Counterweight for my alt/az mount

[geppetto]

Got the counterweight sorted on my home made ALT/AZ mount today.

Much better, with a nice smooth ALT motion as a result.

Not the most exciting bit of DIY but the method might come in usefull for

anybody contemplating something similar.

The idea was for an infinitely adjustable weight so I decided to use a 12mm threaded rod

to carry a weight that could screw up and down the rod to shift the balance point

when needed.

The weight is a plastic pot filled with quick set cement and a collection of old nuts

and washers to beef up the weight.

The threaded rod passes through a 12mm nut which is captive in the cement and the

rod itself is isolated from the cement by two pieces of 15mm copper pipe.

Simple and very effective in getting balance, with or without the D40 on the back.

Next job is to fit red LED light on the setting circle scales.

A coat of paint and job done

[Akyra]

Good idea, nicely documented. One thing though, why is the number 1 before the KG written on back to front?

[geppetto]

One thing though, why is the number 1 before the KG written on back to front

Good question!

For which, at the moment I don't have a good answer but rest assured I'll come up with

one at a later date

[Naz]

Master imager, master model maker, master inventer, master of all he surveys.

Enough off the grovelling, nice one Geppetto, good idea, one to develop.

naz

[jonifive]

Nice idea Philip.

JV

[SteelRat]

Good stuff Phil 8)