Counterweights for C11 on HEQ5

[RobH]

I was wondering if anyone was using a similar combination to this, and if so, what counterweights/ how many counterweights are you using?

I was also looking at an extension counterweight bar and wondered if this would balance the scope just using the two supplied counterweights that come as standard with the mount.

The scope is on a losmandy dovetail plate, has a moonlite focuser, and the mount has the ADM puck that takes both Skywatcher and losmandy dovetails, so is a bit heavier than standard.

I am aware that this combo is no good for imaging DSOs etc....it's a visual only rig.

I tried it last night but the setup was nowhere near balanced with the two supplied weights.

[Bizibilder]

I had to use three standard SW weights with my C11 / HEQ5 combination and that was before I added any "extras" at all.  I don't think an extension bar is available?  but you could get one made up easily enough.

[RobH]

The EQ6 extension bar fits the EQ5 apparently......extension bar and an extra counterweight then from the sound of things :-)

[Bizibilder]

That all depends on the extension bar thread - my HEQ5 has something like an M6 thread (maybe M5) and my (new)  EQ6 extension has something like M12!!  

[Chris]

The EQ6 extension bar fits the EQ5 apparently......extension bar and an extra counterweight then from the sound of things :-)

I've sent you a PM Rob

[ollypenrice]

I'd go for more wieghts rather than a longer bar because the physics favours this in terms of coming to balance while not increasing the moment so severely.

Olly

[RobH]

Very true Olly, but I've been kindly offered an extension bar so will try this first as this option is a lot cheaper than buying extra counterweights :-)

[Tinker1947]

I had 4 weights with my C11 on a NEQ6 with a bit of bar space to spare....cheaper it might be not buy extra weights but you wait till you bump into the extended bar...Hip replacement time....

[Merlin66]

Four weights for me as well.

C11 on an NEQ6pro with three cameras, spectroscope etc. etc.

[RobH]

Thanks folks.....will order a counterweight too and see how it goes with one and the extension bar. Tinker.....you should try walking into an AP1200 counterweight bar.....I seem to regularly do it, especially with my head :-)