Lightbridge Counter Weights

[astronut]

Here is a new design for counter weights to mount on the Lightbridge scopes.
I might see if an engineering firm here can do the same job(does anyone have any ideas on this) otherwise purchasing direct might be a good idea.:thumbsup:

12-inch LightBridge Counterweights - 3 lb. Set

http://www.farpointastro.com/products_pictures/InsetMedium.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:open_window('products_pictures/Inset.jpg',2928,1955);)
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US $59.00
In stock: yes
Weight: 6.5 lbs Discuss this product (http://www.farpointastro.com/index.php?productID=123&discuss=yes)
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Farpoint Astronomical Research introduces our basic counterweight set for the 12-inch Meade LightBridge (http://www.meade.com/lightbridge/index.html) telescopes. The "core set” consists of three 1 lb. weights that attach to the rear of the mirror cell. These weights replace the “push” or locking screws, making them a bolt-on addition.* This "core set” properly balances the telescope for use with a large 2-inch eyepiece and a finder scope or Telrad (http://www.backyard-astro.com/equipment/accessories/telrad/telrad.html).

Additional clamp-on ring weights that work in conjunction with this set will be available soon. The additional weights will allow for the balancing of larger top-end loads (i.e., eyepiece + Telrad + finder scope).

*Before using this product, we recommended that the mirror cell springs be upgraded with the a collimation thumbscrew kit.

[JethroB76]

I emailed them a while ago but from memory the freight from the US was pretty high.
They actually asked me for suggestions as to who the major astro retailers were in Oz because they were keen to get a distributor over here.

If the price was reasonable I would be keen if someone was to look at making something similar locally. It doesn't really have to be in stainless, I can't see why someone with appropriate mild steel stock couldn't turn up some weights and paint or powder coat them. Its probably the kind of material you could find in a scrap yard or machine shop.