Balancing my refractor.

[lardy]

Maybe not quite DIY, but while using my refactor and swapping EP's about or starting visual then going to photography with the dslr camera always upsets the balance .... I wanted a method were there was no requirement to drill or modify any of my equipment and it would allow me to use it with all 3 refractors.

The scope is balanced with everything on it and the lightest of my EP's fitted with the weight at zero on the scale, add a heavier EP and the weight is slid forward and locked to the corresponding number engraved on the bar.

An afternoon is required to jot down each EP and its corresponding number for the specific scope and any other options i.e. DSLR or Web cam and any extension tubes .... plasticise up the results and ready to go on the evening  31 Nagler= 12.5cm up the scale = Scope still in balance.

Its designed to slide fit over the dovetail on the bottom of a dovetail plate, that taking the weight and located with two screws to stop it moving. An offset counterbalance weight ensures that there is ample clearance between the dew shield and the bar is engraved at one and half centimetres  intervals all the way up to 25cm.

Maybe I have re-inventing of the wheel? but for me it has to balance 3 different weight scopes )and the TMB is a swine due to its short length)  involve No modification of any of my equipment, to be easy to use and have accuracy. All designed by me while on a slow ship from the Far East.

And of course John who machines bespoke items for Astronomers ........ A BIG one for John

  *****quick note here ALL dovetails are NOT the same  ... I supplied a Revelation Dovetail for a fitting, a spare I have .. but use ADM, (they looked the same   my mistake) Revelation don't do a 15" plate so John has to Machine me a new body.

[ChrisLX200]

I used to do the same with an SCT - with the weights either at the front or rear, and one mounted on an offset so it could compensate for an off-axis imbalance (like a camera mounted piggy-back but not on the centerline).

ChrisH

[John]

Thats neat 

I may well need to fit a sliding weight system to my 6" F/12 refractor if I start using my heavy eyepieces with it. Currently I'm sticking with a Hyperion zoom eyepiece to avoid messing with the balance.

[Marki]

Thats neat 

I may well need to fit a sliding weight system to my 6" F/12 refractor if I start using my heavy eyepieces with it. Currently I'm sticking with a Hyperion zoom eyepiece to avoid messing with the balance.

Hehe - that's pretty much the same approach I've taken with mine too .