empire' Bullseye Circular Level. Item number 3604
On the back of the packet it says for Cameras & Pool Tables.
The EQ6 bolt doesn't protrude up thru the hole when the head isn't on it, so no problems there. And the bubble level is wider then the hole so It can't fall into it.
Even if it did, it sits anywhere on the flat top of the tripod.
Got one from the local Bunnings on the way home. Life must be cheaper in the country - cost me $8.60 or so! I had a rubbish little spirit level I was going to use to level my "barndoor tracker" (when I get round to building it!) This will be better. Acropolite, at the same place they sell replacement tubes with fluid and one bubble (or more if you want to shake them up!) for spirit levels - maybe that's what you need?
Well, I spent about an hour last Sunday moving my EQ6 Tripod all over the yard, and even out in the paddock, to practice levelling my mount using the bubble level.
It is sooooo easy.
Previously, I used it to level the EQ6 to look at the comet 2 weeks ago and the comet stayed in the FOV for over an hour of viewing at 9mm in the ED80. And that was with a very quick levelling coz I didn't want to miss the comet.
Now that I have practiced several times on differing slopes and lumps, I can happily say it's a piece of cake
