1/2 Pier extension for HEQ5 mount

[Merlin66]

Anyone have one of these 1/2 pier extensions available????
https://skywatcheraustralia.com.au/product/extension-tube-for-neq5/
Let me know if you can help.
Thanks.

[Merlin66]

Nothing available???

[PhilTas]

Hi Ken,
I bought one of these a while back for an EQ3 (the same pier extension fits both EQ3 and EQ5).
I purchased this because at 12degS (Darwin), both the counterweight bar and counterweight collided with the south tripod leg when moving from one side of the meridian to the other.
The extension solved this problem, but at 400mm it was way too high for my liking.
So I bought a length of 100 NB steel pipe, and made a 200mm extension.
I used the top and bottom inserts from the Skywatcher pier, and it now works a treat.

I assume you will want the complete unit. But I have the Skywatcher 400mm tube if useful to you.
For info a 2 metre length of 100NBsteel tube cost $56 and the ID is the same as the Skywatcher tube.

cheers Phil

ps : sorry for the sideways photo, I have it saved in the vertical but don't know how to rotate it for this forum.

[Merlin66]

Phil,
Thanks for the offer, but I'll have to pass....

The issue with me is the longer spectroheliograph. At high solar altitudes the 1.2m box hits the HEQ5 tripod.
The current weather and declining solar altitudes removes the current problem....