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My next new DIY ALT/AZ Mount build thread


Doc

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The 132 is close to 10kg with binos + eyepieces.

 

My new C9.25 is similar.

 

I have the 2 smaller 4kg counterweights, and they are fine with all my scopes.

A pair of 8kg counterweights are also available from TTS.

 

With the refractor the weights are roughly half to two thirds of the way down the counterweight arms,

with the C9.25 they are about three quarters of the way down.

 

The TTS160 has a weight capacity of about 20kg for the tube, and i don't doubt it.

I've heard of users mounting C14 tubes on them.

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Way above my head :lol:

 

You wouldn't believe I got an O Level grade B at school, it was in 1982 though and I've forgotten it all now.

 

Thanks Rob very helpful, I now have to find some Stainless steel or cheat and get some fitness weights.

Edited by Doc
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12 minutes ago, Bino-viewer said:

I know which will be cheaper.........:lol:

 

I do as well...

 

But then what would look better

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I thought if i find some proper steel weights not cast iron, take a few thou of them to clean them up and then press a bronze bush into the centre hole. 

 

They could look OK.

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I've just looked at the price of the TTS 8kg stainless counterweights. Two for €320+!!! :o

 

They do look smart in stainless and won't rust. I know stainless isn't cheap, but it would be in keeping with the rest of your masterpiece. :)

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Impressive work Mick.

It looks quite unique.

 

What does it weigh in at so far........??

 

 

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Thanks Rob.

 

Not sure I'll weigh it later.

 

The arms need to be 500mm long and about 130mm wide at the top.

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It’s coming on Mick and looking nothing less than perfect at every stage! ?

You must be thoroughly enjoying yourself, as are we following this thread.

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On 26/01/2018 at 22:18, Bino-viewer said:

Impressive work Mick.

It looks quite unique.

 

What does it weigh in at so far........??

 

 

So far 9Kg Rob.

 

How much does your panther weigh?

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Some more work done today.

 

Inside the tube is a set up off 16 x 12mm poles similar to my other DIY mount. The tube is then made to fit and painted matt black.

 

XCpAxZ.jpg

 

This shows where the encoder will fit. The shaft is drilled out to take the encoder shaft and the spacers on show show how high the encoder will sit.

 

vBHWOL.jpg

 

The encoder will sit below the top hat. This will be screwed to the body at a later date. Once again painted matt black. The mount arms will on the UHMWPE bearings and pivot on them.

 

0S74zV.jpg

 

ZYI1tj.jpg

 

The finished article below. It weighs at the moment 10Kg but should double that when finished.

 

QBkc0G.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Doc
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That’s a couple of steps closer Mick! Excellent quality!

 

Have you got the materials for the arms etc? ?

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Not yet Stephen.

 

My next jobs are two bird boxes and a hedgehog house :lol:

 

The arms will be made from 500mm x 130mm x 15mm aluminium so should be sturdy.

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10 minutes ago, Ron Clarke said:

I don't think they'll suit the mount Mick!! :lol:

 

Looking good so far!!

 

Ron

That's what I thought too Ron. Where on the mount will they go :lol:

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  • 4 weeks later...

Thanks Pete.

 

The friction control is so simple and needs hardly any pressure to adjust how smooth the movement is.

 

As they say the KISS idea is the best.

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