Equatorial Wedges

Converting Alt-Azimuth to Equatorial

The wedge sits between tripod and mount, tilting the whole assembly to your latitude so one axis tracks the sky directly.

• Field rotation eliminated: The reason for the wedge. In alt-azimuth mode the field rotates during tracking, limiting exposures to under a minute regardless of tracking accuracy.
• Latitude adjustment: The tilt must match your site's latitude, with fine adjustment for polar alignment. Check the latitude range if you observe from very different latitudes.
• Rigidity: A wedge raises the centre of mass and adds a joint. A heavily built wedge is essential, since a flexible one undermines everything below it.
• Fork mount applications: Most commonly used with fork-mounted Schmidt-Cassegrains, which is where the design originated.
• Alt-azimuth GoTo mounts: Some modern alt-azimuth mounts accept a wedge and operate in equatorial mode, which is a cost-effective route into imaging.
• Polar alignment access: A good wedge provides usable altitude and azimuth adjusters, since aligning a heavy assembly with coarse adjusters is very frustrating.

Why Choose David Astro for Equatorial Wedges

A wedge solves a real problem and introduces a rigidity one, and it should be chosen with that in mind.

• Rigidity emphasized: We recommend wedges built substantially enough for your payload, because a flexing wedge undoes the mount's accuracy entirely.
• Latitude range checked: We confirm the wedge's adjustment range covers your site's latitude with margin for fine alignment.
• Honest comparison: For serious imaging we will tell you whether a German equatorial would serve you better than a wedge on your existing mount.
• Authorized dealer: Genuine products with manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.

Equatorial Wedges in Canada: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a wedge to image?

With an alt-azimuth mount and exposures beyond about a minute, yes, field rotation will trail stars at the frame edges otherwise. For lunar and planetary work no wedge is needed.

Does a wedge reduce stability?

It raises the centre of mass and adds a joint, so a lightweight wedge under a heavy telescope is a real problem. Choose one built well beyond your payload rather than at it.

Will a wedge fit my mount?

Wedges are mount-specific in their bolt pattern and geometry. Tell us the exact mount model and we will confirm.

Is a wedge better than buying an equatorial mount?

It is cheaper if you already own a suitable alt-azimuth mount. A dedicated German equatorial generally guides better and is easier to align, so for a new purchase it is usually the better path.

Imaging with a fork mount?

Tell us your mount and payload and we will specify a wedge.