Simple side by side mounting

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

I will be getting a guidescope as soon as I have time off work to go to Melbourne, so I thought I better start getting my mount ready to accept 'Side by Side' mounting for it.

The simplest method I came up with is by using 2 lengths steel as brackets running across the dovetail.

It works fine. Just have to find the centre of gravity when the new Guidescope is sitting in it. Here are some pics of it assembled using my sons 80mm finderscope as a 'trial' guidescope.

I cut the steel brackets 10" long.

I hope it gives others ideas.

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

Do you have to balance the two sides (because the scopes are different weights). If so, how do you do this, taking into account you may be changing camera gear etc?
Geoff

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yep, the 2 sides have to be balanced (and adjustable) Gotta work that out yet Geoff.

Any tips or suggestions will be greatly accepted.

[JohnG (John)]

Hi

Perhaps some kind of removeable weight on the bar, I doubt it would be strong enough to put a slot in it.

Cheers

JohnG

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

John, thanks for the suggestions.

A weight was one of my thoughts too John

The other was slots in the brackets, but have a scale marked on each one so they can be set the same. It is strong enough. If I use the weight idea, it won't change once I have my Guidescope, as the set-up will remain the same for a looong time.

[JohnG (John)]

On my setup, I actually turned the saddle 90 degrees and use a sliding dovetail to adjust my balance. Might not be what your after, you can see what I mean on the link below.

If you think the bar is strong enough then slots might be the answer especially if you are not going to change the setup.

You will have to be careful with your balancing, you will have to balance on 3 axis now.

Cheers

JohnG

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Ahhhhh, yeah! Thanks John. Turn the saddle 90 degrees!!!!

It shouldn't matter which way the Dec section faces as long as I set it at 'Home' in that position
(I hope that is right)

[JohnG (John)]

Yep, thats right, the scope will still be pointing at the SCP. The controller will not know the difference.

Cheers

JohnG

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Excellent! Thanks John.

Looks like I'm back to the construction phase again tomorrow, but 90 degrees out

Will make balancing sooooo much easier.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Woo-Hoo!!!!

I've already fixed it!!!!! No construction needed!

All I did was put the tube rings on a different way and the Dovetail now slides sideways for balance. I just tested it and it balances perfectly!!!!!!!!!!

See pic.

Thanks John

[JohnG (John)]

Lookin good

Glad to be of help.

Cheers

JohnG

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

if yas can get hold of a solid Dovetail that system would work even better You could put the 12" side by side with the 80mm

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Nah Andrew, I don't really wanna put the 12" on it.

I know others do it but I am honestly worried about damaging the gears. Yeah, I'm a worry wart, but I just think the 12" is too much for it.