Quote:
Originally Posted by Renato1
I just remembered that with my AZ3 I found I could with do it up tight enough with my 80mm refractor and all was well. But with my bigger 100mm refractor, when I did it up tight enough all was well till I had to reposition it - then I sometimes needed a spanner to undo the nut.
Which is why I suspect you have stronger fingers than me.
Cheers,
Renato
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Rig up a bit of extra weight on the counter balance shaft to reduce the friction load and make it easier to control. I've used a spare 5 kg gym weight on my EQ6 but possibly a 1 or 2 kg on the shaft will be sufficient. I've also cast small concrete weights in plastic containers with hose lengths inside for the shaft
The 114 f8 reflector is actually quite a lightweight scope. Heaviest component is the mirror so balance it lengthwise by shifting it a bit forward in the clamps. The 5" Mak mentioned earlier is actually heavier.
Hang a 4-5 kg weight under the tripod from the centre to give it some mass and stabilty. I used a wire fishing trace with a clip and a small workshop anvil but a 2 litre milk bottle full of water or sand works as well.
The refractor is giving you better views due to not having a central obstruction like the Newts secondary mirror.Also sounds like you got one of the better ones from the factory. They can be a bit inconsistent in quality although generally pretty good these days.
Keep going
the addiction gets worse.
