EQ6 Counterweigth shaft

Hey
I've looking for longer counterweight shaft for the Atlas EQ6. The counterweight shaft that comes with it is a bit short for my current setup, it requires 2 many weights to counter the 10kg scope + a 2kg scope. First Light Optics used to have them but no longer get them made, I know another company Criterion Machine have one but it is 2 expensive unless you want to add a bit of bling to the mount. Other then that i am considering getting one made from a 20-24mm solid stainless steel bar.
If anyone had one or know where i can get one made i would appreciate any suggestions?

Thanks
Mike

Mike

I'm running with a third counterweight (16.2kg in total for a 15-16kg pay load).

Can I ask why you'd prefer a longer bar?

I've spotted extension and/or replacement bars somewhere before - If I can retrace I'll post details.

Mark

Hey Mark
The balance between the scope+guidescope+cameras/eyepieces AND counterweights are not centered on the RA Axis, which i believe is causing me to need extra counterweights, which in turn adds to the total weight on the mount. At the moment i have 10.4Kg, i will need at least 4kg to balance the scope+guidescope without Cameras/Eyepieces. Adding another 5kg will leave me with only a spare 1kg which wont be enough. I would prefer not add any more weights or weight to the mount.

I would appreciate it if you could post the list.

Thanks
Mike

Mike

I think Altair Astro in the UK do a replacement shaft but it is expensive.

Have you thought about getting a weight to overhang the shaft.

I had the same problem with an EQ6 I used to have and I got a replacement counterweight from astrodevelopments.co.uk. John Rose makes his weights to overhang the bottom of the shaft so it effectively lengthens the shaft, also he can make the weights to order so I only needed one.

Rgds
Neil

I did a search - FLO do appear to have been the main supplier of such a yoke alright - but I did find these two products (in UK) which might help:

www.scopesnskies.com/prod/telescope-acce...-shaft-ext/heq5.html

www.scopesnskies.com/prod/telescope-acce...-shaft-ext/heq5.html

Not much else is coming up for me - but if I spot anything else I'll pass it on.


Mark

Hey Lads
Thanks a mill I have everything i need (thanks Mark for digging up the links). i didn't realise that astrodevelopment made the weights to overhang. I've had their website open on my mozilla tabs for about 3 weeks now,thinking of getting the altitude adjustment bolts!!!!

Not sure what i'll go for, both options look good!

Thanks again for the responses.

Mike