[AZ-Observing] Re: telescope piers

Hi Paul;

I have a 6 inch pipe filled with sand in my backyard observatory.  The floor of 
the observatory is about a foot off the ground on joists.  So, the pipe is 
buried about 3 feet in the ground and sticks about 3.5 feet above ground.  It 
does twang quite a bit.  With the heavy 7 inch Maksutov on top of that pipe 
with a wedge, it takes about 5 to 7 seconds to damp.  

If I had it all to do over again, I would choose a pier of cinder blocks, 
filled with cement and rebar within the openings.  One day I may decide to do 
that, for right now I just live with it.  Being an observational type, it does 
not bother me too much.  I also have an electric focuser, so I don't have to 
touch the scope at high power to focus.

Hope that helps;
Steve Coe

stevecoe@xxxxxxxxx
Author:  Deep Sky Observing--The Astronomical Tourist
Saguaro Astronomy Club web site:
www.saguaroastro.org

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