Strange dovetail

[maub]

I have just purchased a Skywatcher 15cm dovetail to replace a longer one for fitting with guidescope rings. I did not pay too much attention to the picture when ordering and was surprised at the item I received. The dovetail has a central rectangular cross-section (with various notches), outer dovetails and lugs on each end. The rectangular cross-section is a bit too long to fit in my NEQ6, although, a quick file should sort that out. The rectangular section will also prevent it from fitting on a mounting bar.

I would be interested to know why this bar is such a strange shape - any ideas?

[sologuitarist61]

Can't help you I'm afraid, though when I was looking for a short dovetail I saw these and decided I wouldn't know what to do with them, so bought a longer more obviously 'right' bar instead.

[johninderby]

It's a "Mounting plate for EQ5" according to Skywatcher.

John

[maub]

Can't understand why an EQ5 would need a different shape dovetail to any other mount. And why the notches?

[Stephen]

It's the mini-dovetail that is supplied with a new ST80 or similar very small refractor : it fits if I recall correctly directly into/onto the EQ1 in conjunction with the ST80 rings?

[maub]

Already thought of that. I have an ST80 and EQ1. It does not fit on the EQ1 as the hole centres are different. Unless there are different versions of the EQ1.

[Bizibilder]

It fits an EQ5 and the "angled" notches take a second screw on that mount which I suppose is to prevent the dovetail from slipping when the main bolt is undone. Don't know about other mounts.

[maub]

Thanks for the replies. I shall probably use it to attach a camera as it has a hole threaded to 1/4 BSW. Next time I'll pay a bit more attention when ordering.

[nightfisher]

Think it fits the EQ3 as well, when i had my old evostar and eq3 it had that type of bar

[billhinge]

You get them with the CG5-ASGT as well, the angled notch is for the smaller angled screw on the saddle

I use it as a camera mount with a small adapter from ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-4-3-8-5-8-Combined-Adapter-Screw-Camera-Tripod-/180699106481?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a12818cb1#ht_5983wt_1180

For info this is what celestron say

http://www.celestron.com/c3/support3/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=2008&nav=0,231