Quote:
Originally Posted by raymo
I get tired of people complaining about awkward eyepiece positions when using a Newt on an EQ mount.
Over the years I have replied to these complaints many times with a simple solution that requires about an hour or so of time to make, and less than $20.
As far as I know, for whatever reason, only one member has ever bothered
to try it, and it works a treat.
For anyone who may be interested, this is how to go about it.
a/
Most pairs of tube rings that come with a scope have a standard 1/4" 20 threaded hole in the top. If only the front one on yours has one, a second one will need to be drilled and tapped into the rear one. The front hole will usually already have a stud in it that protrudes about 12mm. You will need to put one in the rear hole.
b/ Mount your scope in its normal operating position and nip up the tube ring gnurled knobs. Measure the distance from the front of the front tube ring to the rear of the scope and add 50mm.
c/ Get a piece of mild steel strip 4mm thick[or aluminium 5mm thick]
x 25mm wide x your measurement + the 50mm long.
Bend one end 90degrees 35mm from the end.
Place the strip along the top of the scope with the bent end butted up against the rear of the scope, and mark and drill holes so that the strip will
slide onto the two tube ring studs. If necessary, elongate the holes fore and aft to facilitate balancing of the scope.
d/ Paint strip desired colour, attach a piece of Teflon to the inside face of the bent over end of the strip.
Attach nuts with plain washers to the two studs. Slide the strip forward until the Teflon just touches the rear face of the scope and nip up the two nuts.
You are now ready to go. Aim scope at target, slacken tube ring tightening
knurled knobs until you can rotate the scope either with your hands top and bottom of the tube, or by utilising the base of the focuser, rotate tube to desired position and tighten knurled knobs,
It weighs very little and looks neat. I have attached a pic of my old rig with
the device fitted. Magnify until the tube fills the screen to see it better.
raymo
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That’s quite a nifty solution Raymo, but some folk just prefer Goto Dobs over an EQ with big newt for various reasons ( one of them below )
I’m one of those folk. I can set my 12” Goto Dob up in 10 minutes from its stored location in the garage ( I have a parcel trolley with HD Velcro straps )I couldn’t even lift a 12” newt on to an EQ mount by myself let alone set it up and align it in a short space of time.( I’m 65kg wringing wet ) I use a gas strut adjustable stool on castors to view with, extremely comfortable and practical.
I saw a guy in the UK make up a similar tool to rotate his newt ( Astronomyshed.com )
Apologies if I made you tired by my post
IMO Dobs and Goto Dobs are still the best way to view the Universe from 6” all the way up 36” and bigger ( Kudos to John Dobson )
Cheers
Martin