Celestar 8 Deluxe Payload

Hi,

I recently acquired a good used Celestar 8 Deluxe, can I realistically piggyback my Stellarvue AT1010, add a dew shield, counterweight bar and 2" diagonal without overloading the mount and drive?

Thanks,

Jeff Thomas

I don't have direct experience with that mount, but I did piggyback an AT1010 to a Meade LX90. I wouldn't think a LX90 would be any sturdier than your mount.

In addition to total weight, proper balance is key. I found the Losmandy stuff too heavy to use to mount such a light telescope and made my own out of angled aluminum.

My tips....
Make sure you keep the AT1010 as close to the SCT OTA as possible to keep the momentum down.

Get the the counterweight as far away from the OTA as will clear the fork arms as possible so the lightest weight possible can be used.

Balance it with the diagonal and a typical eyepiece and you should be fine.