Strange looking Telescope balance...image.

In balancing the new series CR150-HD, the actual balance of the very heavy OTA lens cell to the mount looks WRONG!. i have tried various changes to still stay balanced but they are just as bad.....Anyone have any idea where I am going wrong or is this the way it should look?. Notice the Celestron Logo is almost covered too. I realize I could slide the mtg ring assy further forward up to the cell housing and slide the OTA back a tad....but that will look even worse!.

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That doesn't look to far off from mine. The tube is way front heavy. Mitch is right, doesn't matter what it looks like if it balances. This tube is notorious for placing the eyepiece way down low.

Do this. With everything mounted secure, turn RA axis so counterweight shaft is parallel to floor. Then adjust Dec axis so tube is parallel to floor. CAREFULLY, keep moving tube and/or rings until tube balances. Do this with all your normal accessories inserted in the eyepiece end and with finder in place.

One way to help occasionally is when you are at a real dark site with no lights, you can take the heavy metal shade off the front end. Let's you move everything forward an inch or two.

edz

I had a Synta OTA that did the same thing. So, I added lead weights to the focuser and behind one of the baffles. I also used a large speaker magnet "easy to move up and down the tube" to help find the balance point. You do not have to live with what you have. You can change it what you want. Its real hard to live with a focuser that touches the ground. Not only did mine look stupid it was not even practical and a dumb overlooked problem by the manufacturer.

Might I suggest one of these TeleVue "counterweights"? The one on the left will add a well-placed 2.2 pounds! )

Paul

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