HEQ5Pro at Latitude 12s

[duncan]

Hi Everyone,

Haven't been around for a while apart from the odd bit of snooping and have not done any observing for ages.

Problem, Can anyone tell me if there is an extension available for the above mount? The idea is to lift the mount head up high enough so as to stop the counterweights from hitting the tripod legs.
The mount has worked flawlessly since i got it but this seems to be a major problem when using Go-To up here in the tropics.

On a brighter and much more laughable note? = Yesterday and last night i spent 5 hours trying to get CDC to work to control the scope. Downloaded the necessary drivers etc. and nothing. I finally gave up and turned off the internet, closed all the programs in frustration and low and behold Damn Vista decides to install the drivers.:mad2::question::P

A half hour play and it worked perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!.
Oh the JOYS of COMPUTING!!! LOL.:mad2::P:D:lol::rofl::rofl::rof l:

Cheers Everyone,
Duncan

[rider]

the current eq6 has the ability to put the mount head on to the tripod in a "back the front" placement so that the position of the legs is reversed, - this clears the weights for the tropics.
The only change is that you reposition the positioning pin on the top of the tripod to the provided hole on other side of the tripod top.

It may be possible to do this with your eq5. If not, it would be fairly simple to put a bolt through to use as the positioning pin.

[duncan]

Thanks for the reply. I've just had the Head off and this can't be done. The leg positions in relation to the base wont make any difference either.I guess if wost comes i'll have to have one made.
Cheers,
Duncan

[Tandum]

I don;t believe there is a head extension for the heq5 but there is a pier mount.
Andrews list one for about $350. It's at the bottom of the SW page.
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-content-section-10-skywatcher.htm

[duncan]

Thanks Robin,

Because i have the scope up in Weipa (work away from home) the pier is not an option. However at home definately the way to go.
Thanks,
Duncan:thumbsup:

[Tandum]

I'm pretty sure they are portable, they have 3 legs sticking out the bottom.
http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-030L

[Mighty_oz]

Is the problem the counterweight bar is extended to far ? Maybe heavier weights so u can reduce it's length ?

[duncan]

Hi All,

I've included a photo with a can for perspective.

[tlgerdes]

Hi Duncan

I think these are what you are looking for

http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/Products/Pillar_Extension_for_EQ5_.html

or

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-033J

Google - HEQ5 Pillar Extension

[OzRob]

As rider points out my tripod for the EQ6 can be reversed which is the configuration that I use as I used the tripod at between 12 and 15 N. It works very well. Looking at the photo it looks like the same tripod as yours. Is it possible to drill a hole and tap it to reposition the post? I have attached a photo of the top of my tripod.

[duncan]

Hi Rob & Trevor,

Both very good ideas and look good too. I'm going to ask a local manufacturer ifr he can fabricate something to suit. If not i have the solution in one of the above.
Thanks Guys Been a great help.

Cheers Duncan
:thumbsup:

PS I don't think the Base is the same as the EQ6 by looking at it
We will see how it all goes when i get time.

[Mighty_oz]

Shim the rear two legs up so that u have to angle the ra axis more ? Probably safer to make an extension good idea guys :)

[duncan]

Hi OZ,
Thought of that one to but better available i think. But if all else fails .
Cheers, Duncan
;)