Losmandy Saddle

[multiweb (Marc)]

I'm after a saddle to replace the one I have on my G11 with something a bit beefier. At the moment I have the standard saddle with one locking knob. I'd like something a bit longer with two separate locking knobs. Does Losmandy or ADM do this? If anyone could post a direct link that'd be great. I've checked a couple on the ADM site but couldn't tell for sure if the profile was right. They all look like adapters (Vixen, Skywatcher, etc...). TIA.

[frolinmod]

ADM Accessories makes a 13-inch long dual saddle with two clamp handles for $129. I don't see a picture of one on Anthony's website. It looks like the one for the G42 (which is pictured on the website) only with a different set of holes drilled in it.

http://www.admaccessories.com/DV_Series_Saddles.htm

"DUAL13-LOS Allows owners of Losmandy mounts to replace the OEM saddle with one that accepts both "D" Series dovetails as well as "V" Series dovetail. The ADM Saddle features a dual action spring loaded split clamp that provides a full 13" of contact between the saddle and the dovetail. Two large hand knobs are standard. The DUAL13-LOS has two mounting locations which allows you to mount the saddle either in a forward, center or rear position. The mounting holes are counterbored for a 5/16 socket head cap screw and are 3" apart center to center."

Looks like this (except the hole pattern is different):

[multiweb (Marc)]

Thanks for that.

[Kunama]

Marc, the Rolls Royce of saddles is the Robin Casady Tip In Saddle, fits directly onto G11 mounts, beautifully made gear, twin guide pins on each clamp.

Robin is no longer making these but has stock of the 8", 12" and 14" still for sale for around $165 plus freight.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

I use both the GEOPTIC and the ADM versions on my mounts holding the C11 and all the gear...I would strongly recommend adding a safety clamp to the dovetail...this allows the scope to be mounted and held secure while everything is tightened up. It also gives repeatable positioning of the scope for balance etc.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Kunama

Marc, the Rolls Royce of saddles is the Robin Casady Tip In Saddle, fits directly onto G11 mounts, beautifully made gear, twin guide pins on each clamp.

Robin is no longer making these but has stock of the 8", 12" and 14" still for sale for around $165 plus freight.

I like the pin drive idea but I can see a problem with the clamping system. It would be difficult to adjust the scope up and down to balance on a 14" length because of the limited contact surface. The grove doesn't go the whole length like the ADM.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Merlin66

I use both the GEOPTIC and the ADM versions on my mounts holding the C11 and all the gear...I would strongly recommend adding a safety clamp to the dovetail...this allows the scope to be mounted and held secure while everything is tightened up. It also gives repeatable positioning of the scope for balance etc.

Is the ADM clamping solid? How much weight do you have on it including the C11? Do you piggyback a refractor/guider?

[Kunama]

Originally Posted by multiweb

I like the pin drive idea but I can see a problem with the clamping system. It would be difficult to adjust the scope up and down to balance on a 14" length because of the limited contact surface. The grove doesn't go the whole length like the ADM.

I use a 14" Robin Casady Dovetail in an 8" Saddle that gives me plenty of adjustment. If more adjustment was needed I would move the OTA in the rings, but have not had to yet, even with this load:

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Marc,
I have a C11, spectroscope, ATik314/ Lodestar then the telelens +ATik16ic as an electronic finder - I think close to 17Kg all up. On the NEQ6pro mount.
Never had an issue/ concern with the saddles - either the ADM or Geoptic.

(You can see the safety clamp on the dovetail just to the left of the Geoptic "orange" saddle.)

[Kunama]

Just googled the Geoptic saddles, very nice bit of kit !

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Yeah!
I have a couple of their saddles and a very nice dual bar for the Vixen dovetails.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Thanks for all the info guys. Much appreciated. Time to go shopping.

PS: Ended up getting a 14" from Robin Casady which is the size I was after. He said: "I'm retiring, I'm out of 12" and I have one 14" left but it won't last". So the choice was easy.