Yes but...

First, the side-saddle system is difficult to balance. I don't know of a good
way to do it, really. Maybe I need a rubber mallet. In particular, it's
difficult to balance the two scopes on the saddle plate. There's no good way
that I know of to slide the plate one way or the other, a very small distance is
a big deal.

Second, if I want to change from my guide scope to a camera/lens combination, I
need to rebalance.

One solution might be some sort of sliding weight, that would allow you adjust
the balance of the two scopes without actually sliding the plate...

-Dick L.
On Fri, 03 Sep 2004 15:23:31 GMT, "Roger Hamlett"
wrote:


"DL" wrote in message
.. .
All,

I want to mount my 5" refractor on my G11, and then mount a guide
scope on top of the refractor. I currently use the side-saddle
system, and I don't like having to balance on two axes. I've spoken
to one vendor who has a solution, but I wanted to ask for input from
anyone who's done this successfully (or not!) Whatever I do needs to
be suitable for long exposure astrophotography.

TIA,

-Dick L.
www.dl-digital.com
Seriously, the side saddle system, should be 'set and forget'. Once the
system is balanced, you should not need to change it again. There is
nothing to stop you piggybacking multiple scopes as you describe (a couple
of manufacturers do rings with plate attachment points both at the top and
the bottom), _but_ you will be increasing the lever arm that the outer
items have from the scope axis, requiring more counterweight, and
increasing the risk of vibration, and the loads on the mount....

Best Wishes