Solar Scope Mount

This is the solar scope mount I built for the George Observatory in Needville, Texas. It is a simple adaptation of an old C8 fork mount to accommodate the observatory's new Coronado SolarMax 60. The Daystar H-Alpha filter that had been used for many years, deteriorated beyond the funding available for a proper repair. It was replaced with the Coronado solar scope with the hope of being able to properly mount it yet keep it portable for use with student field trips.
The declination pivot castings that originally held the C8 were replaced with machined aluminum copies that were designed to easily mount a declination platform. Handles were provided to make telescope positioning possible without pulling or pushing on the telescope itself. A post was added to serve as a cable restraint for video camera power and signal cables. A 1-1/4" tube was provided as a safe place to store the camera when the telescope was detached for use elsewhere. Brass thumb screws with captive cables were made to ease mounting and removal of the telescope.