writes:
>I will be building an observatory this year hopefully.
>
>I have a LX200 AltAz mount and am happy with this. I have no wish to
>get
>into photography yet and therefore no wish to buy a wedge.
>
>I am thinking of a steel tube pier in concrete. But I am having
>problems
>getting my head around how to mount the LX200 onto the top of the
>pier.
>
>I can envisage a welded plate on the top of the tube drilled like the
>tripod
>head for when I do want a wedge. But how do I get the bolt up
>underneath into
>the LX200?
>
>I've thought about having another plate on top onto which the LX200 is
>
>mounted. This plate is attached to the bottom welded to pier plate by
>4
>large bolts so that I can level it and maybe even adjust to true
>north. The
>gap between the 2 plates is sufficient to get a shortened bolt up into
>the
>LX200 base. All seems clumsy.
>
>Ideally I want a secure AltAz mount with the ability to mount a wedge
>sometime in the future. Also ideally some way of levelling (I'm sure I
>won't
>be able to get the pier 100% level).
>
>I've tried the usual sites but can't see anyone with a AltAz mounting
>on a
>steel pier.
>
>Anyone?
>
>TIA
>
>
>Mark
I would now make plans for the unit to run with a wedge, this way you
will be ready in case you want to change later. Use an 8" pipe for the
pier and cut two hand hole area to get at the bottom bolt and a 1" plate
weled to the top. Don't mount the pier in the center of your observing
area, mount as if you will be using a wedge. This way it will be ready
when you are for photography.

ric

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