EQ6 Tripod With Berlebach Spreader

[johninderby]

Having been spoiled by the ease of setting up my Berlebach tripod decided to see if I could fit the Berlebach spreader to the EQ6 tripod. Besides making setup quick and easy, just pull the legs out into position and that’s it, the tripod and mount can be tucked away in a corner as they don’t take up much space.

First thing was to sort out leg brackets for the spreader to fit to. Two inch stage clamps fit the legs perfectly and have a flat  mounting area at the front for bolting things to. Available in silver or black.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XKD416Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then needed U brackets to bolt to the stage clamps. Found the perfect sized ones in steel on eBay. Just need a hole drilling in the centre of the back for a bolt. That’s the only drilling needed in the whole project. The U brackets have 14mm dia holes in the end which are perfect for fitting aluminium bushes. I used 6mm thick bushes which had to be pressed into the holes in the bracket using a vice after filing off the powder coating on the inside of the bracket holes. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/U-BRACKET-Hole-Diameter-14mm-Tool-Clip-Tube-Bracket-40mm-inside-25-x-3-0-Steel/272635937514?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=571760884136&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/14MM-Dia-Aluminum-Stand-Off-Spacers-Collar-Bonnet-Raisers-Bushes-with-M6-Hole/192808334396?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=492946850825&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

You could use pieces of aluminium C section instead of the U brackets and bushes but getting hold of the right size in small offcuts is the problem. Buying a 2500mm length no problem though but with the cost including shipping might as well buy the steel U brackets and bushes.

The ends of the spreader fit into the U brackets perfectly and are secured with an M6 x 60mm bolt.

I replaced the wingnuts that came with the stage clamps with some adjustable arm types just because they look better really.

 

Pleased with the outcome of this little project which not only works well but looks good as well.

[johninderby]

More photos.

[JeremyS]

Nice job, John.

You always make these things look so easy. I know I'd mess it up 🙂

[johninderby]

Replaced the tripod long centre bolt with a short one which is simply an M10 knob. Used M10 as with the Geoptik adaptor on the tripod the TS version of the Skytee is an EQ5 fitting. Just put a nut on the inside of the tripod top to keep the knob in place when no mount is fitted. Lot easier than buying the seeminly unobtainable shouldered bolt and with the nut accomplishes the same thing. If I want to fit a short M12 knob I could just drill out the hole in the tripod top to 12.5mm and use a nut on the inside.

[ScouseSpaceCadet]

That looks really pro. Your ammo storage is a little sloppy though!

 

[RiponJas]

Proper job John. Looks spot on. 👍

Jas 

[johninderby]

Now I can tuck away a mount either side of the conservatory doors out of the way but only a few feet to carry to the patio. 👍🏻

[steveex2003]

Did  you use any type of adhesive for the spacer bushes, or is it pure friction fit?

Good looking job BTW

[johninderby]

Yes it’s just a tight friction fit. Pure luck that the tolerances were just right. 🙂

Edited June 13, 2019 by johninderby

[Alan White]

Looks amazing John.
As others have said, you always make things look so easy and well presented.