Side-by-side (guide/finder) scope?

[Macavity]

Many of you have very impressive twin (more?) SCOPE setups using
side-by-side mounting systems! But at the more modest level, I am
trying to lessen the off-axis load on my HEQ5 mount by considering
ways of mounting a 50mm guide/finder to the side of my 8" Newt! ?

Looking for *inspiration* ... re. DIY or (less expensive!) commercial
Vixen-type clamps / bars / rings etc. I envisage the main scope as
(still) being central and the comparatively lightweight finder which
won't destroy the overall balance of the system all THAT much?!? ?

Any Pictures? ?

[Anthonyexmouth]

Post a pic of your current setup. Not sure a side by side is really appropriate for a newt and small guide scope. 

[hughgilhespie]

Hi,

If the small scope is purely for guiding and will not be used visually I would suggest you mount it on top of the Newtonian, vertically above the normal balance point. Mounting like that will minimise the off-axis loads. If you are really concerned you might consider switching to one of the mini-guider type guide scopes. I have used the QHY variety with success. They are very light and I'm sure your EQ5 would cope wherever you mounted the guide scope.

However, if you need to use the scope as a visual finder, neither of the above suggestions are any use.  

For the actual mounting of the guide scope, kinematic principles are very helpful. Again if you are only guiding and not finding, the guide scope doesn't need to be accurately aligned with the OA of the Newt so I would think about using one or maybe two home made wooden V-blocks that the guide scope can sit in and an elastic / Velcro strap to hold the guide scope, in the V-blocks against the Newtonian's tube. Provided the elastic strap is giving a decent pull, it will be held very securely but can be removed / moved around easily to and there is no need for drilling / altering the main telescope.

HTH

Regards, Hugh

[Macavity]

Thank you for the above. I suspect (hope) the requirements of a Video Finder
are less stringent than guide scope. Anyway, I found some 12" x 3" Aluminium 
5mm bar and decided to mount the finder (and small counter weights!) either
side of  - and *below* the scope. Seems to work. The mount still balances with
the FULL load - With the standard weights at a reasonable-ish position. ?