Pier mount in backyard

[prova]

I think the time has come for me to install a permanent pier setup in the backyard as I'm sick of bringing my setup in and out.

So, is there anyone here that can help me source the actual pier itself and suggest sensible heights to use.

I will be putting the HEQ5Pro ontop and can get the mounting bracket to suit that mount for $299 from Andrews but not sure about the pier itself?

Cheers

[netwolf]

This website is down at present but these guys make permanent piers in Australia.
http://www.southerncrosspiers.com.au/

[prova]

thanks, I'll get in touch with them when the site is back up!

[netwolf]

I think someone here might own one and have some contact information. I also recall seeing very similar piers being shows in some photographs of some Telescope shops on this forum.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi, :)
My pier with a HEQ5 on it. The legs where made from roofing struts. Cut in half on the angle. The pier is 4” 500mm long.
The tripod hub was purchased from Bintel. Cost $90 Ouch.:mad2:
Then 3, 25mm tube steel bolted to hub then welded to pier. This was done so one could get ones hand in to do up the mount head bolt.

Legs attached to pier via 2 bolts on each leg. A small piece of 10mm steel plate was used at bottom of pier where it was welded to pier then threads done for bolts.

If you need more pics pm me your email and I will send some larger pics for you look at.

Hope that gives you some ideas. :)

Regards,.:thumbsup:

[bojan]

For $20 you can buy PVC pipe in Bunnings, 160mm dia.
Simply drop this into a hole in a ground and pour in and around the concrete.
And do not forget screws for the mount, they should be also buried in concrete, on the top.
75cm above the ground is more than enough for average Newtonian.

[prova]

Hi

I've seen this type for sale at Andrews for $299, would you cover that and then leave it outside?

[Dave47tuc]

Yes and no:shrug: If it was to be outside always I would take the legs off and cement it in the ground. Problem with that is the pier is to short. I think you would need double the size of the pier to go into the ground.

The above post about pvc pipe seems a good idea. But just putting a bolt in the top of that will make it hard to get true level.

I may however put my pier in the backyard and leave it there and use the nomal tripod for trips away. Yet to decide on this.

I would like to see those pies for $299. If it's anything like the steel out of china it wont last long if you leave it outside, but I could be wrong.

Good luck.:)