Tension handles

[Chif]

Hey guys,

Not sure if this is in the right section. But, I have a Saxton 10" dob, and the base it comes with has two handles and you tighten one to increase the tension and hold the scope still. Although, most of the time, once I've tightened it, it will slowly drop down. It's a real pain if I'm trying to show other people things, or if I'm lining up the finder scope.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue or something similar, and what have you done to fix it?

I'd rather not buy a new base as I'm saving my coin for a holiday at the moment, so modifications to this base would be preferred. Also, If someone else has the same scope and mount, any other mods or little tips would be great.

Cheers,
Andrew

[Shark Bait]

A lot of people who use dobs will add weights to the OTA in order to get the tube to balance. This combined with the tension handle should provide the solution.

[Chif]

oh ok, I was thinking of something like that but not sure if it would do me any good.

What seems to be the best way of adding weights? I might have a play around with something tonight.

[Shark Bait]

I have seen small weights taped onto the OTA near the primary. These can also be used with velco to make it easy to adjust for different loads.

If you want to go for a fancier solution this might give you some ideas:
http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Counterweights/143/catmenu.aspx

The system shown in the link is for Meade Lightbridge but you might be able to alter it to suit your scope.

[barx1963]

I got a couple of old speaker magnets, wrapped up in foam and duct tape, and they just sit on the tube. You can move them up and down to adjust for different weight eyepieces. Better than the Farpoint ones as those are not adjustable.

Malcolm

[Chif]

That's a good idea Malcom. I might give something like that a try. Thanks for the advice guys.

[Greenswale]

I have rigged a bungee cord from the base cross piece to the bottom rear of my Lightbridge. This gives a good long length for a gentle and progressive increase in tension as the scope is depressed, something that Is necessary because of the changing leverage moment. The bungee length is adjustable to allow for very heavy eyepieces.

And, it is not heavy!

[Chif]

ahh I like that idea. I'll give that a try along with some weights and see how which seems best