Dovetails, clamshells, rings, whatever

[CarlJoseph (Carl)]

Howdy folks,

Having finally acquired my first real scope and an NEQ6 mount, I come to the question of attaching the two pieces together.

1. The scope (Stellarvue SV105 f6.2 triplet APO) came with a factory clamshell.
2. At some point I'd also like to attach my 115mm newt to the EQ6 too.
3. The NEQ6 came with both a 3"/75mm D style Losmandy saddle and 1.75"/45mm Vixen style saddle.

Firstly, what does this mean? What is a D style and what is a Vixen style and how are they different (what uses, best for, not good for)?

To attach the newt, I'm assuming I need to purchase some "rings". Do I need anything else to mate them with these saddles?

With so many options on the marketplace, it's difficult to discern what are good, solid and reliable components which will work with what I have. Hoping someone can help me muddle my way through this.

Cheers,
Af.

P.S. Feel free to move this to the beginners area if it fits there better.

[gbeal]

Carl,
this will make a great combo, you will be very happy.
ADM in the US, (Google it) make excellent accessories, but you will also be able to buy locally the products you need, I know Bintel in Sydney has the stuff you require.
"D Style" is the name given to Losmandy rails and saddles, it is the size effectively of the rail. Since you don't have anything at the moment, kick straight into getting and settling on that size.
You will need a dovetail rail, about 13" long, (ADM make them 7, 11, and 13, plus longer 15" I think). The Stellarvue clamshell will screw straight to the rail, and the rail will then fit and be accepted by the D style saddle your NEQ6 has. Simple.
Later, if the 115mm newt is to be attached, get another rail (buy the two at once is what I am saying), and then a set of tube rings if it doesn't already have them. If it does great, if not then they are also available locally. The tube rings will screw to the rail, and the rail then fits the saddle, simple enough?
Gary

[CarlJoseph (Carl)]

Thanks so much for the quick reply. Much appreciated. It's already starting to make sense now.

Originally Posted by gbeal

this will make a great combo, you will be very happy.

Thanks. I'm dying to get some clear skies so I can get out and try it out. I guess that's the common problem with this stuff. You get a new piece of gear, then the rains come.

"D Style" is the name given to Losmandy rails and saddles, it is the size effectively of the rail. Since you don't have anything at the moment, kick straight into getting and settling on that size.

Now that makes sense. Should I abandon the "Vixen style mount"? The "D Style" is much wider and possibly more stable - would that be right?

You will need a dovetail rail, about 13" long, (ADM make them 7, 11, and 13, plus longer 15" I think).

I couldn't find any ADM on Bintel but found this ... https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=7575 Is that the type of thing I'm looking for?

As for tube rings, I can't seem to find anything to suit 4.5". Plenty of 4", plenty of 5" but nothing in between.

Cheers,
Af.

[supanova (Wayne)]

Originally Posted by Afro Boy

Thanks so much for the quick reply. Much appreciated. It's already starting to make sense now.


Thanks. I'm dying to get some clear skies so I can get out and try it out. I guess that's the common problem with this stuff. You get a new piece of gear, then the rains come.


Now that makes sense. Should I abandon the "Vixen style mount"? The "D Style" is much wider and possibly more stable - would that be right?

The D type mounts because of the width will give more stability,especially if you want to start running other accessories or your other scope at the same time.

I couldn't find any ADM on Bintel but found this ... https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=7575 Is that the type of thing I'm looking for?

As for tube rings, I can't seem to find anything to suit 4.5". Plenty of 4", plenty of 5" but nothing in between.

try here made for the job http://www.stellarvue.com/Accessories/Rings/rings.html

or here http://www.admaccessories.com/D_Series_DR_Saddle.htm

Cheers,
Af.

Carl

Here is a Link to ADM http://www.admaccessories.com/default.htm

You will be able to mount the clamshell to the Vixen type adaptor on your mount as it is,just make sure that you have it secure,as the last thing you want to do is drop it.Enjoy the scope,and get yourself some Good quality eyepieces to do the scope justice.

Wayne

They make all the adapters and mounting plates you will need.

[CarlJoseph (Carl)]

Wonderful information from everyone. Thanks heaps.

The clamshell with my SV105 connects to the Vixen saddle so that's currently on my mount and it sits together nicely. Will take a photo and post once I get a chance. Now to figure out the details of the ADM tube rings and dovetail for my newt OTA.

So what are people's thoughts about the Losmandy vs Vixen style saddles/dovetails. My gut tells me that the Losmandy is tougher and more stable just given the width and size of it. Keen to know what you more experienced folks think though.

Cheers,
Af.