What is the main purpose of the Losmandy style dovetail plate 645mm PLUS?
Its primary purpose is to securely attach a telescope to a mount that uses a Losmandy-D style clamp. Its 645mm length makes it particularly suitable for large optical tubes or for building complex imaging rigs with many accessories, providing a rigid, flex-free foundation as part of the PrimaLuceLab PLUS system.
What kind of telescopes is the 645mm PLUS plate best suited for?
This plate is recommended for large or heavy optical tubes where stability is paramount. The long format allows you to space the tube rings far apart, which significantly improves rigidity. It can also be installed in parallel to a Celestron EdgeHD 8" with the original Aluminum Dew Shield to carry the ALTO-2 cover motor and GIOTTO 255.
Can I attach non-PrimaLuceLab rings to the 645mm PLUS plate?
Yes. While designed to integrate perfectly with PLUS system components, the plate includes a series of central slots. These slots allow you to attach support rings or other mechanical accessories from different brands using standard screws, offering broad compatibility.
How do I use the 645mm PLUS plate to add a motorized cap to my Celestron EdgeHD 8"?
You will need to mount the 645mm plate in parallel to your telescope's main tube, on the original Aluminum Dew Shield of the EdgeHD 8". This requires the separate PrimaLuceLab PLLSAG925 curved blocks. Once the plate is installed, add the PLLMORVLP clamp to connect the ALTO-2 cover motor and the GIOTTO 255 smart flat field generator, creating a fully remote-controlled system for taking flats.
I have a long refractor. Why would I choose the 645mm PLUS plate over a shorter one?
For a long refractor, balance and rigidity are critical. A shorter plate forces you to place the support rings closer together, which can lead to flexure, especially when heavy cameras or accessories are attached. The 645mm plate allows for a much wider ring spacing, creating a more stable and rigid connection to the mount that resists sagging and improves tracking and guiding.
What makes the "PLUS" system different from a standard dovetail plate?
A standard plate typically only has a few pre-drilled holes. The PrimaLuceLab PLUS system is a complete, integrated ecosystem. Every PLUS component, including this 645mm plate, features a specific pattern of threaded holes and slots that allow you to combine plates, rings, and clamps with maximum rigidity and without needing to drill new holes. It turns a simple dovetail into a modular construction platform.
