Simple tripod mod

[The Warthog]

I've never been very happy with the stance of my SkyWatcher tripod. The legs are splayed too far out, IMO, and encourage tripping when I move around the scope.

Today, I had to reassemble the scope as I had taken it apart for travel. I took my drill, and drilled a new hole in each of the tabs that hold the accessory tray, about an inch in from the farthest inward travel of the slots on the tabs.

When I put the scope back together, it stood up more erect, with a narrower stance, but still sturdy enough to resist anything but somebody hurtling into it in the dark. It looks more compact, and is much easier to get in and out of my 4' wide shed door.

[PhillyDee]

Pics?

[Milamber]

What he said!

Arthur

[The Warthog]

I thought it was fairly easy to follow what I did. I'll take pics in a couple of days. I don't have time at present.

[Milamber]

Well, yes. Do you use the tray as a tray... if not then some wire/chain through the holes would do the same thing, and you would not have to remove it to collapse the legs?

Arthur

[The Warthog]

I've thought of that, but I do use the tray. I'm thinking of drilling 1 1/4" holes in the tray to make it hold my eps more securely.

[Milamber]

Same here with the Berlebach actually, I prefer to use the wooden tray rather than the chains - even if only because of the perceived improved solidity. That and somewhere to put the tinnies

Arthur

[Helen]

I'm looking to do something similar with my Televue Gibraltar mount. Its really solid, but the triangular tray is the only way of locking the legs together and that makes storing it and taking it in and out of the shed a bit of a pain (because the legs are unconstrained it's like dancing with 3-legged person trying to get the tray fixed , and so I'd rather not have to dismantle every time). I was thinking about the chain option, or maybe something as simple as something to stop each leg splaying....

Helen

[Milamber]

Best bet is to tie a loop of string, then drop it over the legs so it rests on the clamps. Once that's done you can fit the tray easier...

Arthur

[Helen]

Sounds like a plan! thanks Arthur :salute:

Helen