Broken Tripod Tray Leg Help

[Star-Gazer]

I have a Skymax 127 with az goto mount and my sister has broken one of the "legs" of the tray which connects to one of the legs of the tripod itself and this makes the scope unuseable. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement leg piece (leg of the tray and not the tripod leg).

ta

[brantuk]

That's the sort of thing you're likely to pick up at astroboot:

AstroBoot

[Star-Gazer]

Thanks Brantuk. I tried Astroboot but there are not any available. Any other ideeas anyone?

[John]

Can you post a picture of the broken bit ? - I may have a spare one knocking about.

[Star-Gazer]

OK here is a picture. You can see where the leg is snapped as it does not connect to the centre unlike the other two legs which do connect.

Thanks for trying to help.

[Tyr]

Star-Gazer,

I'm afraid I don't have links to offer re replacement parts, but a couple of suggestions on repairing / replacing the damage.

You could try something like Araldite I guess to fix the broken strut, but it might not be strong enough on its own. Maybe make a replacement strut using wood, depending on what tools you've got to hand.

If you're worried about the leg slipping outwards you could get hold of some cord or light chain and secure it just below where the spreaders are attached on all 3 legs. If you measure it to the same length between each leg then this would ensure you had the legs evenly spaced and stop them slipping outwards.

It depends how much you'd be happy modifying the tripod

Tyr

[steppenwolf]

I had a similar problem with an old Meade tripod and I made up a wooden replacement which worked so well, I replaced all three! To the best of my knowledge the new owner is still using it like this.

[Star-Gazer]

Thanks for the replies. I am pretty useless at DIY and would prefer to get a replacement part if possible.

[Pitsmoor Col]

Thanks for the replies. I am pretty useless at DIY and would prefer to get a replacement part if possible.

Try these guy's I have had various parts off them in the past. They may be able to help.

Optical Vision Ltd ::Telescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Microscopes by OVL

[Nosivad]

This firm may be able to help source a whole new tray which might be the solution to your problem, albeit more expensive than replacing the leg of the tray

» Opticstar - advanced CCD imaging solutions.

[Star-Gazer]

OK I have fired off emails to the two companies mantioned above so thanks for that. Any more help would be appreciated.

[Star-Gazer]

Well to my absolute delight both companies have emailed me to offer me the replacement part for £10 (Opticstar) and £7.50 (Optical Vision Ltd) including P&P. So fingers crossed I will be back in business in a few days and if anyone else needs replacement parts then these are the companies to deal with.

Thnaks to all who helped as well.

[kharga]

It seems to be the brace that is broken, not the leg or the plate. I would think a piece of wood or some angled aluminiun from B&Q with holes in either end would do.

[Nosivad]

Well to my absolute delight both companies have emailed me to offer me the replacement part for £10 (Opticstar) and £7.50 (Optical Vision Ltd) including P&P. So fingers crossed I will be back in business in a few days and if anyone else needs replacement parts then these are the companies to deal with.

Now that is good service, as your email to them was only about an hour before!

[Pitsmoor Col]

Try these guy's I have had various parts off them in the past. They may be able to help.

Optical Vision Ltd ::Telescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Microscopes by OVL

Nice to hear. I hope they can be of service, it may help if you can email the picture to them, if you haven't already done so.

[perkil8r]

REPLACEMENT Celestron Astromaster 130 Tripod Bracket (5055457100280) | eBay

Not exactly right? But maybe close enough?? Seems like a lot of money to me though.....

Note to self: Read updated thread before replying.... Ooooops, sorry, looks like you have it sorted.