It’s always a challenge to level the tripod for an equatorial and a few years go I started using a two-axis level with one leg at each of the three end points. This makes adjusting the legs easier but there was never an easy point to consistently place the level…..until now……
I flattened off the top of an M4 bolt and attached the level with two small bolts. This allows it to be screwed into the thread at the center of the mounting point.
Now know I can consistently and accurately level the tripod.
The level is illuminated using Tritium, which means it’s readable in the dark leaving both hands to manipulate the tripod legs without holding a torch.
Once polar aligned the mount has to be placed in the home position, with the right ascension axis locked at 90 degrees.
To make this easier I designed a 3D printed holder to add a bubble level to the front of the mount that attaches with a magnet so that it can be removed when storing the mount.
I used OpenSCAD to design the holder, a free utility that uses a simple programming language to create accurate parts.
One of the benefits of being a member of the society is that everyone is keen to share their knowledge and there are now a few of us sharing tips on 3D printing at our monthly meetings.
By Danny Thomas
June 2023