Tube Rings for 12" GSO

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi all

Does anyone know where I can get some decent tube rings for my 12" GSO?

The largest standard ones in stock at Bintel, Andrews etc are only for the 10" GSO.

I was given a name at OrionOptics in the UK, and have been quoted 64pounds + shipping for a set, but I haven't been given the specifications, pictures or anything.

Ken, where did you get yours from? btw what's the outer-diameter of the OTA for the 12" GSO?

Does anyone have any other ideas of where I can get them from? I'm guessing they'll have to be custom made? Anyone know anyone in Australia that might be able to make them?

Thanks

[Dennis]

Mike

Have a look at the Orion 300mm SPX scope here for a look at the tube rings.

http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/acatalog/info_1.html

Cheers

Dennis

[Dennis]

And here for the rings

http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/acatalo...nx_options.htm

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks Dennis, I was looking through the website yesterday and couldn't find them anywhere.

They look rather nice.

Probably cost me about AUD$200 to get them here.. hmm not cheap.

[Dennis]

Yes – it isn’t an easy task locating them. I only found them ‘cos I knew they had them, somewhere on the site, as I purchased my Vixen GP from Barry when I lived in the UK. Generally, Orion Optics enjoys a good reputation, based on my dealings with them and from what I read on the various newsgroups.

Their designs revolve around the Vixen mounts so keep in mind that their rings are probably designed and manufactured to fit the Vixen dovetail rail, which is 1 7/8 inches wide compared to the Losmandy rail which is 4 inches wide.

Cheers

Dennis

[spudrick]

Mike let me jump in here as i made the rings for my 12" after Ken told us all about his great find. The outside diam of the 12" is approx 350mm. The ring are made with LP Gastank rings they use on station wagons and can be bought from LP gas converters they are the 14" models. I paid $55.00 for the set and had them welded to a base plate, i used 4 large plastic grip bolts into welded nuts to hold the rings and lined them with a "car interior carpet" for grip and keep the tube from scratching. Ken`s fitting were much better with "T" bolts that swiveled like the GSO rings. I hope this helps and Ken is sure to help you. Picture of mine fitted on the Sampson Mount

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Here ya go Mike. Full description of how I made them and pics from start to finish.

P.S. Yours came out well Terry

Link for Mike or anyone else thinking of Tube Rings for a GS12": http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...=LPG+gas+rings

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Hi Mike

Theres always Losmandy of cause, but you will pay, and it will hurt ;-).

Fred

[Bassnut (Fred)]

oops, on checking, maybe not THAT big ;-)

Fred

[iceman (Mike)]

I've ordered a set of cradles through Orion Optics. My wife wanted to buy me a shiny set for my birthday, so I've ordered them.

They'll be nice and clean, white and fit perfectly. Not cheap though!

[astronut (John)]

I could ask Noel to bring his rings to the meeting, when you pay us a visit in a couple of weeks, so you can check them out.

[iceman (Mike)]

Sounds good

[Dennis]

That's great news Mike. I met Barry Pemberton (owner, Orion Optics) at Jodrell Bank when I lived in the UK. He was manning the Orion stand and the quality of his workmanship looked fantastic, representing good value for money.

Since then, I see that Orion Optics has grown enormously, with a range of excellent optics at reasonable prices.

Cheers

Dennis