counterweights

[b16707]

How would I know how much counterweight I need to put on my AVX if im mounting my dslr + lens or a 8in SCT. is it lb (kg) for lb (kg). 11lb scope = 11lb counterweight?

[newbie alert]

With my AVX 8sct combo I just used the 5kg one that cane with the package..my DSLR is a 100d which is the smallest one that canon do..just as long as you can get balance in both axis..

[Panda Alvin]

Think of it as a weigh scale, you dont need it pound for pound to counterbalance each other if you hook the tray at different distances.

I don't have a Celestron so I won't have the exact dimensions and anyone else please correct me if my basic calculations are off.

First on for your telescope end -
Your 8" OTA's center of gravity let say is 10.5cm + the distance to center pivot eg is another 9.5cm = 20cm. Then you need to balance 5kg x that 20cm in total = 100  in order to reduce the torque on the motors.

For the counterweight at the other end, you can either put for example:
5KG: 100/5kg = 20cm opposite, or
10KG: 100/10kg = 10cm opposite (but overloading your mount) , or
2.5KG: 100/2.5kg = 40cm opposite (but shafts dont normally go that far)

PS: from the pivot point rather than the shaft point.