Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Technical => Topic started by: mickw on Jan 28, 2008, 12:08:10

Title: Side by side plate
Post by: mickw on Jan 28, 2008, 12:08:10
Where's the best place to pick up some ally plate for side by side mount ?  I know it's been mentioned but can't find the post  :oops:
What sort of dimensions ?
After 3 hours trying to beat my ETX into submission and point in the right direction for more than 5 seconds, it's time for an upgrade  :(
Thanks
Mick
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: Ian on Jan 28, 2008, 12:24:15
TonyG had some. I've got some spare ally too. Will need some metalwork, but nothing too hard...
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jan 28, 2008, 12:29:28
aluminium droitwich e-bay
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: Tony G on Jan 28, 2008, 13:55:43
Mick,
I have a few of these brackets that can be worked on if you want, they are going free so just give us a PM if you require any.
That also goes for anyone else.

http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=2355.0 (http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=2355.0)

Tony G
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: mickw on Jan 28, 2008, 19:22:50
Thanks Ian, Chris and Tony - your pictures have disappeared from Flikr.
Being a lazy bugger, I think I'll take advantage of Ian's offer.
Ian, I'll PM you later, there's no rush, I have quite a few decisions to make yet.
Cheers,
Mick
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jan 29, 2008, 13:26:43
My pictures are still on flickr ?  Actually if you have a look at the observatory photo's you can see the heath robinson dual scope dovetail plate which cost me less than £30.

Chris
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: mickw on Jan 29, 2008, 13:41:28
Sorry Chris, I meant the pics on Tony's link.
The plate you put together looks a hell of a lot more rigid that the £115 job Ian King is selling.
Thanks,
Mick
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: Tony G on Jan 29, 2008, 18:17:18
Mick,

I didn't realise that when you took an image off flickr it removed it from here, what I'll do is put a few in the back of the car, and you can have a look next time I see you.

Tony G
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: mickw on Jan 30, 2008, 14:58:31
Thanks for that Tony, no rush.
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: Daniel on Feb 03, 2008, 11:07:08
I've just bought one of these M3 plates http://www.astrodevelopments.co.uk/ (http://www.astrodevelopments.co.uk/)

Im looking to get a guidescope, but thought I might aswell go for a decent scope i might be able to use for imaging too, so Im looking at putting a Skywatcher ED80 on there, my only worry is if this will be too heavy for my CG5 mount!

Also, does anyone know where I can buy counterweights? (preferably not crazy prices, i'm only just coming to terms with paying £100 for a drilled piece of metal)

Daniel
:O)
Title: Re: Side by side plate - now Got One
Post by: mickw on Feb 08, 2008, 15:13:52
Tony, Ian  Just picked one up at Astrofest.
15 1/4"x3 3/4"x1/2"  £35
Thanks anyway
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: Ian on Feb 08, 2008, 16:08:40
who from? that's a good price for astro kit...
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: mickw on Feb 08, 2008, 16:20:53
Astro Parts on the House of Optics stand top floor, also does dovetails, rings etc. etc.  His website doesn't really show many of his products, but the bloke (Brian Brooks) says he will make anything - and he's cheap  :)
Other bargain was an HEQ5 Pro Skyscan £629 from Optical Vision also top floor.
Title: Re: Side by side plate
Post by: Tony G on Feb 08, 2008, 17:17:27
Hi Mick,

The plates I got are spare anyway and you may be able to use them for something, so hopefully I'll be at Mikes tonight and can have them if you want.

Tony G