Is this 1kg balancing weight enough for a 60mm refractor on a star tracker?
Yes, a 1kg weight is often the perfect amount for balancing a small wide-field refractor or a DSLR with a telephoto lens on a lightweight star tracker or equatorial mount. It provides the necessary counterbalance without overloading the mount's payload capacity.
My mount has a 20mm shaft. Will this 16mm bore balancing weight fit?
No, this counterweight is specifically machined for a 16mm diameter balancing shaft and will not fit on a larger 20mm shaft. Always measure your mount's counterweight shaft diameter before purchasing weights to ensure compatibility.
What is the purpose of this 1kg balancing weight?
This 1kg weight is used to perfectly balance the load of a telescope and accessories on an equatorial mount. Proper balance ensures the mount's motors can track celestial objects smoothly and accurately, which is critical for astrophotography.
Can I stack multiple 1kg weights on my 16mm shaft?
Yes, provided your counterweight shaft is long enough, you can stack multiple weights to balance heavier telescope setups. The compact 30mm thickness of this weight allows several to be placed on a standard shaft without taking up excessive room.
Does this 1kg weight come with a locking screw?
This balancing weight is designed to be secured on a 16mm counterweight shaft. This is typically accomplished with a built-in locking thumbscrew to prevent it from sliding, but you should always refer to the product images to confirm the specific locking mechanism included.
Why is this balancing weight's diameter 75mm?
The 75mm diameter and 30mm thickness are a deliberate design choice. This creates a dense, compact form factor that provides the full 1kg of mass without being physically large, which helps avoid collisions with the tripod or pier when the telescope is pointing near the meridian.
