Buying Dob Mount

[Hertford Stargazer]

I not long ago received a UPS notification email, so all being well my OOUK mount should arrive on Monday 

 

[Hertford Stargazer]

The mount arrived at 10 o clock this morning. I fulfilled some work commitments over the weekend so I could be home today. I'll post a couple of photos later 

 

[Hertford Stargazer]

A few unpacking photos and my first impressions, not as exciting as a nice gleaming OT I know but It's been long awaited.

The mount was already constructed so it only required some tweaking to adjust the side and front panels to accommodate the tube and bearing rings. Before mounting the OT the whole thing felt a little haphazard and rough in it's movement but once the 12" OT was mounted using the purpose made tube rings it changed into a sleek, smooth and stable affair. As already mentioned the tube rings were purpose made and slightly wider then the Skywatcher ones, it took considerable tightening to stop the OT from sliding when at a steep angle but all seems stable now and the whole OT cradle provides a great handhold making the lifting and mounting of the OT so much easier.

The whole rocker box is constructed of 10mm aluminum plate which is surprisingly light and easy to maneuver. I'm looking forward to actually using the whole set up for the purpose for which it was designed but predictably there are no clear nights forecast for the immediate future.   

 

h