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[macintosh]

Hey Joe and fellow Chicago Astronomers,
I wasn't sure where to post this so I just decided to finally do it here. But I bought an awesome equatorial mount (Celestron CG-4) to put my Starblast on and it came in today. I figured I could just use the hardware from the Starblast's Alt-Azm mount to attach it to the equatorial mount but it didn't end up working. Anywho, I started doing some research on the dovetail that I would need but the information seems pretty thin. If ANYONE could help me, I would be very grateful.

Mac

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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Mac....

This looks like a Vixen-style dovetail on the mount and will accept a Vixen dovetail plate nicely to hold your scope. An example here at this retailer...

www.astronomics.com/astro-tech-7-inch-short-universal-dovetail-plate-vixen-black_p17840.aspx

This OMNI XLT mount is a nice one. You will need to obtain the dovetail plate and attach it to your Starblast tube...which might mean removing the secondary mirror if you cannot squeeze you hand inside between the vanes with pliers/wrench to hold the nut as you attach the bolts from the outside of the OTA.

Here is a very nice write-up on your new mount:

www.chuckhawks.com/celestron_CG4.htm

I recommend a further Google search for "Vixen Dovetail Plate" and see what deals you can find! And before you know it, you'll be joining us at Chicago Astronomer Star Parties standing up.....

[macintosh]

Joe,
Thanks so much! And I can't wait!
Mac

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

You are welcome Mac...

We will take some nice pics of your new set-up when it's all put together and set-up at one of our Chicago Astronomer Star Parties....!