Image of the day

Captured by
Lawrence Parchman

Eastern Veil Nebula

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Can I defork Celestron sct 8"

Started by p3x249, 06/29/2008 09:10PM
Posted 06/29/2008 09:10PM Opening Post
Has anybody ever deforked a Celestron 8" sct ? I like the fastar and the size of the scope but need better tracking. I would like to mount it on a Losmandy G11 mount ( when I get one grin ).
Thanks!
Sonya
Posted 06/30/2008 01:44AM #1
I have never personally done it, but I did purchase a C8 on a GM8 mount. Losmandy sells several plates and radius blocks for a variety of SCT's. If I am correct, it is just a matter of unbolting from the forks and bolting on the Losmandy blocks and plate.
Posted 06/30/2008 05:19AM #2
The forks don't tend to get much tech support from the companies and somehow most SCTs end up on a GEM. Where they belong, in my view. In any case a c8 on a G11 would be an excellent combination. I'd prefer the 9.25 but t'aint nothin' wrong with the c8. Rock solid.

The one thing you may run into is that on older SCT optical tubes particularly Celestron the Losmandy dovetail doesn't fit on both sides. Only one. Has to do with the way the holes are drilled. You may find yourself faced with using the scope "upside down" (focuser on the left as the OTA is pointed north, counterweight down, instead of the usual and customary right) or else having a machinist or someone else handy drill and tap the correct holes.

regards
Greg N

"Scope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no scope." --Freewheelin' Franklin