Baader ClickLock Eyepiece Clamp - 1.25"/T-2

The ClickLock Clamp

The ClickLock is a precisely fitting, very massive eyepiece clamp without clamping screws: eyepieces, CCD cameras and similar accessories are held securely, locked against rotation and not scratched. A small turn of about 20° clamps each eyepiece, which is no problem with gloves on, and every 1.25" eyepiece or measuring device, such as a laser collimator, is aligned parallel to the axis automatically, even with diameter deviations. It accepts all 1.25" eyepiece types with any locking groove.

Seven precision-machined components form the retention mechanism. You do not have to tighten it with brute force, because the principle comes from professional mechanical engineering, like the tool holder in modern CNC milling centres: clever use of leverage multiplies the torque, and the inserted object is held on three sides like a quick-action chuck, so it can no longer tilt. With slightly more tightening force, even heavy CCD cameras can be held.

T-2 Threads and Eyepiece Projection

The clamp is T-2 part #08 in Baader's T-2 system. The telescope side has a female T-2 (M42x0.75) thread, so it screws onto Baader T-2 star diagonals, which list it among their eyepiece-side adapters, or other parts with a male T-2 thread.

Remove the focusing ring by unscrewing it completely and keep its fine thread clean. The male thread now visible is a T-2 thread like the one on the other side, so the whole clamp works as a T-2 extension ring with a built-in eyepiece clamp. Insert a projection eyepiece that fits into a T-2 extension tube (smaller than 38 mm outer diameter), or a Barlow lens for projection such as the Baader VIP, and use Baader T-2 extensions (#1508154, 15 mm, T-2 #25A; #1508153, 40 mm, T-2 #25B; #1508155, 7.5 mm, T-2 #25C) to place a DSLR or system camera at the desired distance. This gives a very sturdy connection. The thread also takes T-rings, digital T-adapters and digital cameras.

Focusing Aid with 5 mm Stroke

The focusing thread has a 5 mm stroke and 0.5 mm fine pitch. It lets you focus SC optics directly at the eyepiece without mirror shift, which makes it extremely useful for telescopes with a movable main mirror; it is intended for use on Baader star diagonals, or with a view from above. The steps:

1. Turn the combined knurled ring fully to the left and insert the eyepiece or camera.
2. Without locking the clamp, turn the upper knurled focusing ring further to the left (counterclockwise); its upper collar lifts the inserted eyepiece.
3. When the image is sharp in the eyepiece or on the monitor, turn the lower ring with the logo to the right (clockwise) to close the clamp.
4. Before inserting the eyepiece, check that the micro-focusing ring can move in both directions, turning it slightly counterclockwise until it does.

Using the Clamp

The optical length is 32 to 38 mm, depending on the focusing ring. To clamp an eyepiece:

1. Turn the combined knurled ring to the left as far as it goes; the clamping jaws are now fully open.
2. Insert a 1.25" eyepiece, rotating it slightly so it slides easily into the accurate clamp.
3. Turn the large knurled ring with the Baader logo to the right until the eyepiece is clamped. A short twist of 20 degrees, without effort, gives the same tightening force as an ordinary clamping screw.

The outer contour is shaped so there is room to turn the lower knurled ring without putting force on the upper focusing ring.