Pier for G11

[multiweb]

I'm seriously thinking of getting a pier in my backyard for my G11. Nothing fancy but just something sturdy and level that I can stack the mount on and off quickly when setting up so I don't have to haul my tripod all over the place and level and polar align all over again.

I read a lot of stuff on these forums about DIY obs but I have a couple of questions as I don't know where to start really and this is new to me.

Where can I get and adapter to attach the G11 head on. Is it a standard Losmandy thing or I need to get it made? Or may be just a custom plate is the way to go? What's best?

Also is it best to get a steel pier pre-made or get the preform tube packing and pour concrete to make the column?

Thanks for any tips. :thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

There is a pier extension you can get from Losmandy but as for home grown stuff, I've just gone through the process and fortunately a good friend is very handy with a welder.

I had a local engineering company look for an aluminium pipe the right diameter....no go...then looked for steel....still no go. There is a steel pipe with an outer diameter the same as the inner diameter of the losmandy pier. So in the end Adrian (my welder) got the pipe and a length 100mm wide bar and bent it around the pipe and welded that on. Looks great.

Here's the losmandy link. The Meade tripod adapters could be adapted :P

http://www.losmandy.com/access.html

[multiweb]

Thanks Paul. Yeah, the FHD / Meade field tripod adapter looks like it could do the job.

[[1ponders]]

Actually I'm thinking of getting an adapter made up for mine to take an EQ6. I've already got one so I can mount a mead wedge onto a losmandy tripod (and kidding that didn't make a different to the meade) but it would be nice to have a spare losmandy pier out in the yard and if visitors turn up they could mount on the pier and not their rickety tripods.

[leon]

I made myself a adapter out of 6mm steel pipe which had a inside diameter of exactly 140mm the same size minus a mmm, or there abouts and it worked a treat.

Picked up meter of the stuff at second hand scrap metal place, for the grand sum of only 20 bucks.

As for the pier itself it is best to get hold of a decent length of sewer pipe with a diameter of about 250mm, plonk it on you 600mm x 600mm footing and fill it with cement.

Make up a wooden template with four 1/2 inch bolts about 15 inches long bent into a hook shape at one end and push that down into the wet cement so the template rests on top of the 250mm pipe.

Let it cure for a least 7 days and presto one pier.

As you can see i just used two 3/4 inch Aluminium plates being 300mm x 300mm square.

Leon

[[1ponders]]

Damn leon where did you get that pipe???? I could only get one with an OD of 140. If you've got any left or can get some give me a hoy, I'd definitely be interested

[multiweb]

Thanks for all the tips so far guys. It's gold! :thumbsup:
That looks like a pretty sweet setup you've got there Leon. Do you cover it when not in use or get the OTAs off your pier?

[tlgerdes]

Hey Marc,

Can I see the plans signed off by your wife first :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[multiweb]

Ermmm..... I'll say it's a base for a new clothes line. I've got it all worked out mate. No worries. By the time the scope is on top it'll be too late? :whistle:

[leon]

Marc mate it lives in its little observatory, Just pull it closed when its all over for the night, man I would be there all night trying to take all that stuff off.

Leon

[leon]

Paul I know the fellow I got it from still had some left, I will investigate tomorrow, and get back to you.

I know exactly where i left that other bit in his yard, ;) hope it is still there, how much would you be wanting mate.

Leon :thumbsup:

[multiweb]

Yeah that's what I thought. Too much wiring. Gotta work out a shed or panels to cover it during the day. Just big enough for the scope. Maybe a little roll-off box.

[[1ponders]]

Oooo jeez Leon that would be great thanks. If he has a meter I'll take a meter, but whatever he has down to about 300mm would be fantastic.

[leon]

No worries mate I will have a look for you tomorrow.

Leon

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Leon, you're a champ

[Barrykgerdes]

Hi Marc

Can You dig a nice hole about two ft deep and about 18" square (convert this to metric if you like) and locate a piece of heavy guage pipe about 6" in diamter six ft long

I will machine all the necessary attachments for the G11 so it will be a drop on tighten the screws fit. In fact I think I will make three attachments so we can have use them up at Wiruna

Then we will set the pier in concrete in your yard. Are you sure you will be allowed to do this?

Barry

[multiweb]

Thanks Barry! Sounds like a plan! :thumbsup: If I tell her when you're next to me it should be ok. :whistle: You're staying for dinner right? :lol:

[Barrykgerdes]

I'll bring Elva along. They will be so busy talking they won't see what we are doing till its too late. Elva says to thank your wife for the excellent company last night.

Barry

[leon]

Hi Paul, the whole thing looks a bit ordinary in the pic, it dose come up better in real life.

Anyway it is a smidge over 500mm, and the 3 holes you see in the top part are exactly the same as the bolts that go into the G11 Mount.

Just point one South, and the you have 7 degrees to play with either way.

The top circular part is exactly the same size as the mount base, 140mm.

I have done about 4 different models and they all work beaut.

My own G11 is mounted on one and, trust me mate it wont move.

Talk to you soon.

Leon :thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Wow Leon that looks great. One inside (cheers Ade) and one on the outside pier (better get diggin :) ) Woo hoo!!

[Barrykgerdes]

The top three inches of that pier is what I will make for Marc, I will probably make the bolt holes slotted like the G11 mount on the top side. The under side will be machined to fit whatever piece of pipe we can find to do the job.

Quite a simple task when you have the machinery to do it!

Barry

[leon]

Yep Barry that is all it amounts to, ;) it is only that top bit that matters,

To find a bit of pipe at the exact measurements was just lucky for me. :eyepop:

I went back to get the other bit, but alas it was gone. :sadeyes:

leon :thumbsup:

[AlexN]

A Quick question, Its slightly on topic, slightly off topic, and perhaps mostly directed at Paul, as I know he has both....

Are the GM-8 / G-11 base plates the same? Ie - Could someone with a GM-8 use a pier or tripod from the G-11 mount?

I should be getting my GM-8 in January, and that will be permanently mounted at home... Could I make something similar/identical to what has been shown here and have the GM-8 fit?

Ps - Leon, I love your work mate! That pier looks the goods! :)

[[1ponders]]

The 8 and the 11 have exactly the same base Alex

[leon]

Thanks Paul, the question is answered.

Leon

[AlexN]

thanks guys

[netwolf]

I have also been thinking about getting a pier done but could not locate any of this 6" pipe with 140 internal. If you guys find some in Sydney please let me know.
I just put my name down for the Losmandy MA FHD / Meade field tripod adapter at Bintel, they said they had some on order and they are $129. Wit this then your pipe can be anything as long as it has a top plate with the right hole pattern for tha MA. I did send an email sometime back to Scott Losmnady to see if he could share a drawing of the hole pattern, but got no response from him.

Its nice to see the growing list of G-11 users around here.

[leon]

The tree hole pattern you see in the top part of the pier are spaced exactly at 120 degrees apart, a third of a full circle.

When one plants the pier one of the holes should point South as best you can, then there is 7 degrees either way for fine adjustment.

Leon

[creeker]

Hello Leon
I don't know Leon, I think you can fit at least 3 or 4 more cameras on there. :) I'm just starting a small observatory in my yard. I too, have a G11 mount. Seeing your setup is an inspiration for me to get moving before the snow flies. Thanks for sharing your tips. The people in this forum are so helpful.
regards
Ed

My wife says if I buy another telescope she'll leave me.........., Darn! I sure am going to miss that women.:D

[leon]

Listen to your wife, ;) but on the other hand go and do something special for her with out asking what she would like. ;)

Mate a scope, mount and pretty astro images are just that, who is more important. :thumbsup:

Leon :thumbsup:

[AlexN]

I got a Losmandy "MA" Meade tripod adapter for the top of my pier. I also have had an EQ6 to Losmandy adapter made so my EQ6 can ride on the same pier... I am considering getting a HD Tripod (if I can find one) for when I take the EQ6 out and about... the EQ6 tripod is not really built for the kind of setup I have.. The HD Tripod is a monster! :)