My go at dob balancing.

[spaceboy]

Hi Dob owners

I know this has been covered no end of times but as the light nights are meaning less observing for me I found myself with extra time on my hands to deal with balancing issues so this is my solution.

Thanks to another members good find I picked up a magnet of ebay that has a rubberized base to protect against scratching the OTA. The magnet is originally for mounting signs on cars. As is only comes with an M6 fixing bolt I decided to beef this up to a M10 by drilling and tapping a M10 bolt and screwing this to the M6 bolt. I then gas cut 3 x 100 mm disks from a 10mm plate I had spare. A few coats of spray paint and some flock on the magnet to tidy the finish. I now have a total weight of 2.5kg to counter EP's, finders etc.

[brantuk]

Nice neat solution - looks good

[swamp thing]

Nice job. Very neat.

Regards Steve

[AllanJ]

That's a smart looking counterweight, clever idea.

[Multi-Coated]

Very nice , smart job.

[spaceboy]

Thanks guys but couldn't have done it with out the helpful advice from members on the lounge.

[bcfcciderhead]

looks better then my sandwich box

[AlwaysGoodskies]

So amazing compared to the book i taped to my dob's tube! Really helps with a dslr attached when not looking near zenith alright. I am surprised that companies don't include counterweights with their Dobs. O well. Very nice

[Adz]

Really neat and tidy! Would you mind providing the ebay item or other thread?

[Moonshane]

superb mate. you are a very skilled metalworker.

you might find that when observing close to the zenith you will be best putting the weight on the underside as it may have a tendency to flip to 90 degrees of it's own accord. this will be a major advantage of your magnetic system which can so easily be detached and the position changed.

[Astrokev]

Very neat solution. When I've needed to add balancing weights, my H&R solution was to use a G clamp with various heavy-ish tools attached!

As a slight deviation, I notice in your pic there's what looks like an elasticated cover over the end of the OTA. Does anyone know where I can get such a thing, or are they DIY jobs?

Thanks

[Moonshane]

some people use a shower cap but you can buy them (not sure where but have seen them) or of course make one. breathable roofing felt was one suggestion. Johninderby uses some for his 14" dob that he bought. maybe send a pm.

[russ]

That's an extremely neat solution and as Shane says, great metal work skills you have.

[BAZ Senior]

For gas cut they are really neat. My gas cutting would make them look like jigsaw pieces!

[Telrad]

This is the best counterbalance for a dob I've seen. It looks really smart and looks professional

[Adz]

Is this the appropriate magnet for me to buy with the rubber Spaceboy?

SUPER STRONG MAGNETS TAXI SOM ROOF SIGN/ROOF BOX/LIGHT on eBay (end time 13-Jun-11 09:30:03 BST)

[Telrad]

Is this the appropriate magnet for me to buy with the rubber Spaceboy?

SUPER STRONG MAGNETS TAXI SOM ROOF SIGN/ROOF BOX/LIGHT on eBay (end time 13-Jun-11 09:30:03 BST)

Adam,

That's the one I bought it's rubberised so won't damage the scope

[Adz]

Thanks cool. I was getting too adjusted to having to compensate continuous for her large rear end

Is one going to be enough, provided I can move it around. Or will I need extra weights like Spaceboy do you reckon?

[Telrad]

I attached more weights to mine like Spaceboy. I used a lunch box and filled it with two large tape-measures, like Dave did here: http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/124986-common-dob-balance-issue-fixed.htmlthis brought the total weight up to 2.5kg. It balances perfectly with my larger/heavier EPs

[spaceboy]

Thank you all for you kind comments.

Kevin, I made the scope caps out of table top PVC and elastic as I found the diameter kept ripping shower caps.

Martyn, I have had plenty of practice using a gas torch. If your ever visit Adidas in the Trafford center I cut and welded the stringers for the stairs in there.

Adam, Sorry for the delay! Yes that is the correct magnet but they can be found for 4.00 on eBay. Every penny counts