Affixing the ED80 to the TAK??

[Exfso]

I am open to suggestions here. The mount I have is a Losmandy G11. The tak has a clamshell setup with the appropriate dovetail to fit the G11. I have spoken briefly to Paul (RR) about this and he suggests a set of rings for the tak and another dovetail setup for the ED80. I could use the Losmandy side by side plate, but that costs an arm and a leg and takes 6mths to get here if things are normal. Even then I would have to get another adapter to fit to the base of the ED80 to take another dovetail. It is getting all too confusing, so if anyone can come up with something that has worked for them, I would be most appreciative.

:help3:

[Striker]

Their are heaps of options.

You could order everything from OPT.

Parralax rings with 2x losmandy dovetail plates and Losmandy 125mm guide rings for the ED80

The problem will be how you are going to bolt the parralax rings to your dovetail plate sitting on your G11.

TOA Rings (http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=3863&kw=parallax&st=2)

[gbeal]

I faced the same sort of problem when I wanted to affix a guidescope (Nexstar 80) to my Mewlon, or my Zeiss ED80, for imaging purposes. I didn't want to marr either, obviously.
I went the Losmandy side by side route, and made my own. I would see if Mick is the frame of mind to look at a set, as the concept allows all manner of scopes to be used then.
Failing that the Striker method, with a set of rings that allow another plate to be mounted above. Bolting the rings to the Losmandy plate is a cinch, just gotta bore some holes.

[Exfso]

I am looking down those lines as well Gary. I notice the Losmandy side by side is about $220USD. I already have the universal adaptor plate, so all I need are the appropriate rings for the ED80 to affix to the Universal adapter. This would then as you say enable me to fix whatever I like side by side with the Tak. I gather Mick is a machinist. Obviously if I could get one made in Australia for a better price, I would go down that road for sure. Thanks for the thoughts.

[h0ughy]

try this link, may be able to help http://www.astro.premcom.com/ADM/ADM%20Products/4%20Inch%20Accessories.htm

[gbeal]

Peter,
I favoured the DSBS simply as it worked with most scopes, not just the one I had at the time, or required it to work with at the time. It was almost future-proof.
Obviously the rings, with either another plate above, or additional rings would be ideal.
One other thought I have had is similar to that which I believe Tak came up with.
It is a square mounting plate with two slotted holes to allow the direct attachment to the Tak mounts, but with left/right adjustments for the weight which sits to one side.
On that side is a slightly angled dovetail that accpts another smaller Tak refractor. I did have a picture but have lost it. I WILL find it.
Mick is indeed a machinist: He is well know here.
You need a Losmandy dovetail rail, and two Losmandy saddles. I swear by mine, and I am sure after I drop it on my toe I will swear at it. It is heavy, but very functional.

[[1ponders]]

Here Peter, check out my home made side by side mount here. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=3534

Works a treat, bit of an art to balancing it though.

[gbeal]

Found a picture, try this.

[JohnG]

You might want to look at this site http://www.robincasady.com/Astro/index.html

I have ordered the 12" Tandem Bar for use with a Tak FS-102 and W/O ZS-80, mounted on a GM-8

John Glossop
Bermagui, NSW
New Member

[Exfso]

Thanks all, I have ordered the Losmandy double sided saddle. Got a reasonable deal through OPT. My Losmandy universal dovetail can be attached to appropriate rings for the ED80.

[[1ponders]]

You won't regret it Peter. It's a great system. Takes a bit of getting used to balancing everything but once you do you'll wonder how you did without it because of its versatility.