Hi David,

wrote:
steve Taylor wrote:

wrote:


Also, does anyone know any European-based makers of equatorial
platforms?

Juhani Salmi still makes equatorial platforms, although he no longer
makes Dobsonian telescopes.

http://www.saunalahti.fi/~jsobser/ekvatjalusta.htm
http://www.saunalahti.fi/~jsobser/hinnasto.html

The site is mostly in Finnish, so you may wish to email him for details.
From his current price list, €370+shipping etc. gets you a platform
(Ekvatoriaalinen jalusta) for a 10" dob.

I have seen one of his platforms at the local astronomy exhibition, and
it looked OK. Since it is the only equatorial platform I have seen, I
cannot compare it to others.

Best Regards,
John.



[snip]


How big ?


Hi Steve,

Specifically, its to carry a 10" f/5.1 Dob/Newt though it would be nice
if the platform could handle a larger aperture instrument. (You may
remember the instrument?) The 10" Dob weighs ~28kg, but with the 80mm
F/5 finder I was hoping to add, plus other instrumentation it would
have to carry much more weight than this.

It would be nice to have a dual-axis platform, as I would be interested
in using the Dob for imaging as well as visual use and be able to track
at high magnifications for high resolution work.

I can get a decent platform made in the US, but despite the favourable
current dollar/pound exchange rate, its still pricy when one adds the
carriage + import duty + VAT, and so on, i.e. ~£1500. If you know
anyone making platforms over here that would compare, I would
appreciate a pointer.

Best wishes,
Dave