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Askar D-Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 400mm

Askar D-Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 400mm

by Askar
SKU ASK-ASLDP400R
CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00
CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00
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  • 400mm Length
  • D-Series (Losmandy-style) Profile
  • Universal Hole and Slot Pattern
  • Connects Tube Rings and Accessories
  • Solid, Flex-Free Mounting Platform
1 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in Canada on orders over $500.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • Askar D-Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 400mm

    The Askar D-Series Universal Dovetail Plate provides a rigid 400mm mounting platform engineered to securely attach large optical tubes and complex imaging trains to any standard D-style saddle plate.

    A 400mm D-Style Foundation for Large OTAs

    At 400mm in length, this D-style (Losmandy-compatible) plate is designed to distribute the weight of heavy or long optical tube assemblies, minimizing mechanical flexure and vibration. It creates a stable, continuous connection between your tube rings and mount saddle, which is critical for maintaining alignment and achieving sharp, long-exposure images.

    This extended length is particularly beneficial for large refractors, Schmidt-Cassegrains, or Newtonian reflectors where achieving precise balance is essential. The plate provides ample surface area to adjust the telescope's position forward or backward, ensuring the entire setup is perfectly balanced over the mount's center of gravity.

    Mounting Flexibility: Multiple Slots on a 400mm Plate

    Engineered with an array of elongated slots and threaded holes, the Askar 400mm plate accommodates a wide variety of tube ring spacings and accessory configurations. This universal pattern eliminates the need to drill custom holes, allowing you to easily attach rings from different manufacturers or adjust their position for optimal balance.

    The numerous mounting points allow you to attach guide scopes, finder scopes, and control boxes directly to the dovetail plate alongside the main OTA. This co-mounting strategy keeps your imaging train compact and rigid, reducing the potential for differential flexure that can ruin guided exposures.

  • What is the primary purpose of the Askar D-Series 400mm Dovetail Plate?

    The primary purpose of the Askar D-Series 400mm plate is to provide a secure, flex-free interface between a telescope's tube rings and a D-style (Losmandy-style) mount saddle. Its 400mm length is ideal for larger, heavier telescopes that require a long mounting surface for stability and proper balancing.

    How does the 400mm length of this Askar plate help with a large SCT?

    For a large SCT, like an 11" or 14" model, the 400mm length is critical for balancing. When you add a heavy imaging train (camera, filter wheel, OAG), the center of gravity shifts backward. This long plate allows you to slide the entire telescope assembly further forward in the mount saddle to achieve perfect balance, which is essential for accurate tracking.

    Can I mount a guide scope to the Askar D-Series 400mm plate?

    Yes. The plate features multiple slots and holes specifically to allow for the attachment of accessories like guide scope rings, a finder scope bracket, or other hardware directly to the plate. This creates a more rigid setup than mounting a guide scope on top of the main telescope's tube rings.

    What is the difference between this Askar 400mm D-style plate and a V-style plate?

    The primary difference is the physical profile and load capacity.

    • D-Style (Losmandy): Wider, more robust, and designed for heavier telescope setups. It is the standard for most medium-to-large observatory-class mounts.
    • V-Style (Vixen): Narrower and lighter, typically used for smaller, more portable telescopes and mounts.
    This Askar 400mm plate will only fit in a D-style saddle plate and is intended for larger instrument packages.

    Will the Askar D-Series 400mm plate fit my specific mount?

    This plate will fit any mount equipped with a D-style or "Losmandy-D" saddle. It is not compatible with mounts that only accept the narrower V-style (Vixen) dovetails. Always check your mount's specifications to confirm it uses a D-style saddle.

    How do the slots on the Askar 400mm plate help balance an OTA?

    The elongated slots offer continuous adjustment for your tube rings. This means you are not limited to a few pre-drilled holes. You can place the rings at their ideal spacing for your telescope and then slide the entire assembly along the plate's length to achieve perfect front-to-back balance, even with awkwardly-weighted accessories.

  • Length 400mm
    Dovetail Style D-Series (Losmandy Compatible)
  • Askar 1-Year Warranty