balance

[blink138 (Pat)]

hello members
on a GEM when people say have it slightly biased to the east side do they mean when the counterweights on the east or the OTA?
pat

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

They mean that whatever is on the east side is heavier. Doesn't matter if it's the scope or the counterweight.

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by ghsmith45

They mean that whatever is on the east side is heavier. Doesn't matter if it's the scope or the counterweight.

You can set up an automated system like this, except for the southern hemisphere the guide roller goes on the other side and the cord wrap goes the other way.

[blink138 (Pat)]

oooooh.......ok guys i did not realise that
so it really would need a rebalance when it goes on the other side then?
that could be inconvenient!
pat

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by blink138

oooooh.......ok guys i did not realise that
so it really would need a rebalance when it goes on the other side then?
that could be inconvenient!
pat

Yes it is inconvenient, but if you plan ahead it's not really a problem. Just image on one side of the meridian. Say you do the west. Pick up an object as it crosses the meridian and image for 1-3 hours. At the end of the exposure your next object will (hopefully) be crossing the meridian ready for imaging.

However, you can avoid this rigmarole by throwing money at your equipment. A Paramount or Astro-Physics mount will track beautifully as you cross the meridian if your mount is balanced or even somewhat unbalanced, either east or west.
Geoff