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Subject: [M]: LX200: Wedge Mods cont. (was LX200 Polar Alin. Wrong Star??)
From: Rob Roy
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Tue Oct 08 06:04:31 1996

Earlier, I gave a description of some mods to my standard wedge, but left
out the az. adjustment changes. Here they are. It works the same way as
the superwedge does, but the pin comes up from the tripod head (instead of
going down) and the moveable "arm" fits on top of that.

The third hold down bolt for the wedge was replaced with a 3/8"-16 pin
coming up 3/16" through and above the wedge when installed. A hex shaped
piece of Al 9/16" across by 1&1/2'long was centrally threaded 3/8"-16 along
its lenght (would do 24 or 32 threads if I were to do it again.) A 3/8"
wide slot was cut 3/16" deep (to just miss the threaded hole) in the middle
at right angles to its length to match and fit over the 3/8" tripod pin.

To move the Al hex piece, which carries the wedge around with it, is a
3/8"-16 rod which goes through it and through the sides of the wedge
uprights just ahead of the first outside strengthening vane. Those two
holes clear the 3/8" rod, ie, are not threaded. Giant knobs were placed on
each end. On the inside of the uprights through which the rod passes are
two small 3/8" rod connectors locked onto the rod with drilled and tapped
10-32 hex screws. They have to fit snuggly against the inside of the
uprights and then locked in place.

When the knobs are turned the central Al hex bar moves left and right and
"carries" the pin with it which moves the wedge in a circle (within the
limits of the kidney-shaped hole in the base of the wedge.)

Confused? Now you know why I was reluctant to try and describe what I had
done. {:-^) It may help to have your standard wedge in front of you if you
wish to follow this.

I have also replaced the bubble level (which I can't possibly see when I am
down at the bottom of the legs, trying to adjust them, anyway) with two
small line levels at right angles to each other and I added a couple of Al
straps across the back for extra strength.

There must be an easier way, but that's what I did.

Rob