CG-4 / EQ-3 MOUNT EXTENSION (END PLATES)

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(WORK IN PROGRESS) Mount extension tube is helpful for observing stars near zenith, and for clearing counter weight/shaft from hitting the North tripod leg when observing stars at a very low lattitude location. The extension tube designed to fit CG-4/EQ-3, or other EQ mounts, having the same physical dimensions. The extension tube consists of a 4" 3mm-thick aluminum tube (101.60mm O.D. , 95.60mm I.D.), cut to desired length, and two end plates. Bottom plate has a center-inserted nut with matching thread of the long-threaded shaft that holds EQ head in place. My CG-4 has an M10 1.5mm-pitch thread. The thread may be different for other EQ mounts. There are three inserted M4 nuts on the inner side of the plate that inserted into the aluminum tube to hold it in place with three M4x15mm screws. Top plate is secured to the EQ head with an M10x25mm (1.5mm-pitch) through the center hole, again check the correct thread on your GEM. Like the bottom plate, top plate has three M4 nuts for mounting to the top end of the aluminum tube. Drill three holes at each end of the aluminum tube for M4x15mm screws, the holes are 15mm from the end and at 120-degree apart.