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For anyone interested in modifications for the FTX Alt-Az mount, here is my mount now completely customised for my use:
Started with an FTX
Replaced the standard Saddle with a Robin Casady Tak NJP saddle
Made a new Handle to steer the beast, silver carbon tube handle with end caps turned on my lathe and a stainless steel shaft
Added 311,296 step magnetic encoders with custom 3D printed housings from Serge at AstroDevices
Added a Nexus tray to my DIY holder
Made a short (100mm) pier extension to the base
and installed the Quick Connect system to my Tak EM400 tripod
Here are a few pics in no particular order:
Attachments
Matt in Oz Rainmaker “Excalibur” 18” F3.5 +SIPS @ 1860mm TMB-LZOS 152mm F7.9 @ 1200mm Takahashi FOA 60mm F8.8
Takahashi FC76DC F7.5
Skylight AR101.15
Gabrielle See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885 EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102 Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1011110) The only culture I have is from yogurt
Thank you everyone, I am amazed by the capacity of the FTX mount, my binoscope all set up weighs over 15Kg and is no problem for the FTX.
The manufacturer of these mounts, Charles Riddell, unfortunately passed away a couple of years ago. His son was going to resurrect the business but to my knowledge this has not occurred and may not.
The quality of the mounts is excellent and though I have made some changes to suit my purpose, the original mount design and machining is among the best I have seen.
Matt in Oz Rainmaker “Excalibur” 18” F3.5 +SIPS @ 1860mm TMB-LZOS 152mm F7.9 @ 1200mm Takahashi FOA 60mm F8.8
Takahashi FC76DC F7.5
Skylight AR101.15
The FTX is like the KK T-Rex, outstanding mounts made by one individual and once they pass on the chances of seeing the mounts made again becomes very small.
Gabrielle See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885 EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102 Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1011110) The only culture I have is from yogurt
Lady Fraktor wrote: ↑Tue May 21, 2019 10:39 pm
The FTX is like the KK T-Rex, outstanding mounts made by one individual and once they pass on the chances of seeing the mounts made again becomes very small.
Gabrielle, I agree totally, I owned two of the KK T-Rex mounts and regretted selling them but was very glad to find the FTX.
I guess the nature of amateur astronomy is such that small operators make a single product to suit a particular part of the hobby.
Another such operator, Robin Casady, also made beautifully designed and crafted accessories of a quality unmatched.
I have one of Robin's counterweights and the NJP saddle that is pictured on the FTX. Robin has now retired and all his stock has found owners.
Another very talented retiree, Mark Suchting, made the mirror for my 18" Excalibur, the mirror is superb and more than a match for any.
Cheers,
Matt
Matt in Oz Rainmaker “Excalibur” 18” F3.5 +SIPS @ 1860mm TMB-LZOS 152mm F7.9 @ 1200mm Takahashi FOA 60mm F8.8
Takahashi FC76DC F7.5
Skylight AR101.15
I have seen your image of the 130mm on the T-Rex before as well as your friends 150mm/ T-Rex combination (Still jealous)
I ordered a T-Rex a couple of days after the craftsman passed and Barry tried to get me one but was not able to do so as he was waiting for more stock.
I also remember Robin Casady, he did some wonderful work and I still refer people to his page on how to calculate counterweight for a specific telescope setup.
Gabrielle See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885 EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102 Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1011110) The only culture I have is from yogurt
With the conversation taking a turn towards those craftsmen who have retired, I wonder then, who are the ones who have replaced them - in whatever part of the world and whatever speciality?
Is it possible to make a list for all to have as reference?
Refractor - APQ 130 Reflector - Meade SCT Au coating. Mount - AYOMaster (on order)
Cameras - Blads, D70s, D3300, Lunar and Planetary Cameras (2)
DIY Glass - German military and opthalmic sourced items, AGFA AVIPHOT DIA C
mcolbert wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2019 11:48 pm
With the conversation taking a turn towards those craftsmen who have retired, I wonder then, who are the ones who have replaced them - in whatever part of the world and whatever speciality?
Is it possible to make a list for all to have as reference?
That is a good idea but in order for our members to find such posts perhaps we need to start a thread in the various parts of the forum....
Matt in Oz Rainmaker “Excalibur” 18” F3.5 +SIPS @ 1860mm TMB-LZOS 152mm F7.9 @ 1200mm Takahashi FOA 60mm F8.8
Takahashi FC76DC F7.5
Skylight AR101.15
mcolbert wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2019 11:48 pm
With the conversation taking a turn towards those craftsmen who have retired, I wonder then, who are the ones who have replaced them - in whatever part of the world and whatever speciality?
Is it possible to make a list for all to have as reference?
That is a good idea but in order for our members to find such posts perhaps we need to start a thread in the various parts of the forum....
or perhaps to have it as its own sub forum seen on the front page? Might that work?
Send the initial query to each forum but then to collate the results on the front page for all to see.
How can we make this happen?
Refractor - APQ 130 Reflector - Meade SCT Au coating. Mount - AYOMaster (on order)
Cameras - Blads, D70s, D3300, Lunar and Planetary Cameras (2)
DIY Glass - German military and opthalmic sourced items, AGFA AVIPHOT DIA C
