Hello, everyone,
I mentioned a while back that I had been gifted a Meade 8" Starfinder reflector mount (and thank you to all the people here who helped me identify it!). I recently acquired a used Skywatcher EQ-6-R-Pro mount with the intent of installing the Meade tube on that mount. However, I have been having a lot of difficulty finding a set of tube rings to fit this tube, which measures 9.7" in outside diameter in most locations. I have been advised by some that these fiber tubes are not dimensionally stable and can grow and shrink over time (presumably due to absorption of moisture).
I'm wondering if anyone has adapted the saddle (with straps) that is used on the original Starfinder equatorial mount to attach to the EQ-6 or similar dovetail style mount. Any thoughts? I removed the saddle from the Starfinder mount and I could probably fabricate an attachment adapter by machining a short shaft on a lathe, but frankly, I'd really prefer to either find a set of modern rings that will mount directly to a dovetail, or if someone makes an adapter to attach the original Meade saddle to a dovetail.
Thanks in advance!