Extra weights or longer bar ??

[Skipper Billy]

Hello all.

I have a HEQ5 and my 200PDS was delivered this morning (   ) but I cant use it (   )

The standard issue counterweight is nothing like heavy enough.

I can knock up a weight and locking thumbscrew or an 12mm male/female threaded 316 extension tube but which would be better ???

I would have thought that a longer bar and less weight would be better than a short bar with extra weight as the rotational mass would be lower but figured I should check with those infinitely more experienced that I am !!

Any thoughts ??

[knobby]

I'd agree with the longer bar... But googling it, most images of your set up have two weights... Decisions decisions :-)

[Alien 13]

Interesting question i know i prefer a larger weight closer to the axis on the basis of less flexture for imaging but i have no idea if im right in my assumption.

Alan

[Merlin66]

Both solutions obviously work!

Where space is limited (-in a small observatory for instance) more counterweights on the short shaft are better.

I use five x 5Kg c'weights on my NEQ6pro to balance the C11+ cameras+ spectroscopes etc. No issues/ no drama.

[ChrisLX200]

Hmm. Tricky one this. I think if it was an imaging rig I'd go for the extra weight, on the basis that the increased moment of inertia (wafting a weight around on a long stick) will make it slower to react when guiding. I think.

ChrisH

[LukeSkywatcher]

As Merln says, either will work, but i think for imaging and stability.................i'd go with more weight on the short counterweight shaft.