ASTRO-PHYSICS ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT WOOD FIELD TRIPOD, AND PORTABLE PIERS FOR MODEL400, 600, 800, 900, AND 1200 SERIES GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNTS

Astro-Physics German equatorial mounts employ either a portable tripod, or a portable or a fixed pier as a support stand. Theassembled portable piers are under stress to provide excellent rigidity. The portable piers are also a good choice for travelby air or cargo as they are very resistant to impact damage. Neither of these choices of stand requires any tools for assemblyin the field, although to install a Model 900 or 1200 head requires an Allen wrench that is provided with the mount head.

It is possible to have a metal pier fabricated locally, and then install it (into a foundation below the regional frost line)at a convenient observing location. Utilities for power and signal can be installed below ground and up through the pier.Those persons interested in such an effort should contact us for specific advice.

The selection of a field tripod or a portable pier will to some degree be a matter of personal preference. For those personswho intend to do astrophotography (film or CCD), or for those where economy and durability are a concern then we do suggest aportable or permanent pier. For those where the convenience of height adjustment, quicker set up and disassembly, oraesthetics are a concern then the wood or aluminum tripods may be a good choice.

Portable Piers:

These piersfeature a unique tension design that combines rugged construction with light weight, while also eliminating flexure andannoying vibrations. Legs and tension rods attach without the need for any tools thereby permitting assembly in a matter of afew minutes. The stainless steel tension rods do not interfere when the telescope is pointed at zenith as the rods are locateda reasonable distance below the mount head. Turnbuckles are used to adjust tension on the rods; these also allow limitedultra-fine adjustments when polar aligning. The tension system is the simple technology that results in the firm base ofsupport provided by the portable pier. The center post is constructed of aluminum tubing, the base and legs are of steel. Theconstruction materials and finish provide great resistance to the environmental elements.

Piers have no provisions for leveling nor is it necessary; the mount heads have adjustments to make polar alignment even onuneven terrain. For reasons of stability it is desirable to locate a pier (or a tripod) on as firm and level ground as ispossible. Sand bags may be installed within and or inside the piers to add rigidity and dampening in wind prone environments.

Astro-Physics Adjustable Height Wood Field Tripod (AWT000):

This tripod can easily be set up level with out the use of any tools. While this not necessary since the mount heads haveadjustment devices to polar align even on uneven terrain, leveling the tripod can minimize adjustment in elevation of themount head. For reasons of stability it is desirable to locate a tripod (or a pier) on as firm and level ground as ispossible. Sand bags may be installed at the feet of the tripod to add rigidity and dampening in wind prone environments.

Support Bar and Accessory Tray for Astro-Physics Piers:

For those who wish a convenient location for the placement of small accessories, Astro-Physics has produced a support bar andaccessory tray. In addition to serving as a storage shelf, when used as a pair the top tray will keep dew from forming onaccessories placed onto a lower accessory tray.

A Support Bar (TRAYSB) is attached to one of the holes at the top of a pier post. Each support bar can accept up to twoaccessory trays. Each accessory tray spans 120 degrees (1/3) of the pier so that you can construct a complete 360 degreecircular tray around the pier post with just three support bars and three trays. These trays slip into the support bars. Theavailable trays are:

It is possible to buy Astro-Physics support bar and accessory tray systems for installation onto any portable or permanentpier that complies with the Astro-Physics specifications for pier diameter and hole pattern.

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Company Seven | Astro-Physics Tripods, Portable Piers