[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

(meteorobs) Re: Astroscan Bracket.

Lew Gramer wrote:
> 
> Ron writes:
> >If you would like details of the bracket, let me know.
> 
> You bet, Ron! I've been dying to adapt the AS as a finder ever since I got my
> current 20" scope! If I could figure out some way to stabilize and align that
> bad boy, and still pop it off to use by itself, I'd love it!
> 
> Then Waynewrights:
> >God Bless the Astroscan.

Hi Lew
The bracket I made is quite simple but you would need a little
metalworking skill and some tools including; a hacksaw, 3/16 & 5/16
drills and drilling machine of some sort, and a 1/4-20 tap, to make it
yourself.  The only material required is about 3 feet of 1/4 x 1" steel
(I used) or aluminum.  You will also require 4 - 1/4-20 hex head bolts
(preferrably plated or stainless steel) and 3 - 1/4 lockwashers.

Cut off 16" of the material and deburr the ends.  This now has to be
bent to a "U" shape which is 5.1/2" inside.  Use a round former 5.1/2"
dia (I don't recommend the telescope tube) and get the bend centered
between the ends of the metal.  The two straight sections worked out to
about 3.1/4" each. Drill a 5/16 hole half an inch from each end.  You
can now bolt this to the two threaded inserts at each side of the tube.

For the second part of the bracket cut off 15" of the metal and drill a
5/16' dia hole 1/2" from each end.  You now have to put two 45 degree
bends, the first at 2.1/4" from one end, and one at 3" from the first. 
Bend both in the same direction so that the two end staight pieces are
at right angles. This can now be bolted in the threaded insert on the
ball and the two brackets tweaked so that they abut each other.  It is
now necessary to drill (3/16) and tap a 1/4-20 at the bottom of the "U"
to bolt the two brackets together.  I put two extra holes each side
(making a total of five) at 45 degrees so that I can turn the eyepiece
to the most convenient angle for viewing.
The last job is to drill and tap 3 - 1/4-20 holes 1" apart along the 45
degree section to attach to the tripod.  The three holes give adjustment
for balance.  I also put an extra tapped hole along the bottom straight
section to give more elevation adjustment as my tripod only rotates in
elevation from 45o down to 45o up.  I leave the whole assembly on the
telescope as it makes a useful handle.

This I mount to my video camera tripod which has a fluid head which
gives a beautiful silky movement.  I have also mounted a Telrad type
finder made by Rigel Systems, which is short and tall making it easy to
sight over the ball.  

I hope you are able to understand all this and make a succesful mounting
bracket for your trusty Astroscan.

Best wishes
Ron
References: