My new set up is complete

[Doc]

Finally have my new set up complete. Well I have to buy a top notch AMICI diagonal at some stage but I'm really happy with the set up so far.

Berlebach Planet Tripod - Doc's DiscMount - Esprit 120ED APO - Televue Eyepieces

The mount is homemade and is super stable.

 

 

[Timebandit]

 

You have some really nice gear there. Quality in bucket loads. The eyepiece selection alone makes mine look ordinary, which it is not?

I do agree maybe an upgrade on the diagonal, just incase this is possibly the weakest link in the chain. As in my opinion the scope is only as good as the weakest link in the optical chain, scope, diagonal, eyepiece but in the UK it is usually the seeing conditions?

 

 

 

 

[John]

Stonkingly good setup Doc

The mount has come up wonderfully well

[JOC]

I think I'd be inclined to drill some holes in the shelf to stop all those pricey EP's falling over!!  LOL

[Victor Boesen]

Looks good... And expansive

[Chris]

Just wow!

[Mark at Beaufort]

Mick that is a lovely set up. Hope you are keeping well - its been a few years since we met and chatted. Do you still view the Moon as a major interest? There must be many members that use your advice on the Lunar 100 plus the extra list you provided.

 

 

[Doc]

Thanks guys.

It must be at least 6 years since we met Mark. I'm keeping well, all my heart problems seem to be behind me at the moment, which is very good. As for observing the moon, I still do it, but now just for pleasure. My refractor cannot compete against 16" of Lightbridge. The Lunar 100 was a massive part of my life for about 18 months, it kept me really busy. 

Hope you are keeping well Mark and it's great to chat to you again.

[iPeace]

That is just absolutely excellent.

[Alan White]

Rather a nice set up.

Have you posted up elsewhere on your mount build at all?

[Doc]

Alan I've posted here on SGL

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/301437-my-altaz-mount-build-diary/?page=1

And here on East midlands Stargazers

https://www.eastmidlandsstargazers.org.uk/topic/13400-my-altaz-mount-build-diary/?page=1

 

 

 

[RT65CB-SWL]

Very nice @Doc. 

Just don't be tempted to play skittles or ten-pin bowling with that TeleVue glass on cloudy nights. 

[iPeace]

This has got me thinking - before you got the Berlebach Planet, you put your mount on top of the AZ8 tripod. Does this mean that your Planet has a mounting plate that the AZ8 head can easily connect to?  If so, which mounting plate is that?

I'm contemplating a Planet tripod for the AZ8, but haven't figured out how to connect it yet...

[Doc]

6 minutes ago, iPeace said:

This has got me thinking - before you got the Berlebach Planet, you put your mount on top of the AZ8 tripod. Does this mean that your Planet has a mounting plate that the AZ8 head can easily connect to?  If so, which mounting plate is that?

I'm contemplating a Planet tripod for the AZ8, but haven't figured out how to connect it yet...

Both the AZ8 and the DM6 use a 3/8" (16TPI) Whitworth thread. So if you order the Planet tripod with the DM6 pier top the AZ8 will screw directly on.

[iPeace]

1 minute ago, Doc said:

Both the AZ8 and the DM6 use a 3/8" (16TPI) Whitworth thread. So if you order the Planet tripod with the DM6 pier top the AZ8 will screw directly on.

That's perfect, thanks! 

[niallk]

Congrats - and the mount looks super 

[Stu]

Agreed, looks fabulous and I sure works just as well!

[Alan White]

Thanks for the link Doc, amazing work.

That is a weighty Mount, but looks wonderful and I expect it’s buttery smooth too.

Out of interest, why did you use such thick material for th3 box construction?

[Paul73]

I'm loving the mount! Maybe, same again on the other side? 

And then you go and stick the whole lot on a B Planet! You really don't mess about.

Paul

ps. The eyepieces are ok too.

[Doc]

I just wanted to make the mount as sturdy as I could, I am a firm believer in over engineering. I hate things being flimsy and not up to the task.

[Doc]

1 minute ago, Paul73 said:

I'm loving the mount! Maybe, same again on the other side? 

And then you go and stick the whole lot on a B Planet! You really don't mess about.

Paul

ps. The eyepieces are ok too.

I do have plans for a AZ8 clone which will be a much bigger mount.

[iPeace]

On 11/16/2017 at 17:51, Doc said:

Well I have to buy a top notch AMICI diagonal at some stage

Do you have anything in mind? Top notch is hard to find, in my own experience...

[Doc]

10 minutes ago, iPeace said:

Do you have anything in mind? Top notch is hard to find, in my own experience...

As my Christmas present I've ordered one of these, still waiting for it to arrive.

http://www.apm-telescopes.de/en/optical-accessories/stardiagonal-mirror--prism/apm-2-inch-erect-image-prism-fast-lock-ultra-broadband-coating.html

They say it's the best available. And having a 46mm clear aperture is fantastic for all 2" eyepieces.

[iPeace]

2 minutes ago, Doc said:

As my Christmas present I've ordered one of these, still waiting for it to arrive.

http://www.apm-telescopes.de/en/optical-accessories/stardiagonal-mirror--prism/apm-2-inch-erect-image-prism-fast-lock-ultra-broadband-coating.html

They say it's the best available.

Looks good! They say it's "currently unavailable" - you may have ordered the last one? 

[Paz]

Great set up, you could also leave that out in the living room as a work of art.