What is the Baader 3" 60mm Losmandy Rider Clamp used for?
The Baader Rider Clamp is used to add a secure mounting point on top of an existing 3-inch Losmandy-style dovetail bar. Its primary purpose is to allow you to "piggyback" other equipment onto your main telescope, such as a guide scope, a wide-field camera with a telephoto lens, or other accessories like a finderscope or power distribution box.
Will the Baader 3" Rider Clamp fit any Losmandy-style dovetail bar?
Yes, this clamp is designed to fit the industry-standard 3-inch Losmandy "D" profile. It will securely attach to dovetail bars from Losmandy, Celestron (CGE), and other manufacturers that adhere to this specification.
How does this Baader clamp prevent damage to my dovetail bar?
High-end clamps like this Baader model use a jaw that makes full-surface contact with the angled side of the dovetail bar. This distributes the clamping force evenly across a wide area, unlike a simple set screw which concentrates all the pressure on a single point. This design prevents scratches, dents, and other damage to your dovetail bar's finish.
Can I use the Baader 60mm Rider Clamp to mount a heavy guide scope on my 11" SCT's Losmandy bar?
Absolutely. This is an ideal application. The 60mm wide platform of the Baader Rider Clamp provides the stability needed for a typical 80mm guide scope or an Off-Axis Guider (OAG) setup, preventing flexure between the main telescope and the guiding system, which is critical for sharp, long-exposure images with an SCT.
What's the best way to attach a DSLR and lens piggyback style to a refractor using the Baader 3" Rider Clamp?
You would first mount the Baader Rider Clamp onto the dovetail bar on top of your refractor. Then, you would typically attach a second, smaller dovetail bar (like a Vixen-style bar) to the base of your DSLR or lens mounting ring. This smaller bar can then be clamped into a saddle attached to the top of the Baader Rider Clamp, creating a secure, multi-layered system.
Does the Baader 3" 60mm Losmandy Rider Clamp include mounting screws?
The included contents are not specified. Typically, mounting hardware is not included with components like this, as the required screw length and thread type depend entirely on the accessory and saddle you are attaching it to. You will need to source the appropriate screws for your specific application.
