how to: stiffen a tripod

I have a meade LXD-75 mount (its getting replaced next year) and I want to stiffen it up or do something to it before I go out to TSP for a weeks worth of observing in nice dark skies. I have the older original LXD75 mount and not the updated one. Any ideas would be appriciated.

James

James,
Here is something I did with a Celestron CG-5. It might give you ideas. I used birch plywood and a maple wing nut. The wing nut attached itself to a threaded brass rod with a T-nut. It worked VERY well.

Clear skies,
Jay

Attached Image:

Try showing it pictures of some sexy girl tripods.

James,

Several quick and dirty tricks used by photographers to stablize tripods when using long lenses:

1. Do not extend the legs, particularly the lowest/thinest legs, or use the least extension possible - sit down to observe.
2. Drill a hole in the cental column, spreader triangle/deck, bottom of head, or whatever, and put an "S" hook through the hole. Then hang a heavy weight from the "S" hook. The camera bag, a car battery, rocks in a mesh shopping bag, milk jug(s) full of water, etc. all work - just do not get the weight swinging like a pendulum.

Good luck, John

As long as you're getting rid of it next year, you may want to consider stuffing the legs with foam packing popcorn if they are hollow. Adds no weight and dampens ringing some what. That's what I did with my Vixen GP.