iOptron Universal Side-by-Side Saddles System

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Mounts Two Telescopes on a Single Mount Head Ideal for Imaging and Autoguiding Setups Enables Parallel Observation with Different Instruments Improves Balance Compared to Piggyback Systems Designed for Universal Telescope and Mount Compatibility Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Warranty Universal Side-by-Side Saddles System The Universal Side-by-Side Saddles System addresses a fundamental challenge in astrophotography and observational astronomy: mounting two instruments on a single equatorial mount head. By placing optical tubes parallel to each other, this system provides a stable, balanced platform for simultaneous imaging and guiding, or for running two different optical systems at once. This configuration is mechanically superior to piggybacking, minimizing differential flexure and making it easier to achieve precise balance in both axes. Dual-Scope Mounting: The Solution for Autoguiding and Parallel Imaging The primary application for a side-by-side system is to mount an imaging telescope and a guide scope. This arrangement allows the guide scope to have an unrestricted view of the sky while providing a rigid connection to the main imaging train, resulting in sharper long-exposure images. It also opens up possibilities for parallel imaging, such as capturing a wide-field view with one scope while imaging a smaller target in high resolution with the other. Balancing and Stability: Key Considerations for Side-by-Side Setups A key advantage of this system is improved balance. Unlike a piggybacked scope that places weight far from the central axis of rotation, a side-by-side setup keeps the center of gravity low and centered. This reduces strain on the mount's motors and gears, leading to smoother tracking. Achieving perfect balance involves adjusting each telescope forward or backward in its saddle, as well as adjusting the position of the saddles on the main bar to equalize weight distribution. Side-by-Side vs. Piggyback Mounting: A Comparison of Guide Scope Solutions When adding a guide scope, imagers must choose between piggybacking (mounting it on top of the main scope) and a side-by-side system. While piggybacking is often simpler and lighter, it can introduce differential flexure and create significant balance challenges. A side-by-side system offers a more robust solution. Side-by-Side Advantage: Significantly better balance and mechanical stability. It isolates the guide scope from any movement or flexure in the main imaging tube's focuser or accessories, leading to more accurate guiding. Piggyback Advantage: Generally lighter, less expensive, and requires less mount capacity. It is a viable solution for smaller, lighter guide scopes and can be easier to set up for portable rigs. What is the primary benefit of the Universal Side-by-Side Saddles System? The main benefit is the ability to mount two optical tubes on a single mount in a stable, balanced configuration. This is ideal for serious astrophotography, where a dedicated guide scope is used alongside a main imaging telescope, as it minimizes tracking errors caused by imbalance and differential flexure. Is the Universal Side-by-Side Saddles System better than piggybacking a guide scope? For high-precision imaging, yes. A side-by-side system provides a much more rigid connection and makes it easier to achieve perfect balance in both right ascension and declination. Piggybacking is simpler and lighter but can introduce flexure, where the guide scope and main scope shift slightly relative to each other, causing guiding errors and elongated stars. How do I balance two telescopes with different weights on this system? Balancing is a two-step process. First, balance each telescope individually by sliding it forwards or backwards within its saddle. Second, balance the two telescopes against each other by sliding the entire saddle assembly left or right on the main dovetail bar before locking it down on your mount. Can I use this Universal Side-by-Side system for visual observing or outreach? Absolutely. It's an excellent tool for outreach events. You can mount a refractor for wide-field views of objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and a Schmidt-Cassegrain for high-power views of planets or globular clusters like M13, allowing two people to observe different targets or perspectives simultaneously from the same mount. What does "Universal" mean for this side-by-side system? "Universal" typically implies that the system is designed with a high degree of compatibility in mind. This often means the saddles can accommodate both popular dovetail formats (Vixen V-style and Losmandy D-style) and that the main mounting bar features a variety of hole patterns to attach to different equatorial mount heads. What kind of mount capacity do I need for a Universal Side-by-Side setup? You must add the weight of both telescopes, all accessories (cameras, eyepieces), and the side-by-side system itself. For astrophotography, this total weight should not exceed 50-60% of your mount's stated payload capacity to ensure precise tracking. Note Detailed specifications are not available for this product. Note A detailed list of included items is not available for this product. iOptron Manufacturer's Warranty Show more