Finally some movement!

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

I finally got some real evidence that my new equipment is coming!

Enmin, the manufacturers of my new custom designed support pier, just
sent me some photo's before it went off to the powder coaters. It will
take my NJP mount and ASA N12 as well as the NJP mount and 6" Starfire
(interchangable centre columns - 1075mm and 625mm). The photo's appear to confirm that
the pier will be bloody stable, particularly in the lower profile ASA
N12 configuration!

I have posted them at my "new observatory" album at my web site :-)

http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/gallery/new_observatory

Now just to get the ASA N12 and FLI camera :-) :-) :-)

Mike
Finally seems it may be a reality...?

[jase (Jason)]

Hi Mike,
I like your concept of adjustable pier hights. Its like the manual version of http://www.pier-tech.com/ set up.

Just out of interest, how do you intend to stop any flexure or movement when coupling the pier to the tripod base? Is there an inner flange? I couldn't quite make it out on the diagrams.

Cheers

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Not sure what you mean exactly Jase..?

Each leg is welded to a seperate curved rectangular flange that then bolts directly to the sides of the column base with four heavy guage bolts. The curved flange of each leg go about 300mm up the column walls from the base. The centre columns and flanges are 6mm wall thickness too, so this arrangement should prevent the column from bending and be very rigid.

I hope that answered your question?

Mike

[jase (Jason)]

Yep, gotcha Mike. Was just a little confused how the piers attached to the base. You'll have a sensational set up once everything arrives. Looking forward to seeing how the ASA N12 performs.