Help in mounting Sentinal on EQ3

[Rob]

Ok guys. I'm now ready to buy my Sentinal from Scopesnskies!!... just wanting to know how to mount this on my Eq3?. The guy @ Scopes n skies seems to think the rings idea will work, after a conversation with Russ on the phone today. I'm not so sure

I keep thinking about using a dove tail and bolting the dovetail to the Sentinals foot. Then in turn bolting the dovetail down on the EQ3!!?.

Any Thoughts before I buy?.

Thanks All

Rob

[radioactive]

the Dovetail option sounds fine to me Rob

[GazOC]

I'd use the rings straight onto the mount. It's a lot easier.

[russ]

Rob,

Take a look at the 'Saddle Plate for the SkyView Equatorial Mount' on the Telescope Service website:

http://www.telescope-service.de/mounts/start/mountsstart.html

It's getting around the same problem with their Skyview mount. If the mounting holes are in the same place, it should work. I notice they have two sets of holes, so it could be a winner. That will convert your mount to the dovetail system as well. Which will make fitting the Skymax 127 easier.

Regards

Russ

[russ]

Or just fit the rings to the mount as Gaz says providing there enough room between the dew shield and focuser.

Russ

[GazOC]

The length my be a problem, I had a 100mm f5 mounted on a EQ3/2 with the rings attached straight to the mount, how long is the Sentinal?

That TS link off Russ is also a good choice, my last resort would be drilling into the scope TBH.

[FLO]

Interesting thread this,

Rob, I have the same scope (Revelation 80 from Telescope-House; better diagonal ) and an EQ3 - both waiting for me to find a way of joining them.

Perhaps Arthur can help?

[Rob]

Just not sure what to do?. that adapter from Ts Ithink if Im right here is going to come in at £60!!

[GazOC]

Measure space inbetween the holes on the EQ3/2 and the ask the seller the length of the tube body of the scope. At least you'll know if it's possible to just use the rings.

the TS price is in Euros I think, so about £40.

[Naz]

Not sure of which adapter plate you're talking about, but if you divide the amount in euro's by 1.45 that will give you an approx price in £

The one I noticed came in at 38 euros, divide that by 1.45 = £26 approx.

nabban

[russ]

Rob,

Not sure which adapter you're looking at on that page but the one I had in mind is going for €52 or £35. It looks like this:

You'll be able to use standard Synta dovetails on your EQ3. More importantly hot swap between the refractor, Newt and Mak, all in a matter of seconds.

Russ

[Naz]

Is the shoe fitted to the tube by screws? I can't see it being machined out of one piece, if it is, simply unscrew foot, fit rings, easy (maybe?)

nabban

[Rob]

Its not as easy as that I'm affraid., its the distance on the body to allow rings to be fitted.

Rob

[Rob]

Hang on........... just been reviewin some pictures of the mount, it has a lip off to one side with a machined hole???... I wonder if thats enough to bolt the foot on?.

&

It measures 3cm by 5cm, not sure of the foot dimensions?.

Rob

[FLO]

Thats my Plan B...

[Grant]

Scopes and skies sell it on an eq3 as well:

I just can't quite make out how they do it, perhaps it's worth firing them an email?

[Rob]

Hi Grant, I had a conversation with them about this.. they say its not an eq3 / astro 3 thats in the picture!! :?. They claim that this an eq2 style mount, and that many people had called them to complain.

Nice thought though matey!!

Rob

[Grant]

Thats pretty dumb of them, especially when the image on their website is called: "Sentenial and EQ3 sq.jpg"

[Naz]

It sure looks like my EQ3!

nabban

[Rob]

My thoughts also.... I was left very confused to be honest!!!

[FLO]

It looks nothing like mine (EQ3-2)

[Rob]

Ditto Steve... I have the 3-2 version also (but it now has HEQ5 steel legs).

[GazOC]

The mount in Grants picture looks more like a EQ2.

[FLO]

... it now has HEQ5 steel legs.

You just had to go one better

[Rob]

... it now has HEQ5 steel legs.

You just had to go one better

:laugh:

@ £56 from Sherwoods...its a must!.