How do you build a solid equatorial mount and stand?

Question

The tripod seems problematic in its tendency to wobble and require counterweights. How do you make a solid platform/stand and mount system without a tripod, a dobsonian mount, or any need for counterweights (like the dobsonian, except star tracking)? Where can I find plans on how to build one? The purpose is to avoid vibrations, track stars, and avoid costly materials/products like equatorial mounts. I want to use simple, inexpensive materials and tools available at Home Depot or Lowes.

I'm trying to think outside the box, and avoid the equatorial platform-dob mount combo, while also departing from the traditional eq. mount-counterweight-tripod combo.

But the equatorial platform is an excellent idea, and I do really like it. Just brainstorming and evaluating options/ideas right now.

I believe that the correct address is: http://piertech.com/index.htm (no www) and I don't quite follow the relevance of the link to the question.

Answer 1

Hi. My telescope uses a fork mount equatorial. I have never seen a better design, but the scope size is limited. Mine is a 6" Schmidt-Newtonian (Meade MTS SN6) which I have enjoyed for years. Two pictures published, one in Astronomy and one in Sky&Telescope. Picture in the manual http://www.astronomics.com/main/documents/new_scan_docs/mts-sn6_mts-sn8.pdf

Answer 2

It sounds like you want an equatorial platform - the link should get you started. An alternative would be to look at a split ring design.

Answer 3

you build a large scale barn door tracker. For an idea go to www.piertech.com