Telescope Mountings and Tripods

To fit Model	Description	Stock code	Price (GBP)
Meade ETX Scopes	ETX "Pylon" All Steel Tripod	AC387	149.99
Star-Raker Bino mount	Star-Raker "Pylon" All Steel Tripod	AC388	149.99

To fit	Description	Stock code	Price (GBP)
All telescopes with a 1/4” threaded tripod fitting	AZTech Manhattan altazimuth telescope mounting and tripod with wooden tripod legs	AC653	129.99
All telescopes with a 1/4” threaded tripod fitting	AZTech Manhattan altazimuth telescope mounting and tripod with aluminium tripod legs	AC654	149.99
Manhattan tripods	Extension and counterbalance carrier plate	AC668	13.99
AC668	Counterbalance weights (set of 3 x 1lb) to fit AC668	AC113	15.99

To fit	Description	Stock code	Price (GBP)
All telescopes with a 1/4” and 3/8” tripod fitting	AZTech Trakker altazimuth telescope mounting with slo-mo (head only - requires tripod with 3/8” treaded male boss)	AC669	189.99
All telescopes with a 1/4” and 3/8” tripod fitting	AZTech Trakker altazimuth telescope mounting with lightweight tripod and carry bag	AC655	TBA
AZTech Trakker head AC669 and AC655	Additional quick-release plate to fit AZTech Trakker head	AC670	TBA

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The Pylon -
An all-steel tripod delivering a gold standard of rigidity for the most demanding user

Constructed entirely from steel (mild and stainless) the Pylon is a robust and rigid mounting that can be customised to take a wide range of telescope mountings. We have two standard models - AC387 for Meade ETX telescopes and AC388 for our own Star-Raker binocular mount. We have made no attempt to lighten this tripod - it has been made from heavy gauge steel throughout. The aim was to build a tripod that would do more than merely support an instrument: we wanted a tripod that would defend the instrument from vibration and the effects of the wind. A tripod that defied the modern tendency towards being lighter and less dense than the equipment it supports! Unrepentantly heavy, this tripod was designed to offer a gold-standard of rigidity to the Meade ETX telescope system. The ETX version of the Pylon can be used with all models and has a head similar to the tripods found in the ETX section. Height fully extended 135cm (53").

The Star-Raker Pylon is a full-height pillar tripod designed for our Star-Raker binocular mount. Height fully extended 159cm (62.5")

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pier
Bespoke Observatory Pier -
With proven anti-vibration features

The design of our piers represents the culmination of painstaking research and experiments into telescope vibration. Our piers will help cancel out low-level oscillatory motion intruding from the local environment, as well as motion generated within the system by the telescope itself. We can custom-build a pier for your observatory. We have a range of standard top fittings available from LX200 (see LX200 section for more details) to Losmandy G8, G11, HGM200 and SB Paramount. If we don't have a standard pier-top adaptor for your mount we will be happy to manufacture one for your requirements. Please contact us for further details.

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To fit Model	Description	Stock code	Price (GBP)
ALL LX200 Classic/GPS & RCX400	MegaWedge Pro-Pier Observatory Pier System (all steel)	AC421	599.00
ALL LX200 Classic/GPS & RCX400	MegaWedge Pro-Pier Observatory Pier System (all aluminium)	AC652	599.00

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The MegaWedge
An observatory-standard wedge for the LX200

This wedge is an extraordinarily rigid equatorial mounting for all Classic and GPS LX200 telescopes. Designed primarily for the demanding needs of the 12" LX200, the BC&F AE MegaWedge is a superbly rigid mounting for all models of LX200 under 16". The wedge is precision-machined from 15 and 20mm mild steel plate and will fit the Meade field tripod as well as our Standard, Custom and DIY observatory piers. Equipped with turned aluminium slow-motion adjusters on both latitude and azimuth registers, the MegeWedge also has a spirit level for fast set-up in the field. Finished in durable black stipple-finish powder coating and supplied with all fastenings and adjustment tools. The MegaWedge is suitable for latitudes between 63 and 37 degrees.

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The Standard Observatory Pier
A research quality pier for the LX200

As a result of research performed by Robert Dalby FRAS we have a close understanding of the causes of vibration in observatory installations. This knowledge has been exploited in the design of the Standard Observatory Pier. The performance of the Standard Pier is a testament to the quality of this research. The pier can be bolted directly to a suitable concrete floor. Manufactured from heavy steel and finished in black stipple-finish resin powder coating. Specification: 1010mm (39.75") high (without wedge).

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ac389
The "Owl's Nest" Altazimuth Mounting Barrel for Standard Piers
An "Owls Nest" adaptor for mounting all LX200 models in Altazimuth mode
on an observatory pier.

So named because of it's appearance, the Owl's Nest adaptor allows LX200, LX200 GPS and the LX90 to be Altazimuth mounted on our standard, custom and DIY observatory piers. As it is not possible to screw the mounting bolt on top of a pier into the base of LX200/GPS telescopes, this simple and robust adaptor barrel will enable you to mount the instrument on top of the Owl's Nest and still screw a fixing bolt into the base of the telescope. Finished in black resin powder coat and supplied with all fixings.

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The DIY Observatory Pier Kit for LX200
An affordable self-build pier with observatory standard performance.

The DIY Pier Kit provides just what the name says: a pier you build yourself. But don't worry this isn't a major engineering project were you start with a set of plans and build everything from scratch. We've done all the essential thinking for you, and provided a kit of parts that contains all the engineering hardware you need to make the actual connection between the top of the concrete pier and the bottom of an equatorial wedge. The actual pier body is made in concrete by the shuttering method using standard 300mm (12") industrial air-conditioning ducting. A list of suppliers who will provide an off-cut delivery service is provided in the comprehensive instructions.

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The MegaWedge Pro
The ultimate "observatory standard" wedge for the LX200 GPS and Classic

The MegaWedge Pro is our finest wedge for the LX200. Constructed of high precision CNC machined 20mm thick aluminium plate the wedge is both extraordinarily rigid and lightweight. We designed the MegaWedge Pro specifically to provide not just the last word in rigidity but the ultimate in smooth and precise Polar alignment adjustment. Ideal for use with all (especially the larger) LX200 Classic and new GPS telescopes. The wedge can be field tripod mounted. as well as mounted on our Standard, Custom and DIY observatory piers. Equipped with hand-knob slow-motion adjusters on both latitude and azimuth registers the MegaWedge Pro is a delight to use and will provide the perfect foundation for advanced astro-imaging projects. Like the standard MegaWedge above the Pro also has a spirit level for fast set-up in the field. Finished in black anodic dye and supplied with all fastenings and instructions (silver model pictured was produced for demonstration purposes only). The MegaWedge Pro is suitable for latitudes between 63 and 35 degrees.

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The MegaWedge Pro-Pier
A research grade anti-vibration pier designed for the MegaWedge Pro

As result of direct research by BC&F AE we have a close understanding of the causes of vibration in small observatory installations. This knowledge has been exploited in the design of the MegaWedge Pro Observatory Pier. The Pro pier uses our tried and tested anti-vibration design technology but with the benefit of a specially designed and CNC manufactured top plate for the high specification needs of the MegaWedge Pro. The pier can be bolted directly to a suitable concrete floor. Manufactured from heavy steel for the base and aluminium for the CNC head the Pro-Pier is finished in black stipple-finish resin powder coating. Specification: 1010mm (39.75") high (without wedge).

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aztech
The AZTech altazimuth mount and wooden tripod
Ideal for use with the PST

The AZTech is an altazimuth mounting system with worm and gear hand-operated slow motions on both the azimuth and altitude axis. The mounting is fitted to a variable-height black hardwood tripod (fully adjustable from a minimum height of 91cm [36”] to a maximum height of 140cm [55”]). A metal combined leg stabiliser and eyepiece tray ensures the rigidity of the tripod. The leg stabiliser simply clips into position - no nuts and bolts to fiddle with and risk losing! The precision worm and gear sets offer smooth tracking on both axis even at high magnifications, and are supplied with extended flexible control handles. The CNC manufactured mini-dovetail telescope mounting plate has been specifically designed to fit the base of the Coronado Personal Solar Telescope, but can be used with a wide variety of small telescopes provided that they have a 1/4” Whitworth tripod fitting. Supplied complete with mini-dovetail plate for PST and other scopes, wooden tripod, eyepiece tray and extended flexible drive handles.

Pictured here with the Coronado PST and Solar-Mate AC599 - these items are available separately and are not included.

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ac653
AZTech Manhattan - a rigid altazimuth mounting for all small to medium-sized telescopes Available with wooden or aluminium tripod legs

The AZTech Manhattan is a beautifully simple telescope mounting - simple to setup and a joy to use! It’s the perfect mounting for grab-and-go astronomy. The cradle of the Manhattan is machined to allow a wide range of telescope tubes to be attached: popular telescopes including all Coronado Solar telescopes including the PST. Other models include Orion and Sky Watcher 80ED, Williams Optics 80 (as well as look-alikes branded Revelation, Orion and Antares). Perfect too for quality small refractors from TeleVue, TMB as well as all ETX MCs from Meade and in fact just about anything that can be fitted in to the 162mm (6.3”) wide mounting cradle.

The Manhattan is available as two models differing only in the type of tripod supplied.

employs a wooden tripod that is finished in black lacquer and has an easy-fit (no bolts) all-metal combined eyepiece tray and leg stretcher with 1.25” eyepiece holes. The maximum overall height is 132cm (52”) and the fully closed overall height is 85cm (33”).

The AZTech Manhattan
(telescope not included)

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AC668 Counterbalance carrier plate

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AC113 Standard counterbalance weights

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employs a robust but lightweight aluminium tripod that has a snap-in (no bolts) combined utility tray and leg stretcher. The maximum overall height is 134cm (52.75”) and the fully closed overall height is 86cm (34”).

The construction of the head (same on both models) is steel with the reinforced base being 6mm thick allowing it to carry even the heaviest of small telescopes. The altazimuth and altitude bearings are made from solid stainless steel - the piston-fit altazimuth bearing is smooth precision engineering at its best. The free turning feel of both the azimuth and altitude axis can be precisely varied to the needs of the telescope by instantly adjustable thumb screws. The cradle and head can be separated for quick set-up and storage - this is accomplished by simply loosening the single altazimuth lock screw. The Manhattan head is finished in black and is supplied with all fastenings.

Accessories: When using particularly heavy instruments or telescopes with heavier accessories (large eyepieces, binoviewers, solar observing equipment etc) an extension and counterbalance carrier plate can be purchased (AC668 see adjacent picture) which allows the fastening point to be shifted forwards or backwards on the telescope fastening cradle to accommodate telescopes that are difficult to balance at the cradle’s standard mounting point. The plate also allows the attachment of our standard counterbalance weights if required (AC113 is a set of three disc weights of 1lb (450g) each).

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trakker
AZTech Trakker - the ultimate in lightweight altazimuth telescope mounting with heavy weight performance. Featuring extended slow-motion controls, spring loaded clutches and an ultra quick-release attachment system

If your passion is grab-and-go astronomy, the AE AZTech Trakker may be the only telescope mount you’ll ever need. The AZTech Trakker is an amazingly compact aluminium head with high-precision worm and gear manual drives on both the azimuth and altitude axis. Both motions have identical spring return clutches that enable the slow-motions to be instantly disengaged and the scope swung to a new target. The mount is equipped with convenient flexible slow-motion extension knobs that can be easily removed for storage.

The head is equipped with an ultra-quick release stage () that allows the telescope to be removed or changed in less time than it takes to read this sentence! Telescope positioning can be done single-handedly as the quick-release lever is spring loaded for the return stroke and automatically snaps into position on contact. The Trakker is supplied with one quick-release plate and additional plates can be purchased separately (AC670). The quick-release plate can be used to attach all telescopes and binoculars with standard 1/4” or 3/8” tripod fitting holes.

The Trakker is the ideal mount for small solar observing instruments and all models of Coronado Ha telescope can be fitted. The Trakker is currently available as a “head” only and requires a solid tripod with a standard 3/8” BSW mounting boss. (Any existing pan and tilt or other form of tripod head should be removed before attaching the Trakker).

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