Pier for AM5 Mount - Forums

Topic starter

Apr 21, 2023 · Edited: Apr 21, 2023

Hi there all,

I'm using the PE200 pier extension for the TC-40 tripod and the AM5 mount. Last night when M101 began its transit, the camera on the end of my 5" refractor brushed up against the tripod leg.

Would a pier, instead of a tripod, help with this issue? Hopefully a carbon-fiber pier that I could attach the PE200 and the AM5 to. Anything like this on the market?

Thanks,
Jerry

Well Written Engaging

James (Jim) Poulette

Apr 21, 2023

When things get "questionable" - I have 2 of the PE160 piers that I stack. It may or may not be an option in your case.

Good luck !

Gilmour Dickson

Apr 22, 2023 · Edited: Apr 22, 2023

I have never heard of a carbon fiber pier. And to be honest I don't see a need for that material choice for something that is designed to be as rigid as possible and permanently installed. My material choice for my pier was about 50 bucks of scrap steel and cement. If you mean a "portable" pier like the iOptron, I still cannot imagine CF as a material choice. And if it were, the price would no doubt be insane.

Nick Grundy

Apr 22, 2023

I've actually got a mini-pier on top of my HEM44 mount for this reason. I need a bit more clearance from the carbon fiber tripod. The mini pier is metal, while the mount is CF. It's not logical but it works and it's solid.

ZWO has the same equivalent for the AM5 https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-pier-extension-160mm-for-am5-mount/

maybe this would help?

Helpful

Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Apr 24, 2023

I've decided to look into buying a tri-pier for the AM5 mount. Anybody have one that they can recommend? My TC-40 tripod isn't cutting it with the Askar 130PHQ scope. The AM5 handles it perfectly, but the telescope with camera is a bit too long to image at the meridian and zenith without bumping into a tripod leg. Please let me know if there's a tri-pier that has an adapter for the AM5. Thanks!Jerry