New tripod needed

[Charlie_132]

Hello again

I was observing last night using this set up, which I need to change.

I need a tripod with the numbers with the degree dial on the right so I can aim my telescope easily at parts of the sky.

Does this exist?

I currently have a L bracket with a 127 Mak and a 9x50 finderscope.

The mount is a 90v Virtusso.

It has a screw thread underneath thats size is 3/4.

But if I was to mount this on a tripod, it would be around 9 or 10kg......

I would prefer to do this, because then I wouldn't need to sell my mount which has tracking built in.. (Even though I can't get the tracking to work)

Here is a couple of photos of my current set up and the degree dial if I have confused anyone by it.

Any ideas?

[Psychobilly]

Do you use a smartphone?  There are plenty of Level/inclinometer apps that might  help you out in the short term... 

If not you can get digital angle gauges like the wixey...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wixey-WR360-Digital-Angle-Inclinometer-Gauge-Hold-Button-Vial-Spirit-Level-/231220586921

Peter...

[Charlie_132]

My phone doesn't support any apps that work like that.

The ebay link just looks like it would be a bit of hassle for me to use. Thanks anyway though
 

I just like being able to look at what number the arrow is pointing to on the dial then scan the part of sky I need to look at. It just seems so much easier to have it on the right next to the telescope with a arrow on it.

[Psychobilly]

If you wanted to use the tracking, As I understand it  the  mount would have to be "level" on the tripod and Alt and Azm  adjustments made using the controller...

Peter...

[Charlie_132]

I don't think I would be using the tracking, as I havenever been able to get it to work.

The main thing I need is the circles on the right so I can see what angle I am at.

I dont mind if I can only attach the 127mak on a L bracket with the 9x50 finder scope.

I just need the degrees on the right

[Psychobilly]

That would certainly be easier to mount ...  But off the top of my head cant think of a  reasoanbly priced head that has decent  scales on it - and I have quite a selection under the desk!!

[Charlie_132]

Oh okay

Can you recommend a tripod that my 127 mak and 9x50 finder scope can be mounted to easily?

Also do tripods with the numbers at the side for the degrees exist?

[Psychobilly]

Your going to need something with smooth motion in two axes...    I will have a think - any ideas of how much your looking to spend?

Peter...

[Charlie_132]

I would be looking at second hand or as cheap as possible really

[happy-kat]

In what way will the mount not track?

Reading previous posts it will track pretty well if the base is aligned first.

Did it track with the lighter supplied telescope?

[happy-kat]

I have just ordered one of these to help me find stuff

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wixey-Digital-Angle-Gauge-magnetic/dp/B00CEXR8ZG/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1414002569&sr=1-1&keywords=angle+wixey

I will use the method to set it on a known star if my base is not level.

Opps I see you already have a link.

Which way do you want help with aiming, left right or up down?

[Charlie_132]

No it didn't track before with the lighter telescope.

I would like help with moving it up and down to the right degree, its really helpful for harder to find planets and stuff

[happy-kat]

Can you identify known stars? Only need one to be visible to get the wixey to work for you.

If you know where you set up your virtuoso is level then away you go.

[Peter Drew]

You could try fitting a protractor from a geometry set, this would give you the degrees you are looking for. 

[Charlie_132]

I thought to get the virtusso to work, you aimed it at polaris making sure it was level then switched it on.

But the tracking doesn't work, I'm not bothered about that, I haven't been able to get it working 5 months now so I've just given up with it

The protractor idea is a very good one!

[happy-kat]

I think is to set your latitude when setting the virtuoso mount up in a sequence of steps.

[happy-kat]

Looking at the manual it reads like true north being horizontal flat at 0 to start the process (point pin 0). Then elevate the scope to your latitude say 51 degrees and point pin (which would be the latitude the Polaris is at for that location I think) with buttons stuff pressed when needed.

I very nearly bought one as it is an interesting mount.

[Charlie_132]

I wish it was that simple!

I've done that countless number of times

[happy-kat]

There are a couple members who have posted who have this mount it would be great if experience could be shared to help you get it cracked.

[happy-kat]

Reading this post here

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/213682-help-with-synscan-handset/?fromsearch=1

I think it is not right you are aiming at Polaris when the mount is swtiched on it should be level horizontal at 0 I think reading the manual.

So place the tripod on a level sruface and face the scope north but the tube is horizontal and the dial is set with pin to 0 (not sure on the pin bit in the manual as I don't have a mount to look at).

Now turn it on.

Then you set the scope to point upwards to your latitude and turn the dial say to 51 then you press the buttons required together. 51 would have it point at Polaris should the scope be placed facing north and that is right for your latitude. To find out your latitude google your town name and latitude.

You have nothing to lose trying it again but don't do what you usually do.

(sorry if you already tried this but didn;t want to not post in case you hadn't)

[happy-kat]

Meant to say try the above without your extra skyscan hand set plugged in.

[rowan46]

would this be any good?  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Benro-A3570F-Classic-Aluminium-Tripod/dp/B005BY9MOK/ref=sr_1_5?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1414168766&sr=1-5&keywords=photo+tripod

no numbers but if you are mounting the whole thing the numbers are already on the mount

[Charlie_132]

Thanks for trying to help, I will try it again being as I've got nothing to lose.

So I will do this:

Put the mount level and at 0, then use the button to move it to 51, then press the set lattitude button.

I think the problem I may be having is that I am not pressing a tracking speed. But I thought it would do that automatically being as the lattitude is set.

Thanks, that camera tripod looks good, perfect for what I'd like to use it for

Thank you everyone else for the help

[happy-kat]

not quite reading the above take each step.

1 - mount must be OFF

2 - put the mount on level surface

3 - adjust the clutch knobs

4 - face the telescope north (the better this is the better your tracking) but the tube must be level/horizontal

5 - the dial should be reading 0

6 - now turn the mount ON

7 - next you then raise the telescope apperature end so that it is right for your latitude the dial for Stevenage would be reading 52 degrees (actual coordinates 51.9000° N, 0.2000° W for Stevenage) but I guess 51 is OK too.

8 - now press the two buttons "2b" and "3c" simultaneously.

Your latitude is now set and it should be able to track correctly and unltimately find the right objects if you were using the hand controller.

If you were to look through the finder it should be landing around polaris.

Once you have got the mount to correctly know your lattitude then next time you use it at that location it is quicker see page 6 in the manual as you don't need to tell it your latitude I guess it stores it (must be a small watch battery in it somewhere).

Good luck in cracking the setup and it working for you as it should.

I guess with step 4 you could actually get the telescope using the finder to be on polaris but then manually lower the telescope so that the altitude reads 0 (mount is off). If you did not know where north was otherwise.

[Charlie_132]

So no buttons need to be pressed to set the tracking speed?