[iceman (Mike)]

Hi all

I figured out that my lack of being able to do more than 30s exposures without trailing was partly due to not properly balancing the ED80/350D on the EQ6.

In fact, I didn't really balance it at all. I didn't realise how much it would affect the tracking.

But the other night when I took my NGC253 image I did make attempts to balance the scope properly and was able to get 60s exposures without trailing, and went 90s with just a little trailing.

But balance still wasn't 100% right. I couldn't get the balance right in DEC. With the 350D and finderscope attached to the ED80, I moved the dovetail as far forward as it could go in the mount, and I moved the scope as far forward as it could go in its rings, but it was still too heavy towards the camera end.

It's like I need a counterweight on the dewshield end of the ED80.

How do I balance it properly? What do I need to/what can I use to balance properly in DEC by adding more weight to the objective end?

Thanks