I’m new to Strain Wave mounts, and I am planning on using an imaging train that is close to exceeding the “standard” maximum weight as described in the WarpAstron manual. I have made the calculations per WarpAstron and I will not come close to exceeding the stated 50nM limit, but I should use a counterweight based on those calculations. However, I cannot find any information (or formula) to help me determine the moment arm length of the counterweight bar or the size of the counterweight itself. I don’t see anyone (from photos) using very much weight (5 KG seems to be the norm). I am use to older style GEM mounts with clutches to exactly balance out the scope in RA and DEC. My imaging train will be around 44 pounds and a small counterweight doesn’t seem reasonable to counterbalance that. Does anyone have some insight into the proper use of counterweighting with these mounts?
Hi,
You can refer to the WD-20 Manual Page 21, for calculation of torque with a counterweight attached.
Most people will use 5kg CW, and we recommended counterweight better to less than 8kg, to avoid inertia problems.
SWG mount can work with unbalanced situations. a CW will be used for balancing the mount, and also the tripod/pier. If you want to balance the tripod. We suggest using a more stable try-pier of fixed pier for better stability, instead of attach more counterweights.
If your load of 44 pounds with a 5kg counterweights still in range of allowable torque of the mount. You can still use it without totally balancing of mount, just ensure tripod or pier is balanced enough to avoid flip over.
1 Like