What is the primary purpose of the PrimaLuceLab PLUS 115mm rings?
The PLUS 115mm rings are designed to securely mount a guide telescope parallel to your main imaging telescope. Their 115mm internal diameter is suitable for guide scopes such as 80mm class refractors, providing a rigid connection essential for accurate autoguiding.
How do the PLUS 115mm rings connect to telescopes that don't use the PLUS system?
For compatibility with third-party hardware, the rings include central slots. This allows you to attach them to virtually any dovetail plate or support ring from other manufacturers using a single, centrally located screw.
What are the benefits of the PrimaLuceLab PLUS system for mounting a guide scope?
The PLUS system's main advantage is its rigidity. By using multiple screws for connections between components, it prevents any twisting or rotation between the guide scope and the main telescope. This modular system allows you to build a completely rigid and customized imaging train with plates, rings, and clamps that all work together seamlessly.
I'm concerned about flexure in my guiding setup. How do the PLUS 115mm rings help prevent this?
Flexure is minimized in two ways. First, the rings themselves are machined from a single block of aluminum, making them inherently stiff. Second, when connected to another PLUS component (like a dovetail plate) using the dedicated two-screw mounting points, they form a connection that cannot rotate or shift, which is a common source of differential flexure in guiding setups that rely on a single screw.
What materials are used for the PrimaLuceLab PLUS 115mm rings?
The rings are made from high-precision CNC-machined aluminum. They are then sandblasted for a uniform surface and finished with a hard anodizing process that provides a durable, scratch-resistant, and corrosion-resistant red finish.
Can I adjust the balance of my guide scope when using the PLUS 115mm rings on a PLUS dovetail plate?
Yes. When you attach the PLUS 115mm rings to a PLUS dovetail plate mounted on your main telescope, you can slide the rings along the length of the plate before tightening them down. This allows you to find the perfect position to balance the weight of your guide camera and scope, improving the tracking of your mount.
