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Windy! Weighing down Mount?

Sky-Watcher HEQ5 PRO Equipment Equatorial Mount Weather
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schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Hi,

It has been incredibly windy around here and I am worried to leave my scope/mount running without watching it. Has anyone encountered this issue? What can/should I do to weigh it down? Sand bags or something of the sort?

I have a ZS73 on top of a HEQ5.

Thanks!
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Scott avatar
Scott avatar
If it is windy enough to topple your mount then why risk using it?  It sounds like you are imaging as well and I would not expect to get good data in those conditions.  If you must use it, then sandbags placed around the legs might work.  Good luck.

Scott
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schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Scott:
If it is windy enough to topple your mount then why risk using it?  It sounds like you are imaging as well and I would not expect to get good data in those conditions.  If you must use it, then sandbags placed around the legs might work.  Good luck.Scott


Interestingly enough, here in TX—it can be clear skies with big gusts of wind here and there—especially as temperatures are changing.

I'll see if I can find a sandbag suitable.
Sigga avatar
Sigga avatar
I live 1/3 year one of most windy places on planet. Even if weight down tripod wind vibrate the gear, I had whole hours of imaging unusable due to wind, my suggestion don't waste time and take chance something bad occur.
Sigga
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Sigga:
I live 1/3 year one of most windy places on planet. Even if weight down tripod wind vibrate the gear, I had whole hours of imaging unusable due to wind, my suggestion don't waste time and take chance something bad occur.Sigga


Thanks, Sigga.

Where I am, it can be very calm then we get big gusts... then nothing for hours. So, I think I need to get some sandbags to weigh down the mount—and then really review my shots well to see if the wind ruined any shots.

Thanks!
Sigga avatar
Sigga avatar
Sigga:
I live 1/3 year one of most windy places on planet. Even if weight down tripod wind vibrate the gear, I had whole hours of imaging unusable due to wind, my suggestion don't waste time and take chance something bad occur.Sigga
Thanks, Sigga.

Where I am, it can be very calm then we get big gusts... then nothing for hours. So, I think I need to get some sandbags to weigh down the mount—and then really review my shots well to see if the wind ruined any shots.

Thanks!


No, Ísland dead calm, then wind 100km in 5 minutes, Føroyar worse.  Be smart and if any concern stay inside. Someone may wish carry outdoors gear, sandbags, ground stakes etc and take chance, not me. This also not take into account dirt, snow and such blown on lenses or debris hit and damage  gear.

Sigga
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Sigga:
Sigga:
I live 1/3 year one of most windy places on planet. Even if weight down tripod wind vibrate the gear, I had whole hours of imaging unusable due to wind, my suggestion don't waste time and take chance something bad occur.Sigga
Thanks, Sigga.Where I am, it can be very calm then we get big gusts... then nothing for hours. So, I think I need to get some sandbags to weigh down the mount—and then really review my shots well to see if the wind ruined any shots.

Thanks!


No, Ísland dead calm, then wind 100km in 5 minutes, Føroyar worse.  Be smart and if any concern stay inside. Someone may wish carry outdoors gear, sandbags, ground stakes etc and take chance, not me. This also not take into account dirt, snow and such blown on lenses or debris hit and damage  gear.

Sigga

Surely—I am being careful. All of this is in a back yard on a concrete pad. Photos to come!