EQ3 mount attach question

[neiil phillips]

Hi guys. I am tying to rebuild my daughters small 4.5 reflector

It originally had a EQ1 Attached. But i want to attach a old eq3 head to it, the central column hole is too small. So i suspect i will need a new central puck that fits both the eq3 head and eq1 tripod aluminium tripod legs. Any ideas the cheapest way i could do this ?

 

Edited October 16, 2020 by neiil phillips

[RT65CB-SWL]

Hi @neiil phillips & daughter and welcome to SGL. 

Personally, I think you are better off buying a new/replacement tripod. Lighter tripods do tend to vibrate for a few seconds after the slightest touch or breeze.

Have a look here... https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/ 
or here... https://www.astroboot.co.uk/AstroBoot#

[banjaxed]

You should be able to buy an adapter, I am sure you will need a 1/4" to 3/8" .

[lenscap]

Hi Neiil, and welcome to SGL.

The EQ3 head is far superior to the EQ1, but you will get no benefit by mounting it on an EQ1 tripod which is just too flimsy.

As said, I suggest you try to find a second-hand EQ3 tripod. Although it is also extruded Aluminium it is a much more substantial affair than the EQ1 version & will easily cope with a 4.5" Newt.

[neiil phillips]

24 minutes ago, Philip R said:

Hi @neiil phillips & daughter and welcome to SGL. 

Personally, I think you are better off buying a new/replacement tripod. Lighter tripods do tend to vibrate for a few seconds after the slightest touch or breeze.

Have a look here... https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/
or here... https://www.astroboot.co.uk/AstroBoot#

  Agreed phillip. But even with the flimsy eq1. Viewing was ok. Apart from very windy nights. Its just a makeshift upgrade i am after

 

[neiil phillips]

2 minutes ago, lenscap said:

Hi Neiil, and welcome to SGL.

The EQ3 head is far superior to the EQ1, but you will get no benefit by mounting it on an EQ1 tripod which is just too flimsy.

As said, I suggest you try to find a second-hand EQ3 tripod. Although it is also extruded Aluminium it is a much more substantial affair than the EQ1 version & will easily cope with a 4.5" Newt.

 Hi lenscap What tripod would fit the old eq3 head do you know ?

 

[neiil phillips]

24 minutes ago, banjaxed said:

You should be able to buy an adapter, I am sure you will need a 1/4" to 3/8" .

Any idea where i could get that ? just keeping my options open

 

Edited October 16, 2020 by neiil phillips

[lenscap]

45 minutes ago, neiil phillips said:

Hi lenscap What tripod would fit the old eq3 head do you know ?

The ally tripod that comes with the current EQ3-2 also fits the old black EQ3.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/equatorial-astronomy-mounts/skywatcher-eq3-2-deluxe.html

The 1.75" tubular steel (EQ5) tripods also fit, though more  expensive of course.

[banjaxed]

50 minutes ago, neiil phillips said:

Any idea where i could get that ? just keeping my options open

 

You will find plenty on eBay.

[neiil phillips]

1 hour ago, banjaxed said:

You will find plenty on eBay.

Just to be clear what search exactly should try on ebay ?

[neiil phillips]

1 hour ago, lenscap said:

The ally tripod that comes with the current EQ3-2 also fits the old black EQ3.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/equatorial-astronomy-mounts/skywatcher-eq3-2-deluxe.html

The 1.75" tubular steel (EQ5) tripods also fit, though more  expensive of course.

Thats good info thanks. The link just shows a new mount. Not just the tripod

[Astrid]

If you can stretch your budget, get these: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-star-adventurer/sky-watcher-38-stainless-steel-tripod.html (probably 50gbp second hand)

A bit more expensive, but will definitely be waay more sturdy. 

[banjaxed]

1 hour ago, neiil phillips said:

Just to be clear what search exactly should try on ebay ?

1/4” to 3/8” tripod / telescope adapter.

[neiil phillips]

47 minutes ago, banjaxed said:

1/4” to 3/8” tripod / telescope adapter.

Hi again. The problem is the mount head lip does not fit inside the EQ1 tripod hole, illustrated in the pics. The hole is too small for the mount lip. I need the eq3 part. 

[RT65CB-SWL]

From what I read, I think @neiil phillips is attempting to attach the EQ3/2 to the mounting plate of his EQ1 tripod.

Most mounts, (including the ones I own and/or previously owned), have been or are 3/8", M10 or M12...
1/4" would be to small for an EQ3/2.

If this is the scenario, then he would need a short length of threaded rod, a washer and matching nut with hand grip
or bolt with hand grip.

[neiil phillips]

1 minute ago, Philip R said:

From what I read, I think @neiil phillips is attempting to attach the EQ3/2 to the mounting plate of his EQ1 tripod.

Most mounts, (including the ones I own and/or previously owned), have been or are 3/8", M10 or M12...
1/4" would be to small for an EQ3/2.

If this is the scenario, then he would need a short length of threaded rod, a washer and matching nut with hand grip
or bolt with hand grip.

Nearly correct. I am attempting to attach the EQ3/1 head to the mounting plate of the EQ1 tripod.

But the tripod mounting plate hole is too small.  

[RT65CB-SWL]

1 hour ago, neiil phillips said:

Nearly correct. I am attempting to attach the EQ3/1 head to the mounting plate of the EQ1 tripod.

But the tripod mounting plate hole is too small.  

What diameter is it?

[neiil phillips]

33 minutes ago, Philip R said:

What diameter is it?

The eq3 mount head lip measures 1.1/4 inch The tripod mounting hole measures 1 inch