Build Custom Telescope Mount: Tips & Advice

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Physicsisfun2005
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on building a custom mount for a Meade 8" F/10 SCT telescope, specifically an older model identified as LX. The user seeks advice on constructing a tripod due to budget constraints at their observatory, where they also plan to acquire a new CCD camera from SBIG. Key recommendations include building a sturdy wooden tripod for alt-azimuth use and considering a wedge for polar alignment if astrophotography is intended. The functionality of the built-in motors is also a concern that requires testing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of telescope types, specifically SCT (Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope).
  • Basic woodworking skills for constructing a custom tripod.
  • Knowledge of polar alignment techniques for astrophotography.
  • Familiarity with telescope drive systems, both computerized and non-computerized.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to build a custom wooden tripod for telescopes.
  • Learn about polar alignment techniques for SCT telescopes.
  • Investigate the use of wedges for improving telescope tracking.
  • Test and troubleshoot the built-in motors of older telescope models.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur telescope builders, and observatory staff looking to optimize their equipment without incurring additional costs.

Physicsisfun2005
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alright...i have no experience with this...kinda weird i don't to think of it...anyways at the observatory i work at i was going though a closet and behold I find a Meade 8" F/10 SCT...it seems to be an older model b/c it just says LX on it...not even "LX200" or something like that plus it looks like it has a pre-LX200 classic control panel...anyways it doesn't have a mount/tripod...and i don't want to lobby the director to buy one b/c we run a tight budget (we are geting a new CCD camera from SBIG mmmm...mouth watering). I was wondering if anyone knows a good site for making ur own mount/tripod or if u have any tips that would be great. also will i need to get a wedge for it...since it seems a lot of the old SCT's have them?
 
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If the fork mount is OK, and you don't mind using it as an alt-azimuth instrument, you can build a sturdy wooden tripod and have at it. If it has a computerized drive that will work in Alt-az configuration, it should even track acceptibly, although field rotation will limit any astrophotography to snap shots. If it has non-computerized drives, or if you want to do any imaging, you will have to polar-align the scope before it will rotate at the proper rate to keep objects centered in the field, and prevent field rotation. This is where the wedge comes in. You align and adjust the wedge to point the forks directly at celestial north.
 
thanx...i'm not sure if the built in motors still work...i will have to try to fire them up
 

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