Balancing skyliner 200p on HEQ5

[Elm0]

The skyliner is 11kg. The counter weights are only 5kg each.

Whilst trying to balance, the 2x 5 kg weights aren't enough. It feels only a few ounces off.

Any cheats without buying another 5kg weight which would be overkill?

[Daniel-K]

take your finder off lol just goto home and bargins or b&m and buy some ankle weights and strap them to the end of the shaft

[Elm0]

I haven't put that on...doh.

It will need a little bit more in that case.

Good idea though...thanks!

[matteboy]

Having the same issue, going to get the NEQ6 extension bar, should fit ok hopefully, gives you some extra manoeuvre for heavy eyepieces and a Telrad.  That's the plan anyway!

Anyone else tried the bar with the HEQ5 rather than the NEQ6?

Just thinking as Skywatcher weights are around £30 each and bar less than £15 which, if my maths is any good, should give you the effect of doubling the weight, roughly, for half the money, still using your existing weights?

[Elm0]

In the end, i bought a vinyl dumbell weight and sandwiched it between the other two.

Worked really well and cost me £12 for 2 from argos. http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/1459674.htm

They are exactly the same size as the counterweights and dont look too bad either. Theres about 2mm gap between the bar and the weight but its oretty snug.

[Scott]

When I use my 200p on the neq6, I prefer to use 3 weights further up the shaft rather than using 2 weights right at the end. Right or wrong, I just feel it reduces the chance of the c/weight bar flexing.

[brantuk]

"Anyone else tried the bar with the HEQ5 rather than the NEQ6?"

Yes I tried it - the threads are different so it's not compatible. Same with the Skytee-2. Al three mounts have different threads and the AZ-EQ6GT is a totally different bar as well - it's a larger diameter so standard weights don't fit and the bars are incompatible with other mounts.

[knobby]

Also don't forget that the hole in the weights is recessed at one side ... So if the correct way round allows about 20 mm extra travel , might just be enough

[Elm0]

Also don't forget that the hole in the weights is recessed at one side ... So if the correct way round allows about 20 mm extra travel , might just be enough

Yes, I found that out later when the weight slipped. Might have been enough but now do was auspom did and keep the weights higher up.

[knobby]

Also a good reminder of the importance of the tiny seemingly insignificant looking thumb screw at the end of the counterweight bar .

Imagine 5 kg sliding off the end on your foot ...

[Elm0]

Also a good reminder of the importance of the tiny seemingly insignificant looking thumb screw at the end of the counterweight bar .Imagine 5 kg sliding off the end on your foot ...

Also a good reminder of the importance of the tiny seemingly insignificant looking thumb screw at the end of the counterweight bar .Imagine 5 kg sliding off the end on your foot ...

Trust, although I'm sure the Ota swinging round violently would be heart stopping stuff...lol

[Elm0]

Blooming autospell kills me sometimes...*true

[RichM63]

Also a good reminder of the importance of the tiny seemingly insignificant looking thumb screw at the end of the counterweight bar .

Imagine 5 kg sliding off the end on your foot ...

I don't need to imagine.

(frozen hands whilst taking down, removed screw, removed lower weight, turned to place it on table, upper weight was evidently loose, the air became blue as I performed the 'funky astronomy' dance)

As it happens I asked a very similar question in the mounts section.

Plan on playing with spare weights this morning to see if there is a difference.

Rich

[Elm0]

The dumbell seems to be working but without any independent fixings tend to make the weight below slip....back to the drawing board!!