So I bought myself a second hand EQ5...

[heathenwoods]

...and it looks great; I've tested the motors and they're both good so I'm well pleased with my purchase.

Now, what comes next? I want to fix my 150PL to it.

This:

onto this:

I think I need some of these and one of these. Is that it?

[nightfisher]

Yep, thats about all you need, just dont go for the short dovetail

[heathenwoods]

Thanks! :-)

[JamesF]

You will also want to be able to spin the tube around in the rings because the eyepiece will end up in all sorts of awkward positions. Some sort of "stop" to prevent the tube sliding through the rings when you loosen them can be helpful. There may be some examples in the DIY section.

James

[heathenwoods]

Thanks, I''ve not really had a look at the DIY section before but this seems like the perfect time to check it out :-)

[Wobbly Bob]

Perhaps an extra tube ring clamped in the right place, the loosen the other two atteched to the dovetail to move the tube.

[Tinker1947]

I used a large jubilee clip source on E-Bay and a 1 metre plastic measure cut to length, and type of strip will do, but it does need to sit below the ring bolts.....balance the scope then place above the top ring,,,,

[cantharis]

You will also want to be able to spin the tube around in the rings because the eyepiece will end up in all sorts of awkward positions.

A diagonal can be useful when that happens.

[valleyman]

It helps to mount the OTA with the focuser facing down towards the weights to avoid some of those difficult viewing positions.

[Matt Scunthorpe]

ahh yes, the curse of the EQ5 and its dodgy EP positions.

[heathenwoods]

All taken on board. Thank guys. Tinker - that solution appeals to me: cheap and practical. Nice one :-)