New Title
New Paragraph
New Paragraph
New Paragraph
New Title
Follow us
Tele Support Playform Script
This is the script for the video describing how to build the Hinged Tele Support Platform.
If you expect to measure, cut and mount all the pieces on the support board according to the previous picture's dimensions, and then have everything work perfectly, you don't live in the world I do!!
To ensure everything works, finish the support platform with the telescope mounted on the tripod.
Note: the order of steps in the script may not match the order in the video. Watch them both, choose the order you prefer. Use a bungee cord during construction, use a ratcheting tie down when using the system.
Set up the telescope on the tripod.
Mount the hinges.
Move the base support board so the forks surround the tele base and the fork is against the tripod head.
Draw 2 parallel lines 2-1/2" from the edges of the base board where the hinges will go. Use a combo square.
Strap the hinged board against the telescope with a bungee cord, so the telescope and board are approx. vertical.Move the hinges so their swivels face up under the hinged board, and the holes in the tips of the hinges are over the parallel lines. Bolt this part of both hinges to the base board, using 2 1/4" bolts.
Prop up the vertical board so it is just above the swivels. (Use washers or a thin board.)
Fold the other half of each hinge against the side of the vertical board away from the telescope, bolt it to the board with 2 1/4" bolts.
With all the bolts slightly loose, work the hinged board to ensure the hinges are properly aligned with each other, then tighten all the bolts.
Mount the telescope support blocks.
They are 3" pieces of 2x4, mounted on their ends with screws that go half-way through. Mount them across from the dec axis. Be sure they don't touch the sides of the telescope. Put the screws near the ends of the 2x4 so you can later drill the holes for the 3/4" PVC levers.
Draw 2 parallel lines 3" from the sides of the vertical board for positioning the outer edge of the braces.
Turn the tele so the tele fork arms are sideways, and the same distance from the vertical board.
Place a 1x2 on its side on the brace, and 2 pieces of rubber on the brace. (do not attach). Move the brace up until it is against the bottom of the fork, and on the line. Be sure the side of the brace does not touch the telescope. Attach to the hinged board with 2 1/4" bolts..
Cut the 2 2x3 lower supports with rubber pads to press against the sides of the tele fork. Attach to brace with screws.
attach a 1x2 with rubber pad to the brace so it extends 5-1/2" from the 2x3. Attach to brace with screws.
For the LX600, cut a rectangular slot in the hinged board for the counterweights to go through, from one end of their track to the other.
Mount a short crosswise 1x2 on edge on the base board at the end of one of the forks to keep the hinged board tilted slightly forward when you approach the tele to remove it from the tripod. (see demo video)
Hinged board support.
Screw boards together as a support, and screw them to the base board to keep the hinged board raised to leave room for the tie-down ratchet for either telescope. Start with a 12 in. 2x4 mounted on edge, adjust with boards on top until the telescope does not touch the base board. Put rubber on top. For the LX600, the support should be higher to leave room for the LX600 counterweights when they are at the front of the tube. (The LX600 tube points down toward the hinge.)
Screw boards together as a support, and screw them to the base board to keep the hinged board raised to leave room for the tie-down ratchet for either telescope. Start with a 12 in. 2x4 mounted on edge, adjust with boards on top until the telescope does not touch the base board. Put rubber on top. For the LX600, the support should be higher to leave room for the LX600 counterweights when they are at the front of the tube. (The LX600 tube points down toward the hinge.)
Front prop for the hinged board.
Mount a short crosswise 1x2 on edge at the end of one of the forks to keep the hinged board tilted slightly forward when you approach the tele to remove it from the tripod. (see demo video)
Adjust the final length of the base board and the hinged board. You do not need the telescope for this step, but set up the tripod as though you are about to install or remove the telescope, with the cart between 2 tripod legs. Also, you can have the hinged board raised or lowered.
Place the hinged support board on the cart (you haven't yet attached the casters, or the lift table frame). Move the cart and base board so the forks are around the tripod top. Measure and cut the end off the base board so when the cart is 3 inches from the tripod legs, the forks are around the tripod, the base board extends 3/4" past the front end of the lift table top. (To account for the thickness of the 1x2 on the end of the frame that we'll mount later.)Cut the hinged board so its end is above the end of the base board.
Mount the levers.
Make sure the levers straddle the metal lift table handle when the cart is lowered.
Use 3-1/2" pieces of 2x4 for the top lever supports. Bolt them down with a 1/4" bolt at one end, and a heavy wood screw through the bottom of the hinged board in the other end. You should use a 1/2" corded drill for drilling the lever holes.
Use a hole saw to drill holes through the top lever supports for the 3/4" PVC levers. Use a spade bit to drill the lever sockets part way through the upper telescope supports. Leave 1/4" wood at bottom of hole. Use a hole saw to cut the holes in the top lever braces. Don't attach the lever, since there's no need to pull it out of the socket while using it. This makes the levers easily removable for storing the tele in the vehicle.
Glue pieces of rubber where the telescope contacts wood. (see photos.)