AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

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marktownley
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AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

Post by marktownley »

I'd installed a Losmandy top rail on my HaT a few years ago now so that I can piggy back other scopes / SSM etc. However have always thought that while the handle on celestron SCTs were in the right place for carrying a scope around, it was in the wrong place for lifting it onto the mount, and I never feel comfortable once i'm hoisting the OTA above waist height. I'd looked around a few astronomy retailers for a 'handle' and was shocked at the price. A handle is still a handle whether it is for a telescope or anything else for that matter, as long as the load rating is fine all is good. Having a clear out at work and noticed a wheeled trolley unit that had collapsed and was out for the skip had a handle to move it around. Seeing it was only bolted on I rescued it with the intention of installing on said top rail. It works well, and still gives me enough space at the front of the rail for mounting options. Is in just the right spot to hold when mounting the OTA. Mr Health and Safety is happy as is the CFO.

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Re: AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

Post by MapleRidge »

Hi Mark...

Great to see your re-purposed handle installed...will be a major benefit to mount/dismount the OTA :bow

Did you bolt it directly to the top rail (hard to tell from the pic)? The commercial handles typically have the removable brackets that mate to the dovetail which is what adds so much to their price tag.

Brian


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Re: AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

Post by marktownley »

Thanks Brian.

Yes, the handle is bolted to the top rail. I had to undo the top rail from the mounting blocks, blind fix the handle with an allen bolt and nut to the top rail and then fix it all back down on the mounting blocks. I was also pleased that it all still fits in the hard carry case I have for it.

Next thing will be to replace the bottom orange rail with on that matches the top rail, but that's just me being vain about matching cosmetics and a job for the future :lol:

Mark


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Re: AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

Post by Carbon60 »

Looks great, Mark. A neat, practical, solution.

Stu.


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Re: AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

Post by marktownley »

Thanks Stu!


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Re: AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

Post by KMH »

I have to admit I coughed up the $$$ for the ADM handle for my C-11, and the possibility of a hardware store alternative didn't even occur to me. Oh well. It does make a huge difference though - much easier and more secure to carry around.


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Re: AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Nice!

There is a handle available at Astronomics for my AT72EDII refractor. I have thought about purchasing one. If I found one elsewhere that would fit it I would certainly jump on it as you have.

James


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Re: AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

Post by Montana »

That is exactly what I did as soon as I bought the C11, the handle was in completely the wrong place!!! who designs these telescopes?
The handle is essential!!

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Alexandra


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Re: AiryLab HaT Handle Mod

Post by MapleRidge »

Alexandra...

My thinking is that the 'stock' handle is intended for being able to grab the scope and point it.. It can also to give you a hand hold if you release the axis locks and if the scope isn't balanced just tight you can keep it from swinging and causing damage.

As for a carry handle, it is not overly practical .

Brian


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Maple Ridge Observatory
Cambray, ON Canada

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/185395281@N08/albums

10'x15 Roll-off Roof Observatory
Takahashi EM400 Mount carrying:
C14 + Lunt 80ED
Deep Sky Work - ASI294MM Pro+EFW 7x36/Canon 60D (Ha mod), ONAG
Planetary Work - SBIG CFW10, ASI462MM

2.2m Diameter Dome
iOptron CEM70G Mount carrying:
Orion EON 130ED, f7 OTA for Day & Night Use
Ha Setup: Lunt LS80PT/LS75FHa/B1200Ha + Home Brew Lunt Double Stack/B1800Ha on the Orion OTA + Daystar Quantum
WL, G-Band & CaK Setup: Lunt Wedge & Lunt B1800CaK, Baader K-Line and Altair 2nm G-Band filter
ASI1600MM, ASI432MM, ASI294MM Pro, ASI174MM, ASI462MM
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