30° Meridian Offset Wedge for Losmandy-D and Vixen Mounts

 30° Meridian Offset Wedge

3D Printable wedge designed to provide an additional 30 degrees of offset to allow imaging across the meridian line in RA mode without meridian flip. This was originally developed in response to discovering that the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse would cross the meridian line. I wanted to image the entire eclipse without worry of meridian flip, so I developed this wedge to allow me two hours travel past the or two hours start prior to the meridian.

Materials Required:

·        PLA or PLA Pro at a minimum. PA or ASA is highly recommended if this will be used for solar imaging purposes.

·        2x 4” ¼-20 Hex Head Bolts

·        2x ¼-20 Knurled Knobs

·        (Optional) 2x 4” ¼-20 Socket Cap Screws

·        (Optional) 2x ¼-20 Nuts

·        (Optional) Blue (Temporary) LocTite

Print Settings:

·        0.2mm layer height

·        No supports

·        5 Top/Bottom Layers

·        5 Walls

·        >= 50% GYROID infill

·        Print in the orientation shown below

This is going to be potentially holding up a lot of expensive weight. Don’t skimp on filament.  It needs to be solid.

Assembly:

Assembly is straightforward. Insert the 4” ¼-20 hex bolts into the shaped holes on the saddle side. Start the knurled knobs on the end of the bolts.  If you printed the solid version, that’s it.  You’re done.  Proper print orientation and settings will help layer lines provide strength in critical dimensions, however, there is also a reinforced version of each mount type.  This allows the running of ¼-20 socket-cap screws through the vertical columns for added security. A 4” cap screw will be about 2-4mm too long. You can either grind the tip of the bolt off (recommended) or overhang the extended bolts forward of the saddle on your mount.

Notes:

I have tested this several times for four hours at a time in direct sunlight and had no issues.  It did shift center of gravity on my mount significantly, so if you’re using a tracking mount, you’ll want to ensure that you can still obtain a proper weight balance before attempting to use it in the field.  As you’ll be using this in RA mode without go-to tracking, it is imperative that you keep an eye out for mount collision and avoid overtravel.

These files are shared under Creative Commons – Non-Commercial – Attribution.   Print and use at your own risk. CVA Buck assumes no risk or liability for the use or misuse of the files.

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