In brief:
- Designed for mounting on a concrete column
- Ideal for Skywatcher EQ6, EQ6-R, AZ-EQ6 and EQ8 (and similar)
- 100% manufactured in Europe
Mounting on a concrete column
The optimal solution for private observatories: stable, easy to mount and versatile. This version of the concrete pillar adapter fits the SkyWatcher EQ6, EQ6-R, AZ-EQ6 and EQ8 as well as all USA mounts with the same connection, such as ORION Atlas, and with slight adjustment also the Takahashi EM-11 and EM-200 mounts. All holes and threads are pre-drilled.
Construction
The concrete column adaptor consists of three levels connected by four strong M16 threaded rods:
The lowest, so-called stabiliser level consists of two crossed aluminium alloy profiles, which are fully embedded in the concrete. They hold and stabilise the 4 threaded rods, similar to the metal structure in reinforced concrete.
The middle, so-called cover level is a 10 mm thick solid metal plate with a diameter of 20 cm. This plate is already visible and covers the column from above. The threaded rods are screwed tight with nuts from both above and below. After setting in concrete, only the upper nuts are accessible.
The support level is mount-specific; this is where the mount is attached. Only enough space is required between the cover level and the support level to allow the mount to be attached or removed from below (by hand or with tools). This distance can be adjusted by the user before the adaptor is sunk into the concrete, thanks to the continuous thread on the threaded rods.
The north spike
Many astronomy enthusiasts were faced with the problem that EQ6 mounts from different years of manufacture have north pins of different lengths. To save tedious sawing or extensions, Lacerta redesigned the North Pin in 2017. The typical North Pin profile, which is pressed in from the right and left by horizontal adjusting screws, sits on a long M8 threaded rod and is therefore individually adjustable in height.
To ensure that the north spindle can be transported without damage, it is mounted upside down and faces downwards.
Mounting
A suitable formwork tube (not included) is required for this concrete column adapter, which gives the shape of the subsequent column. The north pin (south pin on some mounts) is screwed into a free thread in the REVERSE position for transport; please do not pour concrete over it, but unscrew it and screw it into the hole provided. The height of the pin can be adjusted with the two screw nuts (lock nut). Before concreting, it is advisable to try out the EQ6 or EQ8 on the upper plate (simply screw it on and then remove it again – this will show you how much space is needed for your hand to tighten the central fastening screw). This test can also be done shortly before concreting. For stability reasons, the platform should be a short distance from the concrete (distance: deck level to support level). The middle plate can be raised and lowered using the 4 screw nuts. Ideally, the middle plate should "float" on the still liquid concrete and the distance between the middle and upper platforms should be large enough to allow access with your hand or a screwdriver.
A suitable foundation made of concrete is necessary to ensure the stability of the entire column. When the foundation is complete, the reinforcement should protrude from the foundation at the point where the column will later be attached to ensure a stable transition between the column and the foundation.
Place the formwork tube on the foundation and support it at the sides so that it remains horizontal when it is later filled with concrete (and check the compass direction beforehand with the mount attached).
It is also recommended to reinforce the formwork tube with reinforcement (ideally with the reinforcement protruding from the base plate if it is long enough).
Pour concrete into the formwork tube from above until it is completely full.
Now press the concrete column adapter with the crossed profiles into the concrete until the cover level is flush with the formwork tube. Check here that the pin is pointing in the right direction (ATTENTION: On the new EQ8-R, the pin is in the south).
After hardening (may take several days depending on the manufacturer and temperature), the column support can be removed. The formwork tube can then also be removed.
The mount can be screwed into the designated place.
In addition to the original cardboard formwork tubes, PVC or metal tubes can also be used.
ATTENTION: The north/south pin should point north/south during concrete pouring in order to be able to align the EQ6 or EQ8 correctly.
The central fixing screw is PART OF THE MOUNT and is NEVER supplied by us. EQ6, EQ8, Takahashi, etc. require different central screws, and it is impossible to supply an assortment of M8, M10, M12, 3/8", etc. screws in different lengths and types (hexagon, hexagon socket, etc.).
Simple modification for Takahashi mounts
If you want to attach a Takahashi EM-11 or EM-200 mount, you only need to drill the central M12 thread of the concrete column adapter to a hole with a diameter of 12 mm. You can then attach the mount using the original screw that Takahashi supplies with the axis cross.
If you let us know when ordering that you would like to mount a Takahashi mount, we will be happy to prepare the hole for you.
Of course, you also have the option of adding further holes and threads to the support surface for your own (different) mount. There is plenty of space on the thick aluminium plate!
100% manufactured in Europe
To support the local economy, the aluminium plates are not imported from the Far East, but are purchased from the Lower Austrian aluminium manufacturer "BLECHA" and also pre-cut there. Further processing is carried out by KITECH, a one-man company that has been maintaining the historic Heyde telescope at the Urania Observatory in Budapest for more than 20 years. The concrete column adapters are then assembled at the Lacerta branch in Deutschkreutz, Burgenland. Even the packaging comes from the EU – from a non-profit company that exclusively employs people with disabilities.
