fitting handle to ota.

[rory]

just wondering how the dob mob here attach handles to the ota, and what suits best. i thought about sticky pads like the one's to hold on number plates ? i have some old kitchen cupboard handles ,but they are metal ,and thinking about cold nights they might not be ideal. any thoughts.

[spaceboy]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TESA-Velcro-Fasteners-Carry-Strap/dp/B001BVT7ME/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1338736575&sr=8-3

[rory]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TESA-Velcro-Fasteners-Carry-Strap/dp/B001BVT7ME/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1338736575&sr=8-3

that looks an idea, ta spaceboy. i suppose they can just be removed or repositioned at will.

[spaceboy]

Just be careful what angle you carry the scope in case the OTA slips. It shouldn't if the velcro is done up tight but there's always a chance. Saves drilling holes in the OTA and all that though.

[rory]

its not really for carrying, i want it for holding while nudgeing the scope.

[Stephen]

They are designed to fit the spacing of their own mounting plates, but Altair Astro sell handles designed to fit onto the tube rings.

You wouldn't catch me velcroing a handle onto an OTA

[spaceboy]

You wouldn't catch me velcroing a handle onto an OTA

It's a proper carrying strap rated up to 20KG

Sorry my confusion Rory I thought you wanted to carry the dob. http://www.wdsltd.co.uk/products/Machine-Parts/Plastic-Hand-Knobs/ do knobs that can be used for what you want. Not the most user frienly site but you will find what you need.

[swamp thing]

Never bothered myself, but, if I wanted a handle I would fix one on with screws through the OTA. Easy enough to do.

If you are worried about it getting cold why not use a plastic grab handle or a wooden knob?

Something like this

http://www.tradehandles.co.uk/handle-unfinished-beech-96mm-centres-p-42572.html

Or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PLASTIC-GRAB-HANDLE-BLACK-MOTORHOME-CAMPER-VAN-CARAVAN-/170591862740#ht_3885wt_689

Or even

http://www.tradehandles.co.uk/beech-knob-44mm-diameter-p-38530.html

[rory]

thanks chaps. as its miserable weather as usual , im thinking of basic modifications i want to do already. and the handle was one thing i felt i wanted almost straight away. i also fancy changing the collimation screws and locking screws on primary and secondary. but hopefully with a cheap method without reverting to bobs knobs.

[Gina]

Something like this

http://www.tradehandles.co.uk/handle-unfinished-beech-96mm-centres-p-42572.html

I got some just like that from Homebase a while back - not sure if they still do them but they were quite cheap compared with other handles. They are hand-friendly unlike most handles and I have them on several home built pieces of equipment as well as kitchen cupboards

[spaceboy]

I think you will find that WDS do similar to Bobs knobs. I'm sure Moonshane has had some from there ??

[rory]

I think you will find that WDS do similar to Bobs knobs. I'm sure Moonshane has had some from there ??