Orion Atlas EQ-G Telescope Mount Upgrade Bundle, Includes Deluxe Accessory Tray, EQ-G Counterweight Shaft Upgrade, 11 lbs Counterweight, CC18 Carrier

The Orion Atlas EQ-G Telescope Mount Upgrade Bundle includes a Deluxe Accessory Tray, an Atlas EQ-G Counterweight Shaft Upgrade, an 11 lb. counterweight, and convenient CC18 Counterweight Carrier. These four accessories will enhance the functionality of your Atlas EQ-G Mount, making each evening under the stars a more enjoyable and efficient experience.

The deluxe accessory tray is made of powder coated aluminum, this large, 14-1/2" diameter tray has holes for nine 1.25" and six 2" eyepieces and/or Barlow lenses. The Deluxe Accessory Tray features three slots arrayed around the tray for the Atlas EQ-G's GoTo SynScan hand controller, so you'll have a convenient spot to place the controller no matter where you happen to be standing around the mount. There's also plenty of flat surface in the middle of the tray for storing filters, adapters, a flashlight, or other odds and ends you use at the scope - for quick, convenient access.

The 1" diameter (25mm) counterweight shaft upgrade minimizes flexure, increases stability, and significantly optimizes performance of the Atlas EQ-G Mount. This upgrade is thicker than the standard, 3/4" diameter (18mm) shaft that comes with the Atlas EQ-G Mount for enhanced stability. Since the upgrade is not retractable like the standard shaft, it eliminates any potentially troublesome weight shifts during tracking of celestial objects, which can wreak havoc on tracking accuracy.

The Shaft Upgrade features a threaded Declination axis collar to provide more rigid and robust coupling to the Atlas Mount. Its 13" length is a full 2" longer than the standard Atlas shaft, which allows use of fewer counterweights for balancing most astronomical equipment payloads. A large, threaded "toe saver" knob at the end of the shaft keeps installed counterweights from falling on the ground, even if their lock knobs inadvertently become loose.

The included 11 lb. counterweight is compatible with the thicker, 1" diameter Counterweight Shaft Upgrade and has an attractive powder-coat finish. This counterweight features a nylon-tipped lock knob which will not scratch the counterweight shaft when tightened. The tri-lobe lock knob is easy to tighten and loosen, even while wearing gloves in the field.

The sturdy steel counterweight holder makes it easy to store and transport heavy equatorial mount counterweights safely and conveniently. The CC18 Counterweight Carrier reduces the number of trips to and from your vehicle or observing site by allowing you to carry multiple counterweights in one trip - and even with one hand. The CC18 Carrier has room to hold up to three 11 lb. Atlas EQ-G counterweights, and has a total weight capacity of over 50 lbs. By securely holding multiple counterweights together rather than individually, the CC18 helps minimize the chances of dropping a counterweight during setup or takedown, which can potentially damage the weight, or even worse, hurt your feet. Its padded handle provides a comfortable grip, and four sturdy plastic discs provide separation between the attached counterweights, preventing contact so they remain free of scratches and dings.

A large safety knob on the end of the CC18's 18mm diameter steel shaft ensures that attached counterweights will remain on the carrier, even if their individual lock knobs become loose. Weighing 4.8 lbs. without any counterweights attached, the CC18 Counterweight Carrier provides a practical solution to the hassle of carrying and transporting heavy equatorial mount counterweights -you'll never leave home without it.