Counter weights?

Hi all,

im just wondering what the story is with counter weights on scopes i know its for balance....just wondering why some scopes have two weights on them an some have one...is it to do with scope size??

That and other equipment that might be added such as cameras and heavier eyepieces.

just wondering why some scopes have two weights on them an some have one...is it to do with scope size??

That is simply to make up the combined weight needed to balance the mount i.e. a 3lb and a 5lb pair make up the same as an 8lb weight (like that which is used on the LXD75 6" mount). You would then have smaller weights to add for additions like e.g. a DSLR camera or a binoviewer (another 1lb), perhaps a larger (Nagler?) eyepiece, and so on.

Seanie.

Im using an LXD75 mount with an Orion 8" up onit instead of the meade 6" that came with it but i changed the weight on it that was on the original mount that came with the orion and took off the lxds weight

Its much easier for the motors (goto scope) to move a balanced scope as all it has to overcome is its inertia and not its weight, bring weight into it and motors tend to not last, so this is the reason why some go to great lengths to balance the system.

Kinda like a car going uphill in the wrong gear. The gears will burn out faster then a car that is in the right gear going up the same hill.