ASKAR 103 APO TRIPLET ON AZ5 WITH ADM DUAL SADDLE PLATE KIT.

[paulastro]

I wanted to use my Askar 103 apo with my AZ5 mount as a grab and go, but  with the mount rated at only 5Kg and the loaded scope  being  5.5 Kilos plus it seemed unlikely.

I bought the ADM Dual saddle plate kit for the AZ5 as I wasn't happy hanging the Apo from the single fork secured with only one screw.  I fitted it and feels much more more robust.  Link below.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-replacement-saddles/adm-dual-saddle-for-sky-watcher-az5-mount.html

I had a suitable tripod, an Artcise AS88C cabon fibre photo tripod rated for up to 36Kg which is easily up to the job of carrying the rig.

The Askar is f6.8, so to shorten the tube ( to reduce the torque) I removed a 4inch section of the tube which unscrews for imaging and binoscoping purposes. In this  mode the tube with the dew cap retracted in only 19.5 inches long. Pic below on AZ5 with ADM saddle fitted.

AZ5 with ADM mod below.

Below.  Scope with dew shield extended, diagonal, eyepiece and focuser extended to infinity focus,  and in the diagonal are a 35mm and 50mm 2inch extender necessary when the tube has the four inch section removed in order to reach focus at infinity.

Despite the shortened tube, it is still necessary to precisely balance the scope, such that when the clutch knobs are loosened the scope can be moved  smoothly in azimuth and altitude and not move when released. The clutches can then be tightened a little to enable the flow motions to be used.  This all works very well.  

The relatively long dovetail ensures there is no difficulty in balancing the scope precisely whatever accessory is added to the scope.

Also accessories such as finders and the Starsense Explorer phone holder can easily be mounted on the the handle ( on the left) which is threaded for mouting accessories along it's entire length.  If mounted at the balance point of the telescope they have no affect on the balance.  See pic below.

The AZ5 with the ADM mod, shortening the tube, having an over-long dovetail and a useful handle for attaching accessories  (particularly at the balance point) and precisely balancing the telescope  ensure a smoothly moving and stable grab and go.

 

 

 

Edited May 27 by paulastro

[Space Hopper]

Looks a nice little setup.

I've considered one of these 103's myself, and they are certainly at a compelling price point.

Interested to see how it performs optically under the stars......