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I've only ever used it like that, it's an easy was to disengage the mount from the tripod using a small 'lever' (AKA a 5mm allen key or handy screwdriver).

Mine isn't threaded. And for what it's worth, the image text Google Translates as "service hall" 🤷‍♂️.

It's generally best not to add these things up... 🤫

They are phenomenal little scopes Although not quite so little by the time you've constructed the 76Q variety, but still, I'm very happy with it. I can feel my bank balance slumping as my Feathertouch envy grows.

No it works really smoothly, doesn't catch on undercuts (although you have to loosen it slightly more than you would otherwise, maybe ½ a turn extra?) and holds straight barrels perfectly well. If you're going to try it, just trim very conservatively and test as you go. You don't need to remove very much.

Yes, that is an annoyance with the Tak prism. I butchered mine 😮 by cutting down the plastic retaining ring by a few mm so now it tightens 'properly' on any eyepiece, undercut or not.

No there's definitely a bit left, but I can see the appeal of the micro focuser anyway as the FS-60 stock focuser is quite course for such a narrow focus plane. I'm considering upgrading it somehow, maybe a 10:1 unit, maybe splashing on a Feathertouch, not sure yet.

I have the Tak prism with the same scope setup and it's very nice. Small, short, and with excellent optics. I went with this because I was focussing on portability, so the compactness was the deciding factor.

I’m happy to share the design file, although I can’t work out if that’s possible (or find the file) on mobile. It might be attached. AZ-GTi Tak Plate-Chamfer.step

Does it count if I didn't actually make it myself? I did actually try, but my Dremel just wasn't up to it 😂. I wanted to fit a Tak clamshell to my AZ-GTi. Previously I was using the excellent ADM clamp from FLO, but seeing how I only ever use my little Tak in a variety of configurations, I liked the idea of a permanent fixed clamshell. I drew up the design using FreeCAD and then had it machined by Geomiq.

Actually they come up relatively regularly, albeit at a low overall rate. And usually it seems because of upgrading to a bigger Tak 😁. I can't imagine how anyone falls into that pattern... 😳

It looks like a belt option is the way forwards then... On the little Tak there are limited mounting options, so I may have to create something custom to mount a stepper motor which i can control via the Pegasus box when imaging, and be enough out of the way when going visual.

Yes - it's the power requirement I'm trying to avoid for manual use. As a 'grab and go' and easy travel option, I don't want to need power.

Yeah - maybe I'm over complicating it. I have a Pegasus power box which includes a stepper driver, so was imaging I could use that for the imaging control, but maybe there's a simpler solution.

Thanks - I looked at the the Pegasus Focus Cube as that has a similar function, but I'm hoping to not require a power supply for the manual use.

I’ve seen that on the Moonlite, but not on anything else. It would be a great option though.

I want to be able to image with my FS(Q)-60/76, which in principle is fine. However, focussing with adequate precision is at best, quite taxing. The obvious solution seems to be an electronic focus drive. But I also want to retain a fully manual visual option. So how can I achieve this? Is it possible?

I have the Plus version, when you select an object, you can then open the context menu (tap the Selection option in the bottom bar/menu) and then 'Measure from. You can then select another object and see the angle and distance.

I have no idea about future SW plans, but I regularly see people loading the AZ-GTi beyond 5kg using a counterweight, and seemingly without any significant issues.

The RACI sale to @wulfrun above didn't quite cover my pre-emptive ordering of this, but it arrived today anyway.

Is that the More Blue Carbon Fibre Half Pillar? It looks great with that grey Report - I think I need one

The rings look great - so whenever you want to sell the clamshell...

I've just had this printed (A3) and it's pretty great for ~£20 (I used https://www.doxdirect.com A3, 130gsm satin paper).

Picadilly Circus 2015 - ahhh, I barely remember it.

What a great write-up for your new scope. I’ve found that this little Tak (and the even tinier FS-60) feel as though they punch far above their weight.