Re: [APML] APML Portable Mount for AstroPhotography

["mstecker" <mstecker@dslextreme.com>]

Hello Eddie:

 

Are you a weight-lifter?  I have used a portable aluminum pier (tripod) for my Astrophysics-900 mount.  It weighs 70 pounds (the tripod alone) and is rock solid.  Astro-Physics makes aluminum portable piers that weigh far less than mine and are still very solid.  If conditions are severe, you could fill the pier with sand (ala Martin Germano).  That would make it very heavy and stable.

 

In other words an aluminum pier-tripod is what I wound suggest for you.

 

 

Michael Stecker
mstecker@dslextreme.com

 

My Web Site:
http://www.homestead.com/mstecker/index.html (INDEX)
http://www.homestead.com/mstecker/astrogallery.html (Astroimage Index) http://www.homestead.com/mstecker/placesindex.html (Places Index)

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Eddie Guscott

To: astro-photo@seds.org

Sent: Monday, March 18, 2002 10:26 AM

Subject: [APML] APML Portable Mount for AstroPhotography

 

Hi All

 

Joined this list a week ago. I like very much the willingness of people who seem to want to help us realtive newbies.

 

I've recently started getting some good (by my standards) results on film but only from my backyard (mag 4 (ish) skies that limit me to 12-15 minute exposures (on Kodak Elite Chrome 200 slide film - unhypered).

 

My scope setp (a 12 inch F4 reflector) is permanently setup and I am considering have a portable pier made to allow me to get to darker (for the U.K.) sites for photogrpahy.

 

My question: Should I have the mount made from steel (this would be heavy but just portable) or from aluminium (lightweight but strong).

 

Considering the U.K. weather (frequently windy) would an aluminium pier prove to lightweight.

 

I use an Aim Controls EQ2 mount (total weight of OTA, mount & counterweights about 100lbs.)

 

The pier would be about 20 - 24 inches in height.

 

Appreciate any advice.

 

Thanks

Eddie Guscott

Corringham, Essex, England