ASTRO-PHYSICS ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT WOOD FIELD TRIPOD, AND PORTABLE PIERS FOR MODEL 400, 600, 800, 900, AND 1200 SERIES GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNTS

Astro-Physics German equatorial mounts employ either a portable tripod, or a portable or a fixed pier as a support stand. The assembled portable piers are under stress to provide excellent rigidity. The portable piers are also a good choice for travel by air or cargo as they are very resistant to impact damage. Neither of these choices of stand requires any tools for assembly in the field, although to install a Model 900 or 1200 head requires an Allen wrench that is provided with the mount head.

It is possible to have a metal pier fabricated locally, and then install it (into a foundation below the regional frost line) at a convenient observing location. Utilities for power and signal can be installed below ground and up through the pier. Those persons interested in such an effort should contact us for specific advice.

The selection of a field tripod or a portable pier will to some degree be a matter of personal preference. For those persons who intend to do astrophotography (film or CCD), or for those where economy and durability are a concern then we do suggest a portable or permanent pier. For those where the convenience of height adjustment, quicker set up and disassembly, or aesthetics are a concern then the wood or aluminum tripods may be a good choice.

Portable Piers:

These piers feature a unique tension design that combines rugged construction with light weight, while also eliminating flexure and annoying vibrations. Legs and tension rods attach without the need for any tools thereby permitting assembly in a matter of a few minutes. The stainless steel tension rods do not interfere when the telescope is pointed at zenith as the rods are located a reasonable distance below the mount head. Turnbuckles are used to adjust tension on the rods; these also allow limited ultra-fine adjustments when polar aligning. The tension system is the simple technology that results in the firm base of support provided by the portable pier. The center post is constructed of aluminum tubing, the base and legs are of steel. The construction materials and finish provide great resistance to the environmental elements.

Piers have no provisions for leveling nor is it necessary; the mount heads have adjustments to make polar alignment even on uneven terrain. For reasons of stability it is desirable to locate a pier (or a tripod) on as firm and level ground as is possible. Sand bags may be installed within and or inside the piers to add rigidity and dampening in wind prone environments.

Astro-Physics Piers for Model 400/600 Series Mounts:
Part No.:	6x48PP	6x54PP	6x62PP
height of pier	48"	54"	62"
diameter of post	6"	6"	6"
length of legs	24.5"	24.5"	24.5"
weight of pier post	7 lbs.	8 lbs.	9 lbs.
weight of pier base	6 lbs.	6 lbs.	6 lbs.
weight of each leg	5 lbs.	5 lbs.	5 lbs.
weight of 3 rods	5 lbs.	5 lbs.	5 lbs.
total weight (assembled)	32 lbs.	33 lbs.	34 lbs.

Astro-Physics Piers for Model 800/900 Series Mounts:
Part No.:	8x48PP	8x54PP	8x62PP
height of pier	48"	54"	62"
diameter of post	8"	8"	8"
length of legs	25"	25"	25"
weight of pier post	14 lbs.	16 lbs.	18 lbs.
weight of pier base	11 lbs.	11 lbs.	11 lbs.
weight of each leg	6.5 lbs.	6.5 lbs.	6.5 lbs.
weight of 3 rods	5 lbs.	5 lbs.	5 lbs.
total weight (assembled)	49.5 lbs.	51.5 lbs.	53.5 lbs.

Astro-Physics Piers for Model 1200 Mount:
Part No.:	10x48PP	10x54PP	10x62PP
height of pier	48"	54"	62"
diameter of post	10"	10"	10"
length of legs	25"	25"	25"
weight of pier post	15 lbs.	17 lbs.	19 lbs.
weight of pier base	18 lbs.	18 lbs.	18 lbs.
weight of each leg	6.5 lbs.	6.5 lbs.	6.5 lbs.
weight of 3 rods	5 lbs.	5 lbs.	5 lbs.
total weight (assembled)	57.5 lbs.	59.5 lbs.	61.5 lbs.

Astro-Physics Adjustable Height Wood Field Tripod (AWT000):

This tripod can easily be set up level with out the use of any tools. While this not necessary since the mount heads have adjustment devices to polar align even on uneven terrain, leveling the tripod can minimize adjustment in elevation of the mount head. For reasons of stability it is desirable to locate a tripod (or a pier) on as firm and level ground as is possible. Sand bags may be installed at the feet of the tripod to add rigidity and dampening in wind prone environments.

• Working Height: 42 to 55"
  
• Weight: 18 lbs.
  
• Minimum Length (folded): 45"
  

Support Bar and Accessory Tray for Astro-Physics Piers:

For those who wish a convenient location for the placement of small accessories, Astro-Physics has produced a support bar and accessory tray. In addition to serving as a storage shelf, when used as a pair the top tray will keep dew from forming on accessories placed onto a lower accessory tray.

A Support Bar (TRAYSB) is attached to one of the holes at the top of a pier post. Each support bar can accept up to two accessory trays. Each accessory tray spans 120 degrees (1/3) of the pier so that you can construct a complete 360 degree circular tray around the pier post with just three support bars and three trays. These trays slip into the support bars. The available trays are:

• Accessory Tray (TRAY08) for 6 and 8" diameter piers,
  
• Accessory Tray (TRAY10) for 10" diameter piers.

It is possible to buy Astro-Physics support bar and accessory tray systems for installation onto any portable or permanent pier that complies with the Astro-Physics specifications for pier diameter and hole pattern.