wanted: tube rings/dovetail bar for 8" newt.

[AlexN]

hahh.. I use a red dot finder, that eliminates some of the excess weight off to one side..

I noted in the pics of your setup, you've got an extension on your counterweights. Do you think that will be necessary with the EQ6 for me?

[Tandum (Robin)]

Originally Posted by AlexN

I noted in the pics of your setup, you've got an extension on your counterweights. Do you think that will be necessary with the EQ6 for me?

I had 3 weights to balance the 8" dob and the I just won that battle. The more I added to the the scope the more I lost the balance battle. Hence the extension arm. The problem isn't the weight, it's the height of it with stuff pilled on top. Leverage. I can't see the eq6 being any different.

[AlexN]

mmm... I intend to mount my guidescope side by side with the 8", and its a fair bit smaller than your 80mm refractor too.. hopefully i'll get away with it..

[Bloodbean (Troy)]

AlexN,

I'm going down a similar route to you (8" but with HEQ5Pro) and just curious on the size of your guidescope?

Cheers!

Troy

[AlexN]

I've bought an Orion ST80 guide scope.. its tiny compared to most refractors of the same aperture, and weighs around 1kg

Cost is minimal too... $219 at bintel is what I paid.. from info I've recieved from others the SPC900NC has no problems focusing with a barlow and works great as a guidecam in said scope.