Hi. I´m trying to design my first telecope and i've already came up with some good definied ideias. It´s gonna be a 8'' Newtonian f/6 (don´t know when). I already found a equatorial mount design that a like VERY MUCH. It´s the Split Ring E.M. My problem is this:

How can i balance the scope? Every one i found on the web lacks counterweights (which was a very important fact in my choice)... I´ve already donne some drawings, but this problem persists...

Thanks for the attention

Mercyless

go for it dude, put the telescope together first, and then worry about balancing the scope afterwords. go to a local sporting goods store look for led or something heavy that could fit the scope. dont be afraid to improvise. maybe even spring load the scope kinda like a dob.

if you can provide more details on the scope and a more in depth plan on what you need help with........email me at evdog2k2@hotmail.com .

I was beginning to think that know one would reply my post...

The thing is that i don't mind improvising... on the project fase. You see, i am an engineer and i am used to project and plan everything before "getting to work". All material bend (flex), so, I suspect that all split-ring E.M. i've seen on the web, lack conterweights because of the thickness of the materials that compose the mount and the spots where you old the R.A. ring. If it is so, i can calculate, depending on the material i use, the optimal parameters to make the entire equipment according to my wishes (light and with a low profile).

I don´t have to build the scope to balance it... on paper. Math and Physics RULE...

Thank´s for the answer...

Keep on "talking"

See ya

None of the split-ring equatorials that I've seen or observed with have required counterweights, as least in the traditional GEM sense. For some examples see http://dvaa.org/Stellafane1999.html (bottom of the page), http://www.stellafane.com/ (2000 winners of the competition - craftsmanship - fourth place tie; 2001 winners of the competition - craftsmanship - second place), and http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dstore.cgi?page=about

There are plans for building a split-ring at http://www.astronomydaily.com/atm/splitring.asp

Perhaps consulting some of the ATM pages listed at http://www.saao.ac.za/~wpk/atm.html will also be helpful.

Dave Mitsky

__________________
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De gustibus non est disputandum.
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Thanks a lot for the input Dave. I've already scoped out most of the sites you indicated. Craig's equipment, for instance, is, in my opinion, a work of art (http://dvaa.org/Stellafane1999.html). But, can you confirm my suspects (previous post)? Or give me a sugestion or two ?

Thanks a lot people.