Dovetail bar for eq8

[Rob_Jn]

OK I'm new to dovetail bars Strange though that may seem ☺ I have just took delivery of an eq8 mount and bought a Losmandy 15" type d bar for it. I have fitted the bar on and was surprised to see a gap between the mount and the bar of a few mm. Is this normal? Have I got the right bar for the mount

[Physopto]

If the gap is under the dovetail bar, then that is correct. The bar should be clamped at the sides by the dovetails in the mount clamp when properly tightened. The EQ8 has three clamp bolts and holds the dovetail very tightly. It may be also preferable to tighten them by hand, then a fraction more using a spanner, carefully!

You can also use a socket on a small ratchet. Remember only a slight bit more on the tightening, no more than a tenth of a turn.

Derek

Edited November 21, 2015 by Physopto

[libraryman]

Yes, I use the losmandy plate with the Eq8......…i would suggest removing the central clamp and replacing it with a ratchet handle, its much better and you can tighten them properly, once my ratchet handle is tight the two remaining clamps are just finger tight.

Ray

[Rob_Jn]

Thanks for the tips, glad to know I have the correct bar.

Rob

[skybadger]

re-awakening this topic. What size socket will comfortably fir these handles ? And if replacing with ratchet handles, what size thread ?

Cheers

Mike

 

[Rob_Jn]

I use a 13/16" socket seems to fit quite well though I'm sure they will be metric so I suppose 20 or 21mm would be correct.

I'll have a look at the thread in daylight tomorrow unless anyone jumps in first....

Rob

[dazza1639]

I use a spark plug socket it fits perfectly and the additional depth of the spark plug socket spreads the torque over a larger area reducing the chance of slipping or damage

[Rob_Jn]

The thread on the clamps are M8

[skybadger]

Thanks. Both 

I tried a 21mm spark socket it was tight and scratched, so I've bought a 22 mm to try. 

I like the idea of ratchet handles as well.

 

Ta