What is the main purpose of the Side by side Losmandy plate 350mm PLUS?
The primary purpose of the Side by side Losmandy plate 350mm PLUS is to securely mount two optical instruments, such as telescopes or cameras, in parallel on a single equatorial mount. This is ideal for astrophotography setups that use a separate guide scope or for visual observers who want to use two different types of telescopes simultaneously.
Can I mount a Vixen-style dovetail and a Losmandy-style dovetail on the Side by side Losmandy plate 350mm PLUS at the same time?
Yes. The two saddles included with the plate are designed to be dual-compatible. Each saddle can clamp both Vixen-V style and Losmandy-D style dovetail bars, giving you complete flexibility to mix and match equipment from different manufacturers.
Will the Side by side Losmandy plate 350mm PLUS attach to my Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro mount?
Yes. The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro mount features a dual Vixen/Losmandy saddle. The main bar of the Side by side Losmandy plate 350mm PLUS is a standard Losmandy-D style plate, so it will connect directly and securely to your mount.
I want to image the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a small refractor while guiding. Is the Side by side Losmandy plate 350mm PLUS a good solution?
Absolutely. This is a perfect application for the Side by side Losmandy plate 350mm PLUS. You can mount your imaging refractor on one saddle and your guide scope on the other. This creates a very stable platform that minimizes differential flexure, leading to tighter stars in your final image of M31 compared to piggybacking the guide scope.
What makes the PLUS system construction of this plate better than others?
Unlike plates that may be cast or bent, every component of the PLUS system is CNC-machined from a solid block of aluminum. This process results in superior mechanical rigidity and precise tolerances. The system is then hard-anodized for durability, ensuring a flex-free and reliable connection for your valuable astronomy equipment.
Do I need to worry about the total weight with the Side by side Losmandy plate 350mm PLUS?
Yes. While the plate itself is designed to be rigid, you must always consider the total payload. You need to sum the weight of both telescopes, all accessories (cameras, guide scopes, etc.), and the side-by-side plate itself. Ensure this total weight is well within the specified payload capacity of your equatorial mount for optimal tracking and guiding.