Guidescope on top of C8

[arifmshaikh]

I made a wooden mounting rail to mount guide scope on top of C8. I also bought extension shaft to balance this setup. The wooden mounting rail is attached to C8 with 3 screws (one at front and two at the back) which are only threaded 5mm inside the tube. I have then attached dovetail adapter to mount the guidescope. The total weight of the setup is around 7.5-8 kg and after adding imaging accessories, it will be around 9-10kg which I beleive still under the max capacity of this mount. My mount is HEQ5 Pro and worried about weather it will handle this setup properly or not. My other concern is about guide scope which is only hanging on C8 with 3 screws. Please see the photo to better understand the setup.

[omegacrux]

Hi Arif
I don't know a lot but with that weight hanging off the top I would think you'l get flex
I thought a dual rail system will be easyer no holes to drill
You sure its big enough !
When I looked at the heading I was expecting an ed80

David

[Lester]

Hi Arif, I'd start by saying give it a try. There may be flex in the system, but hard to tell without seeing it in the flesh and feeling how secure the guidscope is attached. Also there may be primary mirror flop in the SCT during exposures that will not be fixed with any guidescope. So begin with 1 minute exposures and then keep doubling the time to see how secure everything is. All the best.

[arifmshaikh]

Hi David

The guidescope is 80mm f/4 and weight is around 1.7kg

[arifmshaikh]

Lester

I will try next time see how it goes. I am concerned about weather it will secure the guidescope firmly or not.

[Nico13]

Hi Arif,
I tend to go along with the others comments.
I love the idea of home made to help keep costs down but that wood looks a bit soft to carry the weight when you slew right over one way or the other, you will be surprised how much that will allow the guide scope to move.