Balancing a Skymax 127 with a Evoguide 50

[Greg Shaw]

Hi Guys

I was wondering if anyone has managed to balance a SkyMax 127 with an Evoguide 50 attached?

I had a go by offsetting the vixen mount that came with my Skymax but there is just too much weight from the Evoguide and I can't rotate the Skymax because its not fitted with rings.

I would like to use the Evoguide with the Skymax so that I can guide the scope for longer exposures.

Thanks Greg 

[JamesF]

I'm assuming you're using the standard finder shoe on the Mak and that is offset to one side of the OTA to mount the Evoguide?

I think I'd be tempted to add a bit more weight to the other side of the OTA to balance it out, to be honest.  Or you can probably add the weight elsewhere if it would be more convenient.

The alternative is probably to add a second shoe to the OTA in line with the axis so the weight of the guider is balanced when placed in it.

James

[Greg Shaw]

Hi James

Thanks for getting back to me. Yes I am currently using the standard offset finder shoe on the Mac.

What would you recommend to use to add more weight to the other side of the OTA? As I am used to Reflectorr I normally have tube rings which I can attach additional items to.

Thanks 

[JamesF]

I've used zip ties before now, but I've known other people use weights attached to magnets.

James

[Neil H]

Hi on my VX8L i used stick on car wheel balance weights just paint them to match scope colour

[Greg Shaw]

Thanks guys

I've managed to track down down rings which will fit the Skymax https://www.telescope.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&siteCode=US&keyword=144mm+ID+Orion+Telescope+Tube+Rings

They are in the US though so currently working with the store to see if the EU store can offer them

[Macavity]

Can you not find / use a UK supplier... most carry Tube Rings.  🥳
<-- Checks for hisself...
Aside: I do now see what you mean re. Delivery times though. 😐

Good luck with it!

P.S. Pity uz poor MAK150 owners. There's a challenge - Finding
rings to fit. Eventually had to remove the "fuzzy felt" and was
thankful for having an original "Gold" one. Thinner paint!!! 😅
 

Edited October 24, 2020 by Macavity

[Macavity]

P.P.S. A random suggestion, I decided that the (splendid!) Evoguide
was a bit heavy to mount on TOP of smaller scopes. I made a (cheap!)
"multicope bar" from 6mm Ali - Now mount my finders "alongside"...

OK, on an EQ mount, but any lowering of centre of gravity helps. 🙃

Edited October 24, 2020 by Macavity