In need of counterwieghts for EQ mount.

[Brian Castro]

I have an Orion Atlas Pro AZEQ-G mount but it did not come with any counterweights. Does anyone have extra counterweights lying around that they would be willing to sell me? They need to have a 1" center hole gap. 

If not, perhaps tips on where else I can find them for cheap.

I should add I don't even yet have a telescope for it (I am borrowing a friends in the meantime) so I'm not sure what weight I should be aiming for.

[Alex]

One of the options is to 3D print it. Surely, just as a hollow "puck" which you then fill with some lead shot/fishing weights. There are formulae for the volume/weight given the target lead shot size (hint: search on ammo reloading resources).

[John Pierce]

On Mon, Oct 16, 2023 at 6:51 PM Alex <alex.k...@gmail.com> wrote:

One of the options is to 3D print it. Surely, just as a hollow "puck" which you then fill with some lead shot/fishing weights. There are formulae for the volume/weight given the target lead shot size (hint: search on ammo reloading resources).

clamping a hollow plastic counterweight to the polished steel counterweight bar could prove challenging. 

 For the old school Vixen SP mounts I have, I've got up to 8 kg (17.6 lb) weights for the skinnier 20mm shaft diameter they use, this counterbalanced a EQ mounted C8 with a piggyback Meade 320 80mm f/11 achromat,   Quite unwieldy on the SP mount, the C8 on its own is about the upper limit for visual.

[Bret McKee]

I'm pretty sure I have one, but I'm traveling right now. It sounds like you're not in a hurry so when I get back I can let you know..

Bret

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[Alex]

John, a 1/4x20 stopper bolt with a 3DP handle is mandatory on these at any rate.

-alex

[ma...@astrospotter.com]

Not recommending 3d print for such a large weight.  In the sun of CalStar or any outdoor party PLA will 'flow'.   It is an interesting 'experiment' just the same.   Some promise but it is still an experiment so have a backup plan.  I agree with John on screw.

Marko

[Brian Castro]

That would be great! When are you expecting to get back home?

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[Alex]

John. PLA??? That's for the quick prototyping and beginners learning 3DP only (well, also PLA is good for food safe toys for the kids licking and for healthily decomposing  landfills :) )

For production I'm using ABS, PETG, Nylon, PC, sometimes also carbon fiber filled for stiffness. Zero issues in the hottest summer heat.
-Alex