AZ-GTi saddle

[axle01]

I never liked the AZ-GTi saddle clamp so i removed the tin cover inside the clamp which revealed 4 screws, i removed them and the clamp then I dug out a saddle from the spare parts box, i had 3 but 2 had pre-drilled holes in the centre that didn’t line up with the AZ-GTi mount holes but the ADM saddle had no pre-drilled holes so i removed the AZ-GTi saddle and clamped it on the back of the ADM saddle and drilled 4 holes and i now need to go the the bolt shop on Monday and get the correct length bolts then countersink the holes,,,,,easy-peasy.

 

 

 

 

 

Al

[johninderby]

Good mod. Wish Skywatcher would fit better saddles or at least have optional saddles. 

Replaced the stock saddle on my AZ-EQ5 GT with an ADM one although had to fit a new puck to the mount as well.

 

[GavStar]

Great mod! The saddle is the worst bit imo of the az gti. It works but I certainly make sure I have a safety screw in place when using it.

Hopefully one day soon an easy saddle upgrade will be produced.

[Stu]

That is a great mod! I really would like to do something similar with mine. I heard that Primaluce make a clamp that fits but I’ve not been able to confirm that.

[GavStar]

On 16/09/2018 at 03:17, axle01 said:

I never liked the AZ-GTi saddle clamp so i removed the tin cover inside the clamp which revealed 4 screws, i removed them and the clamp then I dug out a saddle from the spare parts box, i had 3 but 2 had pre-drilled holes in the centre that didn’t line up with the AZ-GTi mount holes but the ADM saddle had no pre-drilled holes so i removed the AZ-GTi saddle and clamped it on the back of the ADM saddle and drilled 4 holes and i now need to go the the bolt shop on Monday and get the correct length bolts then countersink the holes,,,,,easy-peasy.

 

 

 

 

 

Al

Hi Al

Based on your modification, do you think the attached clamp would work (are the holes the right distance apart?)

Thanks

Gavin

[axle01]

Gavin the spacing diagonally is 28mm hole center to hole center and 19mm from hole center to hole center where your clamp is 20mm and a 6.5mm hole by the look of it.

I found the clamps I had the predrilled holes were 25.5mm and drilled for 1/4” bolts.

The AZ-GT I bolts are M4. 

Al

Edited September 18, 2018 by axle01

[axle01]

Changed the clamp to a smaller one.

 

 

[Stu]

Better

[GavStar]

6 minutes ago, Stu said:

Better

Maybe FLO could look into getting one designed for the az gti like this - I’m sure it would be popular..

[giorgio_ne]

This saddle on AliExpress seems to have 19mm spaced holes:

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/b6OIEfjL

[stash_old]

2 hours ago, giorgio_ne said:

This saddle on AliExpress seems to have 19mm spaced holes:

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/b6OIEfjL

That link didn't show any saddle ,for me, just a list of items - a very long list of items for sale on Ali ?

[giorgio_ne]

Sorry!

This should be the correct link:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/S7959-new-medium-dovetail-telescope-accessories/1371081_1971053752.html

It's a vixen style aluminium saddle with a single brass clamp.  It has several fitting holes, four of them are 19mm spaced unthreaded holes.

Edited February 15, 2019 by giorgio_ne

[adyj1]

2 hours ago, giorgio_ne said:

It's a vixen style aluminium saddle with a single brass clamp.  It has several fitting holes, four of them are 19mm spaced unthreaded holes. 

That looks interesting, but I'm not sure about their dimensions;

Bottom row; three holes 19mm apart (centre to centre). Second row; three holes 17.5mm apart - but both rows look the same length? 

What am I missing? 

 

[BGazing]

https://www.admaccessories.com/product/vpa-azgt-v-series-dovetail-adapter-for-skywatcher-az-gti-mount/

 

looks the biz, someone have just posted this in CN AZ GTi thread

[Stu]

Thanks for that, looks great.

@FLO, will you be stocking these?

[alanjgreen]

Ive just ordered one!

https://www.admaccessories.com/product/dvpa-azgt-d-series-or-v-series-dovetail-adapter/

I went for the dual fit as the length is given as 2.5" whereas the V series is only 1.75" long.

 

Alan

[Stu]

20 minutes ago, alanjgreen said:

Ive just ordered one!

https://www.admaccessories.com/product/dvpa-azgt-d-series-or-v-series-dovetail-adapter/

I went for the dual fit as the length is given as 2.5" whereas the V series is only 1.75" long.

 

Alan

That looks like a better option Alan.

[Alan White]

Now the AZGti is starting to look more tempting.
@FLO ?? will you we stocking the ADM adaptor piece and a vixen type clamp soon at all?
 

 

[Stu]

29 minutes ago, Alan White said:

Now the AZGti is starting to look more tempting.
@FLO ?? will you we stocking the ADM adaptor piece and a vixen type clamp soon at all?
 

 

I've already asked Grant hopefully they will have them soon, date tbc.

[Alan White]

Nice one Stu.
Many owners will be happier with a better saddle I am sure.

 

[djpaul]

Yes id like to buy one 

[JeremyS]

On 16/09/2018 at 03:17, axle01 said:

I never liked the AZ-GTi saddle clamp so i removed the tin cover inside the clamp which revealed 4 screws, i removed them and the clamp then I dug out a saddle from the spare parts box, i had 3 but 2 had pre-drilled holes in the centre that didn’t line up with the AZ-GTi mount holes but the ADM saddle had no pre-drilled holes so i removed the AZ-GTi saddle and clamped it on the back of the ADM saddle and drilled 4 holes and i now need to go the the bolt shop on Monday and get the correct length bolts then countersink the holes,,,,,easy-peasy.

@axle01 is there a trick for removing that round tin cover without damaging it? I can think of using a small screwdriver to lever it out, but am a bit worried.

I've got a couple of clamps in stock, but I fear I might have the same problem with the position of the holes as you.

 

[BGazing]

Okay, a question...how difficult will it be to fit that ADM thingie. I do not have the mount yet and I've heard it was not built with modding in mind.

[JorgeR]

On 01/03/2019 at 13:41, JeremyS said:

@axle01 is there a trick for removing that round tin cover without damaging it? I can think of using a small screwdriver to lever it out, but am a bit worried.

I've got a couple of clamps in stock, but I fear I might have the same problem with the position of the holes as you.

 

Hello Jeremy, were you able to fit the first clamp in your picture?

[Nigella Bryant]

 

Flo do the ADM for £55.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-replacement-saddles/adm-dual-dovetail-adaptor-for-az-gti.html