How do I use the PrimaLuceLab Big Dovetail Clamp to mount two telescopes on my mount?
You would mount two of these Big Dovetail Clamps onto a single, wide PrimaLuceLab PLUS dovetail plate. This creates a side-by-side system. You can then attach one telescope to each clamp, allowing you to mount both instruments on your equatorial mount simultaneously.
Can I use this PLUS clamp to attach a Losmandy plate to my Sky-Watcher HEQ5 mount?
Yes. The stock saddle on a Sky-Watcher HEQ5 mount typically only accepts Vixen-style plates. By using an appropriate PLUS plate as an adapter, this Big Dovetail Clamp allows you to securely attach a telescope with a wider Losmandy-style plate to your HEQ5 or AZ-EQ5 mount head.
What makes the PrimaLuceLab PLUS clamp different from a standard Vixen or Losmandy clamp?
The key difference is its dual compatibility. A standard clamp only accepts one dovetail style. The PrimaLuceLab Big Dovetail Clamp accepts both Vixen and Losmandy plates, offering far greater flexibility. It is also part of the modular PLUS system, designed for building custom, rigid setups.
What is the PrimaLuceLab PLUS system and how does this clamp fit in?
The PLUS system is a complete range of CNC-machined plates, rings, and clamps with a standardized pattern of holes and slots. This clamp is a fundamental component, acting as the interface between a telescope's dovetail plate and other PLUS elements, ensuring a perfectly aligned and rigid mechanical connection.
Is the PrimaLuceLab Big Dovetail Clamp compatible with plates and rings from other manufacturers?
Yes. While it is designed to integrate perfectly with the PLUS system, PrimaLuceLab has included a series of central slots in the clamp. These slots allow you to attach it to plates or rings from other brands using standard screws, providing a high degree of cross-brand compatibility.
What is the clamp made of and how is it finished?
The clamp is CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum for maximum strength and precision. The aluminum is then sandblasted for a smooth surface and finished with hard anodizing to increase its durability and protect it from scratches and oxidation.