Re: ATM Counterbalancing a Dobsonian

["Bob May" <bobmay@nethere.com>]

Don, I don't know which EPs that you have but the typical 1.25" EPs all
weigh pretty much about the same within about a 2:1 ratio.  You might want
to spread the pads out on the elevation bearing a bit to increase the
friction slightly.
As to weights, the beanbag of something (lead shot,  a chunk of steel from
the scrapyard, etc.) on velcro is always an easy choice to make and if
readily adaptable to other things that you might put onto the scope.
When you get a barlow for the scope (probably the next purchase now that you
have a number of EPs) you will again need to rebalance the scope and thus,
the balancing system will be called upon to balance against more weight.