What is the main advantage of the Baader V190 Saddle's clamping system?
The main advantage of the Baader V190 Saddle is its use of two large, flat clamping blocks instead of pointed set screws. This system distributes clamping pressure across a wide surface area, preventing damage to your dovetail bar and creating a much more rigid, slip-free connection that is critical for astrophotography.
Can I use the Baader V190 Saddle to put my Vixen-style refractor on a Losmandy G11 mount?
Yes, absolutely. The base of the Baader V190 Saddle is a 3-inch Losmandy-style dovetail. You can clamp it directly into the saddle of your Losmandy G11, instantly converting the mount head to accept your refractor's Vixen-style bar.
How does the Baader V190 Saddle attach to mounts without a 3" clamp?
The Baader V190 Saddle features a pattern of pre-drilled holes on its underside. This allows you to bolt it directly to the mount head of various brands, including Takahashi, 10Micron, Astro-Physics, Vixen, and Celestron, for a direct, secure connection that bypasses the dovetail system entirely.
What kind of dovetail bars does the Baader PAN/EQ V190 Saddle accept?
The top clamp of the Baader PAN/EQ V190 Saddle is designed to hold Vixen-style (EQ Standard) dovetail bars. This includes bars from Celestron (CG-5), Sky-Watcher, and other manufacturers that use this common, narrower format.
Is the 190mm length of the Baader V190 Saddle suitable for mounting a small guide scope?
Yes, the Baader V190 Saddle can be mounted onto larger tube rings to hold a guide scope. The 190 mm length provides an extremely stable platform, preventing any flexure between the main telescope and the guide scope, which is crucial for accurate autoguiding during long exposures.
What materials are used in the clamping blocks of the Baader V190 Saddle?
The two large-area clamping blocks in the Baader V190 Saddle are made from a combination of stainless steel and hard brass. These materials are chosen for their durability and for providing a firm grip without damaging the softer aluminum of the dovetail bar.