RE: ATM Counterbalancing a Dobsonian

["(RIA) Durkin, Kenneth M" <k.durkin@state.gov>]

Here's my cheap, fast, low-tech, and tasty solution.  I used an empty
single-serving size can of Pringles filled with penny rolls to balance my 8
inch Dobsonian.  I mounted the can to the scope with a universal mounting
bracket from Radio Shack.  It works great.  Ken

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Don Heffernan [SMTP:donheff@cais.net]
> Sent:	Monday, April 09, 2001 7:44 AM
> To:	atm@shore.net
> Subject:	ATM Counterbalancing a Dobsonian
> 
> 
> My high school daughter and I just completed a six inch Dobsonian
> yesterday and we are having trouble with balance.  We use three lenses
> and have a barlow on the way.  Currently the scope stays very steady
> with our 17mm eyepiece, and pretty good with a 10mm eyepiece.  The 26mm
> eyepiece is heavy enough to make the scope drift.  I hate to think what
> the Barlow will do.
> 
> We have 4" PVC caps for altitude bearings, each riding on two 1" teflon
> magic sliders.  The movement is very smooth so I don't want to tighten
> things up much.
> 
> Do ATMers use dynamic weighting to deal with this problem?  I am
> thinking of hanging a little basket off the bottom end and adding weight
> as needed.  That would work but certainly doesn't seem esthetically
> elegant.  Any suggestions from those who have been there before us?
> 
> --
> Don Heffernan
> heffernan.cais.net
> 
>