Mounting woes

[gecko]

Hey everyone,

Just got a Celestron C130 and a Skyscan 2001 - which is apparently an EQ3-2 clone.

I have a problem though! It appears the Celestron C130 and the Skyscan 2001 are incompatible with each other, and I don't think the seller realised - I believe she was hooking it up with a bolt onto the "photo tripod hole" in the C130's mount. I'd prefer a bit more of a sturdy setup than that.

I've attached two photos, and I hope you all can help! Although it is a bit rainy here at the moment, I'd like to get it sorted for when the clouds clear up.

[John0z]

The EQ3 usually comes with a mounting that will take tube rings - from the second photo, the tube sits on it and the holes on the ends will take the tube rings. If you can take another photo - looking straight onto the mounting plate, there is probably two bolts that fasten the mounting plate onto the dec axle. If so, and the spacing is about 35mm - you are in luck. The bolts are likely to be M6 (metric 6mm) - I used to have a mount like this, and I installed a GSO Dovetail mount - like this one. I bought it from Andrews Communications http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

I made up a couple of aluminium washers to suit, so that the dovetail mount does not shift when installing it. Then your C130 should fit in, but might be at the wrong angle, but at least it will be secure.

-John

[brian nordstrom]

:thumbsup: Bang on John , and Gecko Andrews has these for $29 , just bolt one to the top of your mount and slip the 'Vixen' style dove tail thats bolted onto your tube into the $29 'FF561' , just google 'Andrews Communications' click on 'telescopes' ( bottom left) , click 'Gaun Sheng' and almost at the bottom of that page you will find part# FF561 thats what you need .
Also with one of these on the top of the mount you will be able to fit most scopes to it , the Vixen dovetails are very common .
Brian.

[gecko]

awesome thanks guys :) much appreciated!