Vibration pads

[Bino Pete]

I've been having a look at these pads for my SLT127

I want the 2nd set (Celestron) but wanted to clarify something first.

On the Meade advert it states at the bottom that the telescopes tripod rubber feet should be removed before use but on the Celestrons advert it doesn't. As my tripods rubber feet are riveted on I'm unsure whether to buy them (I don't want to force my tripods rubber feet off). 

http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/meade-vibration-isolation-pads-895.html

http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/celestron-vibration-suppression-pads.html

Will the Celestron set of pads still work with my tripods rubber feet still attached?

Edited April 4, 2016 by Bino Pete

[bomberbaz]

Hello pete.

On the meade version there is this advice note, " For best results, the rubber feet on the bottom of your tripod legs should be removed before placing the legs of the tripod onto the vibration suppression pads. "

based on that i would assume this is for the celestrons version also.

[GimmeAMoonlite]

I have the Celestron one and the user guide says this: "If you use a heavy duty Celestron tripod, remove the rubber feet on the bottom of each tripod leg".

No definition of what a heavy duty tripod is.

I use them under an EQ5 tripod and I do not remove the rubber feet and it all work s nicely for me.

[Ruud]

I made my own anti-vibration pads with washing machine ones and three layers of silicone baking mat on top of them. That was too much. Any vibration dampened out instantly, but the telescope was like on a waterbed.

I suppose that's what the instructions are trying to spare you from. I got better results with only one layer of silicone on the washing machine pads.

So just try with the rubber feet in place. If you're not satisfied with the result you can always try without the rubber feet.

Before buying the telescope pads I'd first try a layer of silicone beneath the rubber feet. That may do the job by itself.

 

Edited April 4, 2016 by Ruud

[bomberbaz]

I need some for mine actually but refused to pay £50 for some. Good idea with the washing machine pads ruud. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-x-Anti-vibration-Feet-For-Hotpoint-Indesit-Washing-Machines-Shock-Absorbers-/301814955043

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adhesive-sponge-rubber-pad-330mm-x-330mm-x-6mm-thick-/181846939081

I will order and see how I get on.

Edited April 4, 2016 by bomberbaz
cheaper rubber pad on ebay

[Ruud]

Hi Steve, the 6 mm sponge rubber may be too thick, like the three layers of backing mat were for me.

That the rubber is self adhesive is nice though. I discovered that you can't glue silicone. The glue dries, but still comes loose. In the end I nailed the silicone in place. That worked. A silicone backing mat costs about €2.

[Louis D]

I just bought a pair of new old stock 100% Sorbothane insoles off of ebay for $6 and cut squares out of them put them under each tripod foot.  Works like a charm to instantly dampen any vibrations and there's no wobbliness to the images.

[bomberbaz]

2 hours ago, Ruud said:

Hi Steve, the 6 mm sponge rubber may be too thick, like the three layers of backing mat were for me.

That the rubber is self adhesive is nice though. I discovered that you can't glue silicone. The glue dries, but still comes loose. In the end I nailed the silicone in place. That worked. A silicone backing mat costs about €2.

already bought it ruud so see how we go, its only a few quid

[Steve72]

My Celestron 127slt tripod has hard plastic feet not what I would call rubber so I kept them on. I purchased the Celestron vibration pads and found they reduced the vibrations by about half (and slightly more if on grass rather than concrete). 

 

Edited April 4, 2016 by Steve72

[mak90fan]

Hi, I too opted for a £1 set of hard rubber washing machine anti vibration pads. I have a SW130p tracking scope, so not the heaviest! 

Results were fantastic, especially with web cam photography, slightest knock or disturbance dissipates in under 2 seconds! 

Only £1..!