Fullerscopes MkIV mounting with 12" Cassegrain.

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Xavier from Belgium has kindly sent me some images of his MkIV carrying a 12" Cassegrain on a very smart, custom pier.

The scale can be difficult to judge but that is a 12" Cassegrain reflector. Suggesting that the tube must be at least 13-14" in diameter.

The custom pier is equally impressive. Note the levelling screws and fine adjustment of azimuth of the top section which supports the MkIV mounting.

The MkIV's VFO power supply and control paddle are given their own positions ready for use and easily accessible to the observer.

The polar angle is fine adjustable. Note how the massive MkIV mounting seems to shrink in size when carrying such a large instrument.  The cast tube cradle is 60cm or 24" long. The drive motors are housed in dome topped covers. The entire instrument is beautifully constructed.

Here the instrument has been moved to a roll-off roof observatory.

The custom pier adds great solidity and quality to the instrument.

What a superb installation!

The Fullerscopes MkIV not only looks the part but is easily capable of carrying such a large instrument.

Providing stability that few modern mounting can offer at a price that none can match.

Ideal for an observatory instrument, the MkIV will probably outlast many of the Chinese offerings.

The axes are 1.25" [32mm] in diameter and solid steel. The bronze wormwheels are 6" [150mm] in diameter.
Note the sheer scale of the conical castings and saddle compared with many (modern) offerings.

The AWR Goto belt drive stepper motor systems have now been fitted to the MkIV and are clearly visible in this shot. The owner is very happy with the stability and performance of these updated drives. 

Here are earlier posts showing Xavier's AWR/MkIV drive installation:

http://fullerscopes.blogspot.dk/2013/03/an-mkiv-with-goto.html

http://fullerscopes.blogspot.dk/2013/05/a-fullerscopes-mkiv-with-goto-chapter-2.html


I am most grateful to Xavier for sharing these excellent images. Xavier is proving the effectiveness of the MkIV with his own instruments.



If anyone is interested in buying Xavier's older MkIV fitted with a C11 then here is more information: C11 sold. MkIV mounting still available.

http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=76443


Here are Xavier's websites:

http://www.debeerst.com/

http://www.anamorfose.be/night-photography

A whole series of images of the restoration of Xavier's Fullerscopes MkIV mounting:

http://mindex.ning.com/photo/albums/fullerscopes-mk-iv-before-the-restoration

http://mindex.ning.com/photo/albums/fullerscopes-mk-iv-ready-for-the-observatory


Back click to return here if you follow these links.

Click on any image for an enlargement.

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