 | Side view of the scope on the new wedge. The wedge
is set for 56 degrees tilt, which is the co-latitude for our
34N location. This angle leans the scopes polar axis back to
point toward Polaris so the clock drive motor will keep the stars
motionless in the field. You can see the adjust bars on the sides
to allow +/- 10 degrees of tilt adjust for all latitudes in North
America. |
 | Underside
of the wedge plate. The one inch hole is for the AC plug to enter.
Just below it is the large black knob that is the bolt that holds
the scope in place with its 1/4-20 base mount thread. The hinges
are super heavy duty steel door hinges capable of supporting
hundreds of pounds on a steel entry door. On the base, a 1/2-13
nut attaches it to the base plate of the Meade SCT tripod. I
would eventually like this to be a large threaded knob or wing
nut. |
 | Operator
side view. Note the three shallow pockets on the tab on the base
that is for holding oculars. They are 1.5" diameter and
lined on the bottom with laminated quality rubber. Also note
a VERY critical item - the two white delrin pegs just below the
base of the telescope base. This pair holds the scope in the
exact position while you are busy putting the bolt on the bottom
to hold it in place. Dont want to drop anything now do we... |
 | Final
view on the Meade 8/10" SCT heavy duty tripod. Polar aligned
and ready for action! I actually did observe the Sun with a full
aperture solar filter right after this shot was taken. So wonderful
not to have to worry about a shaky tripod ready to fall backwards
anymore! |
