Wheely Bars

Sorry for this really dumb question, but I've never seen any wheely bars and want to get some JMI ones for my CGE mount.

1. When you've wheeled the scope into position, how do you keep the rig stable? Brakes on the wheels?

2. Do wheely bars affect the overall stability of the scope/mount when stationary? I'll have a C14 on top.

3. I need to traverse some short grass - the wheels are 5" diameter, which probably sounds ok. Right?

Many thanks in anticipation.

Richard

You may also want to search the Astromart archives. I asked about making my own wheely bars last year for my LX90 and received good advice, plans and pictures. It cost me about $20 to build my own and it works great.

When you have the scope rolled into position, you crank down a levelling bolt located at each wheel. I'm sure stability is comprimised, but I don't really notice it for visual work with my NS11. Both my sets were obtained by placing wanted ads on Astromart. I have added larger wheels to both but I wouldn't venture out over grass with mine. Nice quality but frankly I think they are overpriced. If I ever get some spare time I will build my own and sell the others on AM. Hope this helps. Pat G.

Dick,

Be sure to check out the articles section here on Astromart. I wrote a little piece on modifying the JMI wheely bars to make them ultra stable.

I honestly don't think they are over priced as others have stated. They are worth the money, well made, and can carry a huge load. I'd rather put my 20k setup on something tried, tested, and designed specifically for the job vs. a homemade job. That is just my opinion.

Paul Atkinson

P.S. - I have no affiliation, nor do I sell JMI products of any kind. I just think they are a great product.

Dick, I assume your setup will look something like this. (C-14 on a Losmandy GM-100) When deployed, the leveling bolts rest on blocks of wood and the nuts both on top and at the bottom of the bar are tightened to prevent wobble. I don't think I would chance rolling the rig over grass, though.
Dom Q.

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