Balancing question for a 200p EQ5

[DaveGarland]

Ok, I've balanced my scope on the tripod in RA and Dec as described in the manual. BUT! I've noticed if I point the scope up in a vertical position, the weight of the focuser and finder scope pull it over. Is this right? What can I do to counter this?

Help please!

Dave.

[Valley]

Yes, you can rotate the scope into a different position to gain balance but that may put the EP in a less than ideal position.

Personally for visual work I don't worry about it and in fact I'm about to mod the scope to allow me to rotate it at will.

[ChrisThePuma]

I'm about to mod the scope to allow me to rotate it at will.

Ooh - interesting. Pics please when done

[Valley]

I'm just going to copy what Malcolm has done here

White bands under jubilee clip are the top covers from electrical trunking

I've got the trunking, just need a massive jubilee clip now!

[Radders]

Hi Dave try the Astronomy Shed guy on You Tube and search for his balancing a scope video. I'm sure he shows you how to rectify this on there.

Radders

[malc-c]

Have a look at this

[malc-c]

Radders - you beat me to it !

[ChrisThePuma]

so the jubilee clip sits there while the rings are loose enough to just rotate and the JC stops the whole thing sliding through?

clever.

[Radders]

Haha sorry Malc! Great minds think alike lol

[Valley]

Yep but I'll probably tighten the rings up a little after I've rotated it

Cracking idea but sadly not mine

[malc-c]

so the jubilee clip sits there while the rings are loose enough to just rotate and the JC stops the whole thing sliding through?

clever.

Got it in one

If you are using the scope for visual observing it's a good way of rotating the tube to get the eyepiece in a viewable position without the tube sliding down when the rings are slackened off. For imaging use I find the Jubilee clip is more useful as a means of getting balance quickly should the OTA be removed. Basically butting the clip up hard against the top ring.

[malc-c]

Yep but I'll probably tighten the rings up a little after I've rotated it

Cracking idea but sadly not mine

Oh yes the rings should be re-tightened once the tube has been rotated.

Also it's not my idea -

Astro-baby used a spare set of rings in here tutorial Rotating Rings for Reflector Telescopes

And the Wilcox rings have been documented here http://stargazerslounge.com/diy-astronomer/135943-wilcox-rotating-rings.html

Hope that helps

[DaveGarland]

Cheers Radders and Malc! That's exactly answered that. Once again it's the Stargazers Lounge to the rescue

[malc-c]

Once again it's the Stargazers Lounge to the rescue

No problem, that's what the forum is all about..