EQ6 Adapter Plate

[steve000 (Steve)]

Hey All,

Im planning an adapter plate for my EQ6, its basically the same as this http://www.altairastro.com/product.p...9&cat=0&page=1

I have almost finished the cad drawing of it

I need someone who can machine it, all of it should be doable on a lathe, I will do the drilling etc. all that needs to be done is machine a 150mm piece of flat round to a nice surface and do the holes in the middle.

I have been priced a 100mm long piece of aluminium 150mm round for about $60. If anyone is interested to go halves in it with me, as only 50mm is needed we could get 2 adapters for $30 + cost of machining. If someone on iceinspace would be willing to do the rest of the work it could workout to be a decent price in the end. A lot better than $200 for 1 adapter.

So I put the call out there,

if anyone is interested in a EQ6 adapter for $30 + machining cost PM me.
If anyone owns a lathe and is interested in some reasonably easy work for fellow IIS members Pm me.

Steve

[AstroGuy]

Hi Steve,


I've seen a workaround for this type of scenario somewhere before. Someone used a weightlifting dumbell circular weight as the mounting plate and drilled it themselves. Can't remember exactly what the weight was but if you look around the fitness shops etc...You will find that they come with 2 different sized center holes. The smaller hole version fits the EQ6 apparently. They come in various sizes/weight so you can pick the one you think fits the base the best. The weights are normally around 1"-2" thick. Some are made from steel, others cast iron. Steel would be best. Would this work for you do you think? Can the pier take the extra weight as opposed to aluminum? The pier I saw this done to was a little more sturdier I think. Could save you a few bucks in the end.



Regards...

[GrampianStars (Rob)]

Williamstown Metals Telephone: 03 9397 8385 Fax: 03 9397 8322 Email: info@metalstore.com.au
Has Round Aluminium bar 177 mm grade 7075T6 cut to any thickness you want. Mmm...... might give em a call myself for another pier idea.....
or you can just go this way...

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/...er/30A0230.jpg
or this....
http://www.365astronomy.com/baader-t...8f071ebe7bde34

[steve000 (Steve)]

I will give them a call.

The other adapters are more expensive than the altair ones.

I have looked at steel but aluminium would look nice and fit perfectly. Dumbell weights etc are ok but not perfect.

[OzRob (Rob)]

There is a drawing for an adapter in this thread if you want to compare yours.

[AstroGuy]

Originally Posted by steve000

I will give them a call.

The other adapters are more expensive than the altair ones.

I have looked at steel but aluminium would look nice and fit perfectly. Dumbell weights etc are ok but not perfect.

I think most manufacturers of such plates prefer to work in aluminum because it keeps costs down and lighter, especially to ship etc...If it were possible, a stainless steel one would also be functional, look good and durable. I think steel is cheaper than aluminum these days.

What about multiple steel plating?. The top plate can be made to have a hole larger than the rest that corresponds to the indented recess in the plate. Possibly 8 squares of laser cut .25" steel plating?

It's incredible how a small component like a mounting plate could be so expensive.

I would keep looking around the net, there is a possibility that a component made for something else in the world would have the characteristics required and be more cost-effective. Even if you may have to drill new holes in the perimeter of the plate. I mean how hard could it be to find a nicely machined piece of 150mm Dia. x 50mm H. billet stock that you could drill yourself?





Regards...

[OzRob (Rob)]

Actually I just had a thought. I know someone here in Thailand who could get adapters made. I will check with him and report back.

[Tandum (Robin)]

You do known there is a thing called a pillar extension for the EQ6.

http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/P..._for_EQ6_.html

Andrews has em for about $80, just pull the top bit off the tube.

It's held on with allen screws and has an internal bolt with bearing to screw into the mount.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Steve,

I've got a lathe and might be able to help out. I get my Aluminium from Action Aluminium.

Peter

[hikerbob (Bob)]

Steve I get aluminium from Action aluminium as well. Go there with enclosed shoes and they generally have a good range of offcuts so you may well pick up a piece that's closer to what you need.

Bob

[steve000 (Steve)]

Originally Posted by OzRob

There is a drawing for an adapter in this thread if you want to compare yours.

Thats almost exactly like what im planning

Originally Posted by AstroGuy

What about multiple steel plating?. The top plate can be made to have a hole larger than the rest that corresponds to the indented recess in the plate. Possibly 8 squares of laser cut .25" steel plating?
Regards...

I have considered this as well, Alum looks nice and is 1 piece but if all else fails steel plates laser cut out would also work.

Originally Posted by OzRob

Actually I just had a thought. I know someone here in Thailand who could get adapters made. I will check with him and report back.

if you could check it out that would be great.. a cheap asian made product would be perfect.. as quality isnt really an issue the mount and head sandvich it all together.

Originally Posted by Tandum

You do known there is a thing called a pillar extension for the EQ6.

http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/P..._for_EQ6_.html

That could work, I will look into it.

Originally Posted by peter_4059

Steve,

I've got a lathe and might be able to help out. I get my Aluminium from Action Aluminium.

Peter

YOU ARE IN BRIS! wahoo.. what would you charge for making somthing similar to what ozrob mentioned. PM me if you dont mind. I wont need the bolt holes or the tap done, just the center holes. If you have a tap maybe that.

Originally Posted by hikerbob

Steve I get aluminium from Action aluminium as well. Go there with enclosed shoes and they generally have a good range of offcuts so you may well pick up a piece that's closer to what you need.

Bob

I will check them out 2 recommendations is better than none.

Thanks all for the many replies, the end result will be posted on here under DIY for everyone to benefit.

what a great community.

Steve

[steve000 (Steve)]

Originally Posted by Tandum

You do known there is a thing called a pillar extension for the EQ6.

http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/P..._for_EQ6_.html

Andrews has em for about $80, just pull the top bit off the tube.

It's held on with allen screws and has an internal bolt with bearing to screw into the mount.

I have found 2 good pages for this if anyone else is interested.
http://www.marcthescopeguy.com/eq6rev.html and http://www.opticalvision.co.uk/documents/58.pdf

I would think you could cut the tube off the end so it becomes just a small spacer ring instead of a 10" tube.

You could then get a longer bolt to suite the EQ head and with a hole drilled in a pier plate, feed the bolt through the plate into the adapter into the head. attaching it firmly and allowing 360deg of adjustment to help with polar alignment etc.

Good idea, initially you came off to me as a bit rude, but pointing something out to me that is uber helpful i don't mind :p
I'll have more of a think about it but if all works we could be onto somthing!.

Next question... who can lazer cut some 10mm mild steel plates in bris.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

you have a pm

[OzRob (Rob)]

Originally Posted by steve000

if you could check it out that would be great.. a cheap asian made product would be perfect.. as quality isnt really an issue the mount and head sandvich it all together.

I just got a reply from him. Unfortunately he thinks it will cost $180 - 200 so it's not an option. It's a shame because I will be needing one of these later in the year.

[steve000 (Steve)]

Originally Posted by OzRob

I just got a reply from him. Unfortunately he thinks it will cost $180 - 200 so it's not an option. It's a shame because I will be needing one of these later in the year.

Bummer.. well be patient. Im working on doing this plate the cheapest way possible.

Wait till im done maybe I can help. Im hoping to make one for under $100

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Hi Steve,

did it fit?

Peter

[steve000 (Steve)]

Perfect!

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Great - lookin forward to seeing a pic.

[steve000 (Steve)]

I'll post when i get it drilled out. still finalizing pier sizes. I think im good but ... just triple checking

[nobbygon (Angus)]

Sorry to revive an old thread but I'm currently in the exact same position now.

Steve, how did your pier turn out?

Cheers,
Gus.