I was given a Reflector telescope, which works really well. Problem is the Tripod is cheap plastic, and is impossible to operate and locate small heavenly bodies. It is made by edu-science, and I'm having a hard time finding a compatable tripod. Suggestions.
2007-05-20 14:36:00 · 6 answers · asked by zach o 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I'm not sure what you mean by "tripod". Telescopes are usually used on a _mount_, which often includes a tripod (which just refers to the three legs). You can purchase a new _mount_, such as the ones on the Orion web page others have suggested, or, if you're just a little bit handy, you can built a simple Dobsonian type mount for your scope. There's some great information on simple mounts on this page:
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/davetrott/page2.htm
2007-05-20 15:48:39 · answer #1 · answered by GeoffG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
EduScience reflectors are most likely made in China, as a are most small reflectors these days. Generally, these products are not worth putting a lot of money into. Although you should usually put more money into your mount than your telescope.
The Dobson mount is a good idea, if you have the basic materials on hand you can make one for under $25.
The most basic of Orion's astronomical mounts is the EQ-1. these will run you over $100 delivered and are marginally stable except for the lightest scopes. In addtion you will need a set of mounting rings. An EQ-2 is where I would start. Used these run about $75. Figure another $30-50 for a motor drive for automatic tracking and don't forget the rings. Starting to understand why Dobsons are popular?
2007-05-21 05:17:58 · answer #2 · answered by GAC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not being able to see the telescope, I would say take it to a telescope shop, that specializes in telescopes, and ask what they'd recommend mounting it on and how they'd do it.
Buy a little something from the shop to make them happy and keep the telescope companies in business and then go about finding the tripod they recommended used or online.
2007-05-24 12:15:40 · answer #3 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar problem. I went into a science store that sold telescopes and cameras. They were able to find a very good tripod (around $100) that fit my mount (I had a good, compact equatorial mount but a cheap, useless "table tripod").
Problem is that you can't just order a tripod without being able to check that your mount (or telescope) will actually fit on it. Someone who knows must be able to look at your 'scope and help you find the correct tripod.
2007-05-20 15:25:03 · answer #4 · answered by Raymond 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Orion telescopes is a good place to go, but their address is not what the above answer says. It is www.telescope.com. See the source where I have navigated to the second page of their mounts and tripods page for you.
2007-05-20 15:15:57 · answer #5 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atlas mount, by Orion telescope and binoculars, good entry level go -to mount.
2007-05-24 14:33:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋