Balancing the tube on the paramount. The RA axis is no problem thanks to the
counterweights on the other end. What have people done as far as adding
counterweights to the tube itself to balance out the
camera/filterwheel/reducer, etc. on the other end? I have the tube slid as
far forward as possible in the mounting rings, and it's still way
overbalanced on the rear end.
Good question! I don't use tube rings. I have mine on a Losmandy dovetail.
I have the OTA pretty far forward on the dovetail. Hanging off the corrector
end of the dovetail I have placed a Losmandy dovetail weight set. At ten
pounds, it's still not enough. I'm looking for ideas here as well.
Also, what are people using for pointers/guidescopes, and how do you have
them mounted?
As a "finder scope" I have an Orion Short tube 80 (80mm f/5 refractor) with
a PC-23 video camera hanging off the back. I obtained the ST80 used for $100.
A finder scope doesn't need fine optics.
- Dan
