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Parallelogram Mount Plans Suitable for Helios Apollo 22x85s


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Hi,

I posted this request on the 'mounts' section, but then I thought maybe it would be better to post it here in the binocular section.  I've owned the binoculars for a while, I had an abortive attempt using them on just a tripod and then not used them since but now I've become disabled I'd really like to be able to use them in a sitting position which will definitely require a p-mount.  I've seen the large Orion USA one on Amazon which would do the job but as I already have 2 suitable tripods I don't really want to have to spend £500 to get another tripod I don't need that comes with the Orion mount.

If anyone has plans for an aluminium binocular p-mount  that could handle the best part of 5kg weight of these binoculars, I'd hugely appreciate it.  I've not done nearly enough observing of late and I'd love to get some use out of the binoculars.  All the best to everyone

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OK, sensible answer now, there's an oldish thread on here that might help

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/204477-heavy-duty-diy-parallelogram-mount/

or http://binocrane.com/construction introduction.html

or http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=63,376,0,0,1,0

or scroll down to the bottom of this page for some more links https://binocularsky.com/binoc_mount.php

 

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On 14/05/2021 at 01:02, Zaphod_Beeblebrox52 said:

I've seen the large Orion USA one on Amazon which would do the job but as I already have 2 suitable tripods I don't really want to have to spend £500 to get another tripod I don't need that comes with the Orion mount.

I believe it's possible to get the Orion Monster without the tripod. (It certainly is with the smaller Paragon). I'd give you my links, but @Tiny Clanger has beaten me to it 🙂

  • Haha 1
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@Zaphod_Beeblebrox52 If you want to buy, there is always the Astro-devices one, available via eBay. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164450963062?hash=item264a0a8e76:g:G4YAAOSw8PpfiUmB

My review of it is at https://binocularsky.com/binoc_reviews.php

I believe that Valentin has tightened up the tolerances, improved the flexibility of the mounting so that longitudinal balance is now possible, and sorted out the shipping (I bought directly from him, not via ebay) in the 3 years since my review. Note that it does not come with counterweights, but is designed to fit the bog-standard Skywatcher/Vixen ones.

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I built my own. I don't really have a plan, but I am pleased with the result. I use a Dobson-like approach of Teflon disks to ensure smooth motion

  post-5655-0-24011400-1389190663_thumb.jpgpost-5655-0-62435900-1389190851_thumb.jpg

post-5655-0-10394400-1389190580_thumb.jpgpost-5655-0-83314400-1389190817_thumb.jpg

The parallelogram itself is held in a kind of fork mount. The arms of the parallelogram are made of thin strips of hardwood glued together to counter warping.

 

It holds my Helios LightQuest 16x80 bins very nicely indeed

IMG_20171209_134249.thumb.jpg.5c7f1e761554eceeaa60270c5dcd8619.jpg

IMG_20171209_134303.thumb.jpg.71ed8c7bda755d0e9981af0dcd86c3f9.jpg

IMG_20171209_134315.thumb.jpg.33ed2344693c335a67631eababd936be.jpg

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