2.5 or 2kg Counterweights for HEQ5 Pro?

[Saturn488]

I am looking for suitable counterweights that fit the shaft of the HEQ5 Pro. I am using smaller weights but they do not sit properly (think it might be for an EQ3 or something).

Are there any 2-2.5kg counterweights for this mount?

Thanks!

[bigjoe]

Your bar is 18mm this Ioptron 2kg weight below is for 20mm.. may be doable? ..ask Teleskop service by email.

Other than that know of no small one specifically for the Heq5.


https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p6688_iOptron-2kg-counterweight-for-iEQ30-and-ZEQ25-mounts.html

Bigjoe.

[ChrisV]

Is this any good? Just got them for my eq5.

http://www.astroanarchy.com.au/Accessories/CounterWeight_EQ3_EQ5.html

Edit: sorry you've got the heq5. Might have different shaft to the eq5 ?

[bojan]

It is easy to add insert to accomodate thinner shaft - I was doing this with PVC pipe and little machining.

"Conversion" is 100% reversible.

[LewisM]

I have used Vixen CW's before with HEQ5 without issue. The Vixen hole is 19~20mm, so it accomodates the 18mm HEQ5 shaft properly (seeing SW copied Vixen standards).

Not cheap, but correct and small diameter compared to those horrid SW lumps

https://myastroshop.com.au/products/details-item.asp?id=MAS-033L2
https://myastroshop.com.au/products/details-item.asp?id=MAS-033M
https://myastroshop.com.au/products/details-item.asp?id=MAS-033L
https://myastroshop.com.au/products/details-item.asp?id=MAS-033N

[Saturnine]

Hi.
I was in the local council tip shop last week and they had dozens of weights from 1kg to 10 kg from small bar bells that people have given up exercising with. The centre hole is about 25mm but a bit of creativity with some plastic tube to make a bush of the desired size, 18mm or 20mm would not be difficult.
Check your local council tip reclaim centre, it's surprising what can be found there that can be re- purposed to astro related projects.

[AndyG]

That's it - Go "Dump Mart". I like that place way more than one probably should.

[troypiggo]

Rebel Sport has weights new, still cheaper than the "astro" counterweights - they're about $4/kg. I just grabbed a 5kg for $20. I assume most of the bigger sports stores are similar. The local sports store around the corner was a little more expensive at about $5/kg, but still cheaper than the SW/Vixen etc counterweights.