Mounting assistant for equatorial wedge
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 31 янв 2022
- Got the idea from another astronomer who had one similar. I added to his design with some J-hooks and a brace under the tilt plate. Getting too old to pick up 62-lbs of telescope and put it on my shoulder then squat a little to slide it into the slotted bot hole on the wedge. May take me a bit longer to mount and demount the telescope but better on my knees, shoulder and back, I think.
NOTE: I have another video that has the drawings you can pause and take a screen shot of the plans.
• LX200GPS brace drawing...
Very clever! I’ll have to make one when if I can find a wedge one of these days
In this video of the mounting brace/bracket I made, I have used this device about four times now. I have discovered that if I stand between the legs of the bracket and press my legs outward to hold the bracket in position is much easier. Holding the bracket in position with my bowed-out legs, I can put the J-bolts on, tighten them down, then wrap the upper cord through the wedge and then exit to install the lower cord.
I am getting much faster with mounting the telescope using this brace/bracket. After mounting and removing the brace/bracket I level the telescope.
Glad to see you're still able to manage your scope. I'm in my 60's and my Celestron 11-GPS is a beast to handle. I don't have a wedge so I can manage. I have a C8 on a wedge (also) so I may copy your approach for that scope. Thanks!
Glad to help. See the video that you can pause to screen shot the plans.
My sharp eye caught where you drilled out a reference "hole/dimple" in your concrete patio to save TONS OF TIME in repositioning the tripod between sessions. I plan on using solid 4x8x16 concrete blocks recessed/leveled into the lawn so mowing won't be affected and in each block I will also drill/carve out dimples to make my setting up also TONS EASIER and saving LOTS of time.... Great minds must think the same ;-)
AActually, it is a shot of black spray paint where I marked the legs positions with chalk. I used 12-inch square solid, apx 1.5" thick, concrete paver blocks and frame perimeter with treated 2x4’s. They are not exactly 12” square. I measured the blocks and figured out how many I wanted to make the frames inside dimensions matching the blocks layout. I can tell you that there were not any gaps between the blocks once completed. Started laying the blocks out at the perimeter and worked inward. Last block was tight, but a rubber mallet helped set it in. Did not have to pound too much but it did need some help. Now over time the wood has gave way and I now have outer perimeter blocks showing gaps. I plan to redo this fall or spring. About 2” of leveled sand is under the blocks.
@@gadgetmanbowen3081 Trees, gotta love 'em, but, my best viewing location will be in the front lawn and those 3 SOLID 4x8x16 blocks when set down into the ground, not just on top of the grass so I can mow over them, will give me a level, stable, and repeatable location which serves well.
Another person has a bit more simper design than mine you might want to look into. Here is his link; ruclips.net/video/lTkIOmHOi1g/видео.html&ab_channel=JimWakefield
I like it! I think I would have made the frame a trapezoid with the broad side on the ground. My knees are fine but my back SUCKS :) I have a 10" Newtonian to wrestle with!
Thank you for viewing and commenting. I does help put my 10" onto the wedge, no bending down except to get it out of the case. Nor lifting up to my shoulder which at my age could make me lose my balance.
I noticed on one of your reply’s that you have pdf plans for this build. I would love to have a copy. I have a Celestron cpc800 and a bad back, so the need is obvious. Great thinking out of the box. I am a machinist and have a full shop in my garage, should you need service of this type I would be happy to help. Your drawings and materials, my labor free.
Thanks for viewing my RUclips channel and the construction offer. Glad to help out and share with things I have learned. Video having the PDF drawings ruclips.net/video/bJTRpVheqO0/видео.html&ab_channel=GadgetmanBowen. If you want the actual file, send me an email to gadgetman4520@att.net and I will attach the PDF. Please indicate in the subject box what you are asking about ex: PDF dwg. Clear skies.
Hi do you have a schematic for this brace.Would love it if you do.
I did do a CAD drawings. I am in rehab right now for my Knee surgery. When I get back home I will contact you again or I will upload that file. Looking at maybe sometime next week to go home.
Home now and have PDF file for you on the drawing for the brace. Need to know how to get it to you.