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DIY Parallelogram Mount


lenscap

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I enjoy stargazing with binoculars but even with 10 x 50's the effect of handshake can be noticeable and trying to hold them still can be stressful.  So I built a parallelogram mount to use with an old "EQ3" tripod,  using materials already to hand.

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The forks & mounting plate assembly are made from 19mm oak, from an old kitchen-cabinet door.

The "horizontals" are 17 x 57mm pine.

The pivots are M6 bolts. The holes in one plate of each fork are tapped M6 (using a modified M6 bolt as the tap) so the bolts are tight enough to adjust and maintain the friction and locknuts are not required.

The parallelogram is 510 x 140mm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The "bearings" are CD's.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Since the EQ3 tripod head  has an Azimuth peg an adapter is needed.

The mount is secured by a 100mm M8 through-bolt & Thumbwheel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With the tripod at maximum extension the C of G of the bino's is 75 inches (1900mm) above ground level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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And with the tripod at minimum the bino mounting screw is 22 inches (560mm) above ground so you can observe the zenith while laying flat on a recliner.

 

 

 

It's amazing how relaxing & stress-free it is to observe with a parallelogram mount. You see much more & you can keep your hands warm in your pockets.😀

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That is brilliant, thanks for showing it.  I might just be moved to drag the horrid eq1 mount from the loft, and the bits of dismantled ikea sofa frame from the shed ...  it would be less classy than oak, but free is my favourite price 🙂

Heather

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5 minutes ago, theropod said:

Would those brass threaded inserts used in furniture work for the pinch bolts?

I think so. You might have to put spring washers under the bolt heads.

Using inserts would allow you to use softwood for the forks. Threads tapped in softwood would wear away quickly. Or you could use longer bolts with nylock nuts.

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