[Tannehill]

Good point, to emphasize that the Wildcard encoder kit for the GSO is for an unmodified scope.

I, too, ordered a 6mm longer central bolt from Gary for the same reasons: with new ground board Teflon pads and Ebony Star on the base, the regular bolt was too short and I could not get enough clearance to have the locking nut on the bolt when the encoder was installed. I tried to find a place to grind that nut down, but gave up, plus I was worried about damaging it and the grub screw within.

With thicker teflon pads on the trunions the tube rode a bit higher, which gave me a bit more clearance, but even so, with the retro-fit, the encoder and edge of tube come within mm of each other. Eeeks.

You are better off with a too long bolt if you do it, b/c you can always shorten the effective length by placing a shim under the mounting flange on the underside of the ground board (ensuring it's perfectly flat of course). But best to wait until you have installed the gear, then measure carefully and give Gary the specs.

Scott