G'day one and all,
Been a member of these forums for about 12mths now, always lurking, reading and digesting helpful information from what I reckon is one of the best sites around. Congats and thanks to Iceman!
Unfortunately, I never thought I had anything worthwhile to contribute to this community, hence this being my first post. Hopefully, it'll be far from my last.
A bit about myself. A married 45yo amatuer (more likely novice) astronomer living on the Gold Coast. Also enjoy computers, internet, games, sailing, cooking, eating, drinking, etc...
My equipment includes an 8" f5 newt, 8" mak, a couple of EQ5 mounts, one with goto, crummy aluminium tripod, more recent sturdy steel tripod, some generic EP's and an old Quickcam.
Always wanted to get more into astrophotography, but find it such a hassle dragging all the gear out into the backyard, painstakingly setting it up, then putting it all away again in the dark. There's got to be a better way, I thought. So, I started looking around for a pier. About as rare as hen's teeth out here in OZ, and what I could find OS cost an arm and a leg, plus shipping! Anyway, did a bit more research and digging around the 'net, then thought "Bugger it, I'll make 'em myself".
So, after a bit of R & D (trial and error), and with a bit of help from Ron at Sirius Optics at Underwood, Qld, I've started producing some piers and adapters for sale. Initially in 2 flavours, one suitable for EQ5 mounts, the other for LX 200's and the like. Have included some sample pics below. They are also available to view and purchase from Sirius.
Really interested in what you guys have to offer in the way of opinions or advice.
Thanks,
Steve Bain
mmm got my interest, how much for a Eq6 version?? or two? What turn around time are we looking at. Does it come with steak knives. Seriously I am after one!!!!!
G'day again,
Just thought you may be interested in the specs for the pier pictured.
For an idea of scale, this pier is 900mm in height, another 50mm with adapter plate. I am 6'2" tall (188cm).
All piers will be supplied with adapter plate (not extra like some)
Piers are mig welded 6061 aluminium
All nuts and bolts are stainless steel
150mm dia, 6mm wall round tube
top plate and adapter plate 215mm dia x 10mm thick plate
base plate 251mm dia x 10mm thick
top gussetts 6mm x 32mm x 128mm
base gussetts 6mm x 50mm x 200mm
total weight 9.4kg
Current lead time is around 2 - 3 weeks
Price for this pier will be under $500 from Sirius Optics
Houghy:
Will be looking at making an adapter plate for the EQ6 ASAP.
Pics will be posted for that one soon.
Am working on a couple of designs suitable for the LX200's which sould be finished within a week or so, pics to follow. Also hope to have this one independantly tested and reviewed, stay tuned.
For any other info that I've overlooked, please post in here or message or email me.
Cheers all,
Steve Bain
G'day again,
Just thought you may be interested in the specs for the pier pictured.
For an idea of scale, this pier is 900mm in height, another 50mm with adapter plate. I am 6'2" tall (188cm).
All piers will be supplied with adapter plate (not extra like some)
Piers are mig welded 6061 aluminium
All nuts and bolts are stainless steel
150mm dia, 6mm wall round tube
top plate and adapter plate 215mm dia x 10mm thick plate
base plate 251mm dia x 10mm thick
top gussetts 6mm x 32mm x 128mm
base gussetts 6mm x 50mm x 200mm
total weight 9.4kg
Current lead time is around 2 - 3 weeks
Price for this pier will be under $500 from Sirius Optics
Houghy:
Will be looking at making an adapter plate for the EQ6 ASAP.
Pics will be posted for that one soon.
Am working on a couple of designs suitable for the LX200's which sould be finished within a week or so, pics to follow. Also hope to have this one independantly tested and reviewed, stay tuned.
For any other info that I've overlooked, please post in here or message or email me.
Cheers all,
Steve Bain
mate I will PM my email and contact addresses. I am more than interested I want one, but maybe a little taller, not sure yet, will measure up and stuff. Most photography will be either side of zenith so need gear to get to that and be comfortable for me.
I have a fantastic pier made by Lex in Star Optics on the gold coast for an HEQ5 (Lex machined his out for his EQ6) if you need something transportable. $450, and is an immense improvement over the tripod!
It's great to see some piers coming onto the market - they make a massive difference - not that I use my eq anymore!!!
G'day again guys,
Although the first pier I made was made to measure for an EQ5, Ron from Sirius Optics tells me he has had a HEQ5 on it with absolutely no modifications needed. Will also take a LX55 with very minor modification. Am almost finished a pier and adapter plate for the LX200 mounts and the EQ6 will be next. Anyone with any ideas as to what other mounts are popular, please let me know. Ta,
Steve Bain
the pier height should be 1100mm for me. Tell me if you want a deposit or full payment soon. Centre bolt for mount is 12mm 1.75 pitch as you suggested, bought a bolt this afternoon to test it.
Welcome aboard. As someone who just made his own pier (I got a friend to do the MIG welding and have yet to add the stablising fins) I think that is a rather reasonable price. Suggest you design it to suit Celestron mounts too (a CG5 is just a variation on an eq5 design I'd guess).
Getting tired of the setup/teardown and cannot afford an observatory ... a pier sounds like a good compromise.Being based in Sydney I guess shipping cost is going to kill this off as an option for me?
G'day all,
Just did some checking on the Australia post website, nowhere near as pricey as I imagine. Looks like the average pier would cost under $20 by regular post from the Gold Coast to Sydney and suburbs. Hope that helps.
Steve
