7awol Loc: Butler, Pa

Just got mine. My Nikon D700 and Rokinon 28mm f1.4 exceed the 2.6 pound weight limit so I ordered the counterweight kit. The on-line instruction guide shows how to assemble and install the kit but falls way short on explaining the actual balancing procedure. Anybody have any experience or procedural tips?
Thanks
Dean

Marc G Loc: East Grinstead, West Sussex, England

Hi Dean

If the Ioptron Skytracker is similar to the SW Star Adventurer the procedure for setting up the counter balance is quite simple:

1. install the counterbalance to the mount
2. load the mount with camera & lens as you would to carry out AP
3. whilst holding the camera loosen the RA clutch allowing the mount arm to move freely
4. it is now just a case of sliding the counterbalance up & down the shaft until the rig is balanced horizontally.

Marc

7awol Loc: Butler, Pa

Marc...thank you for the quick response. The Skytracker Pro does not have a clutch to release the RA drive. I can loosen the lever on the counterweight dovetail bar a bit. That allows everything to swing to horizontal, but not freely. The bottom of the dovetail drags on the rubber gasket that you can see attached to the camera mounting block. This occurs when the whole rig is in the vertical (0 declination) position. That added friction prevents free rotation. I sense that I may be close to balance even with the added friction however a free swinger would certainly be a confidence builder.
Dean

Marc G Loc: East Grinstead, West Sussex, England

Hi Dean
After looking through the somewhat brief set up pdf for the mount, I can only ascertain that any form of balancing can only be done by loosening the camera mounting block or via dovetail mount as you mentioned
Marc