Hadley Mount with Build-In Azimuth rotation

This telescope mount has an integrated Azimuth rotation.

The design is a remix of my prior remix (Z-Brace - a stiffer Hill Mount for the Hadley Telescope).  It adds Azimuth rotation with only a few extra parts.

The new mount design has three wheels oriented to create a virtual center of rotation. The mount holds it's center well, even when pushing the telescope near the end. 

I tried it with a 9 mm eyepiece and it is rock solid; Jupiter & four visible moons were super sharp and wobble free. It was easy to track them across the night sky with a light touch :-)

Note: the base parts still have holes (like the original) to support other mounting options.

Instructions note

These instructions are in addition to the Z-Brace remix and the Hill Mount for Hadley. 

Additional parts

• 3x 608 Bearings (see below for an alternative without bearings)
• 3x #8 x 1 inch Machine Screws

Printing instructions

For modifying an existing remixed Hill Mount:

• Print the Base parts (Front, Left, Right) as before; PLA in default settings works well.
• Print 3 Bearing Centers in PLA
• Print 3 Bearing Tires in FLEX (I used Overture TPU). Makes sure to use Scarf Joints with Random orientation for a smooth rolling action (requires PrusaSlicer 2.9)
• Alternative without Ball Bearings: print the Hard Wheel in PLA or PETG. It rolls pretty well, bit less grip on the rolling surface. 
• Note: no supports needed on any part.

For a newly built telescope mount:

• Print the three Base parts as well as the Bearing parts (3x) from this Remix
• Print the two Middle parts from Z-Brace remix (see printing parts)
• Print the Top Part from Hill Mount for Hadley.
• Cut the EMT tubes per prior instructions: 
  • 6x 30 inches 
  • 3x 12 inches
  • 1x 14 ⅓ inches
  • 1x 9 ⅔ inches

Assembly instructions

• Stretch the tire over the 608 bearing and insert the Bearing Center
• Position the wheel in the slot in the Base part (it is a tight fit)
• Push the machine screw in; the end of the screw hole is purposely narrow for a light screw-in fit. 
• Put the new Base parts on your Hill Mount.

Use instructions

• Place the mount on a smooth surface (such as a deck or a wooden floor) for a smooth action.
• For a rougher surface such as a deck with grit, slats, boards or a grooved surface:
  • Print four Track parts (inspired by Brio tracks)
  • Glue them together using a flat support surface for a good flat joint; super glue works well. Sand the rolling surface in the joints a bit if necessary to even out a small step.

• Use a small board on uneven surfaces or grass. (approx. 20 x 20 inches).
• Roll away!

Creator's Note

• Hadley is fun a thing to design for, check out my other designs in Redlow's Hadley Add-Ons Collection

Change Log

• Jan 24, 2025: added the Track part, updated the Base parts to make the wheel visible (makes it easier to place it into the track in low light conditions)