Modding a ALT-AZ mount

[axle01 (Alan)]

Finished modding the Alt-Az mount I got off AstroShop, I wasn't happy that to align both solar scopes i would have to loosen 3 screws to rotate one scope but I couldn't adjust the scope sideways without shimming the dovetail, but then it was fixed so if I want to focus one scope on the full disc and the other on a prom it was a major exercise.

I got some stuff off Steve and got stuck into the mount with a hammer and drill,,,, oh and a lathe and some other tools and this is the end result, now I can focus one scope on the full disc and I can adjust the HA scope on any part of the sun by simply adjusting the up/down or sideways adjusters.

I have the 2 scopes mounted but haven't had time or any sun to see how it works.

http://i59.tinypic.com/2cfph02.jpg

[axle01 (Alan)]

The 2 photos of the mount and solar scopes was taken before I modded the mount and since then I haven't seen the sun.

At the moment I am only viewing but hope to start imaging soon and I am pretty happy with the whole setup.

The Orion 120/600 has a JMI Event Horizon focuser a Baader Herschel Wedge for white light viewing and the SkyWatcher 102/510 has a Moonlite focuser a Coronado SM 90 and BF15 for Ha viewing.

http://i57.tinypic.com/9uri52.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/2qu3loz.jpg

Alan

[Kunama]

Excellent idea Alan, I am in the process of building up a similar system and am trying to decide whether to go with a manual mount or perhaps and iOptron Mini Tower II with dual saddles and Goto.

At the moment I have a WL setup but with binos and am thinking of going FS60CB+SM60+BF10 for Ha.

Cheers, Matt

P.S. LOVE THE TROLLEY IDEA !!!