Dovetail Mount for Solarmax 40

[hobbesy]

Hey all. I'm after a dovetail mount to fit the clamshell on my new solarmax.

All the reasonably priced ones I can find have the holes way too far apart. (I know, I know I could drill new ones myself, but I don't have a drill.)

In fact I have found one with 20mm centre to centre holes, but it's about 3 inches long so I wouldn't trust it to hold a webcam, let along an expensive solar scope.

Anyone know of anything under twenty quid that would fit the bill (and indeed the clam?)

[johninderby]

The one I've used with a couple of different solar scopes is this one.

It's a solid piece of aluminium with the slot machined out of it. No problems with hole spacing.

Deluxe Vixen Style Photo Dovetail

http://www.modernastronomy.com/accessories.html#accDovetails

ADM does some longer ones, but of course at over twice the price.

John

[hobbesy]

That looks good John, thanks. Is it secure enough with only one bolt held by friction then? Or does it look easy to add another to it?

I ask as I'm using a Supatrak so it's on its side rather than on top like the Skytee in the picture.

[johninderby]

I used two bolts as that stops the dovetail from twisting. The bolt that comes with it is a standard 1/4 photo type one. As it's one long slot you can put the bolts as close together as you like.

John

[iwatkins]

I do the same as John on my PST, same short dovetail.

It is only supplied with the one screw but you can pick up additional screws for them all over. E.g. you can get these: 1/4" Lensplate Screw

I'm sure you can find them on eBay too, or do what I did, just "borrowed" them out of the quick release plates for my camera tripod.

Cheers

Ian

[hobbesy]

Gentlemen, my thanks. I wasn't sure if you could add another bolt (only because they seem to be secured in so they don't randomly fall out) but if I can then this looks just perfect.

Score 1 for SGL!

[johninderby]

The bolts aren't secured, they're just loose fitting so you can use as many bolts as you want and in any position along the slot.

This photo of the bottom side of the dovetail should give a clearer idea.

John

[hobbesy]

Perfect. Thanks so much for you help, it's really appreciated. I have ordered one of those now.