Which mounts is the 350mm Losmandy attachment plate designed for?
This plate is designed with a Losmandy D-style dovetail, making it directly compatible with Losmandy and Paramount equatorial mounts. It can also be adapted to other mounts like the Sky-Watcher EQ5, HEQ5, and EQ6 with the use of appropriate base plates.
What material is the Losmandy attachment plate 350mm made from?
The plate is machined from a solid piece of aerospace-grade aluminum. This ensures maximum rigidity and prevents flexure, which is essential for maintaining precise tracking during long-exposure astrophotography.
How do I choose the right length Losmandy plate for my Orion Optics UK telescope?
As a general guideline, Orion Optics UK recommends selecting a dovetail plate that is approximately the same length as your telescope's aperture. This 350mm plate is therefore an ideal match for telescopes with an aperture around 350mm, or 14 inches.
Can I use the 350mm Losmandy plate to mount my Orion Optics UK AG12 on a Paramount ME mount?
Yes. The AG12 has an aperture of 300mm, and the 350mm plate provides excellent support. Since Paramount mounts use the Losmandy D-style saddle, this plate will provide a direct, secure connection for your AG12 telescope.
How can I attach my guide scope to my CT10 telescope using this 350mm Losmandy plate?
When this 350mm Losmandy plate is attached to the CNC rings of your CT10, it can serve as a base. You can then mount a secondary dovetail bar (such as a Vixen-style bar) on top of this plate to attach your guide scope rings and guide scope, creating a rigid, piggyback setup.
Can I use this 350mm Losmandy plate to connect my telescope to a Vixen-style mount like the HEQ5?
Not directly. This is a Losmandy-style plate, while the HEQ5 uses a narrower Vixen-style saddle. However, the plate is described as being attachable to "Base Plates" which can then mate with mounts like the HEQ5, EQ5, and EQ6. You would need an additional adapter plate for this configuration.
