DIY Counterweight bar

[A.S.I.G.N_Baz]

Made this from some threshold plate and some 20 x 20 alum square bar. The weight will attach to the adjustable slider block to achieve balance point. Screwed into existing holes in the OTA.

Baz.

http://i19.tinypic.com/673wra9.jpg
http://i18.tinypic.com/5xep8iq.jpg
http://i18.tinypic.com/6f5zdph.jpg
http://i15.tinypic.com/4t87ntz.jpg

[Radar]

Looks awesome Baz. Have you road tested it yet?

Ray

[A.S.I.G.N_Baz]

Not yet Ray, I have to make some weights tomorrow. I will post pics when I'm done.

Baz.

[Radar]

Just looking at those pictures. I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think your Celestron telescope allows the secondary mirror to be interchangeable with a CCD camera. From memory you can shoot at F2. If I'm right, this is something you might want to explore, because you would be increasing your FOV (which is good for certain objects), but also your exposure times would come down phenomenally.

If this secondary mirror can be changed, keep me posted because I'd like to learn more about how well it does.

Cheers mate

Ray

[A.S.I.G.N_Baz]

Just looking at those pictures. I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think your Celestron telescope allows the secondary mirror to be interchangeable with a CCD camera. From memory you can shoot at F2. If I'm right, this is something you might want to explore, because you would be increasing your FOV (which is good for certain objects), but also your exposure times would come down phenomenally.

If this secondary mirror can be changed, keep me posted because I'd like to learn more about how well it does.

Cheers mate

Ray

Yes you're right mate. It can be changed for a CCD. I can't afford it though. :duh:

I got the counterweight finished and the telescope balances perfectly...hence the Lagoon image in the photography threads.

The weight is a sealed peice of RHS with a hole drilled in one end and filled with lead shot. This way I can change the weight if I need to.

After a sand and paint it should look quite attractive.

Baz.