Newt mounting

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

Hi all

Where should a Newt be mounted in the Clam shell holder from a G,E,M. Is there a balance point or should it be in the middle or what

Thanks in advance

[adman (Adam)]

with the scope on the mount, turn the RA axis so the counterweight bar is horizontal (make sure your DEC clutch is locked...) then lock the RA clutch. Carefully undo the DEC clutch while holding the scope and see which way the scope wants to turn. If the scopes primary mirror end wants to head to the ground, then slide the primary further towards the clamshell. Rinse and repeat.

Adam

[adman (Adam)]

balancing newts on gems can be tricky though because you have the focuser/eyepiece etc sitting off to one side. Often when it is balanced in one position, it is not balanced when you move it to another

Adam

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by adman

with the scope on the mount, turn the RA axis so the counterweight bar is horizontal (make sure your DEC clutch is locked...) then lock the RA clutch. Carefully undo the DEC clutch while holding the scope and see which way the scope wants to turn. If the scopes primary mirror end wants to head to the ground, then slide the primary further towards the clamshell. Rinse and repeat.

Adam

Thanks for that after I read it twice my brain started to get it . The third time and it was crystal clear I have had a busy day that's my excuse anyway.

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by adman

balancing newts on gems can be tricky though because you have the focuser/eyepiece etc sitting off to one side. Often when it is balanced in one position, it is not balanced when you move it to another

Adam

HA HA I may have to take back my confidence in my understanding but I will let you know how I go.

[adman (Adam)]

Originally Posted by supernova1965

HA HA I may have to take back my confidence in my understanding but I will let you know how I go.

You'll be fine! You just have to find the point where the scope is balanced around the DEC axis. Depending on how the clamshell is attached to your mount, you may have some adjustment there as well. Any chance of a picture of your setup?

Adam

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

Here it is I will be putting it on a GEM 3 it is on a GEM 2 in this picture

[adman (Adam)]

thanks warren. Looks like you will only have the position of the scope in the clamshell to adjust. Its hard to tell from that photo, but at a guess it looks like you might need to push the primary mirror closer to the clamshell...?

Have you given polar alignment a try yet? (I know you are in Mackay and a clear sky might be a couple of months away...)

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by adman

thanks warren. Looks like you will only have the position of the scope in the clamshell to adjust. Its hard to tell from that photo, but at a guess it looks like you might need to push the primary mirror closer to the clamshell...?

Have you given polar alignment a try yet? (I know you are in Mackay and a clear sky might be a couple of months away...)

No I haven't learn't to polar align yet still have that hill to climb as soon as the weather permits I will get together with one of the local members to help the first time. The attachment to the mount is just two bolts and they only have two holes not adjustable.