Introducing the Quarter Hitch — The Quintessential Grab 'n Go Mount
 

.

A grab 'n go refractor fitted with a wide-field eyepiece is its own giant finder.  Aim in the general area of a deep-sky object, look through the scope — and you found it! 

The Quarter Hitch is targeted to the Grab ‘n Go purist who does not want digital pointing — but is seeking upper echelon quality in a solid but super lightweight alt-azimuth mount.  Like the elite Half Hitch, the Quarter Hitch has a rigid CNC machined structure.  And it shares the same ultra-smooth motion controls, now legendary.   The Quarter Hitch also borrows the Half Hitch’s two-axis balancing system, allowing you to stop chasing ever-shifting pseudo balanced configurations that plague other alt-az mounts.  (No stiff, jerky movements from adding heavy friction!  No constantly sliding your OTA back and forth!)  And the unique caliper disc brake holds your scope on the target when swapping eyepieces. 

Besides convenient features, the Quarter Hitch provides robust performance.  It turns on heavy-duty, precision-ground stainless steel shafts (instead of screws).  Its roller thrust bearings (instead of plastic washers) are rated for loads beyond a thousand pounds.  If you bolted the Quarter Hitch to a steel I-beam, you could hang a car engine from it without damaging it — a load that would bend and snap mass-produced mounts.  It’s CNC machined structure fits together tightly and is completely free of slop — yet the axes and controls have not a hint of binding.  The practical meaning of all this structural overkill is smooth, solid viewing at high powers. 

When comparing prices, note that the Quarter Hitch is ready-to-use.  The base price includes the saddle assembly and the dovetail plate.  Moreover, the Quarter Hitch provides excellent tripod clearance without needing a tripod extension column.  Just attach the Quarter Hitch to any tripod that uses a standard 3/8-16 connecting bolt — and you’re set for satisfying observing.

Don't buy disappointment!   The Quarter Hitch is the high-performance alternative for the serious grab ‘n go enthusiast who demands perfection.

Spend a little more.  Get a lot more.

  • All CNC machined from aircraft alloys for precision, strength, and beauty.  Mounts made from
    castings and plastic parts can’t compare!
  • Cross-braced design weighs only 4.9 pounds but delivers uncommon rigidity.
  • Solid, conservative capacity for a 105 mm triplet APO, 6-inch Newtonian, 150 mm Mak-Cass,
    8-inch SCT, or 100 mm angle-view binoculars.
  • Ultra-smooth, ultra-responsive motion controls.  Zero backlash and no starting friction.  Pan
    fast or track slowly — one knob.
  • No counterweights, clutches to adjust, or locks to engage.  Free motion on demand.  The
    Quarter Hitch uniquely combines free motion with slow-motion controls.
  • Two-axis balancing eliminates annoying balance changes as you rotate your scope up and
    down.  No clamping or added friction needed!  Maintains light, smooth movements with
    binoviewers and heavy eyepieces.
  • Engraved scales for presetting balance positions.  Built-in bubble level.
  • True caliper disc brake on the altitude axis keeps your scope on-target when changing
    eyepieces.
  • Dovetail system with vise-like jaws.  Easy straight-in loading.  Dovetail plate included.
  • Preloaded Timken roller bearings and precision ground, stainless steel shafts for shake-free
    support and effortless pointing.
  • Handsome, durable anodized finished highlights the exquisite machining.
  • Tripod-friendly centerline load position — stable and fast damping.
  • Excellent tripod clearance.  No column extension needed.  Save weight.  Save money.
  • Horizon and zenith stops protect your scope.
  • Optional finder bracket attaches your finder directly to the saddle.  Use your favorite finder for
    all your scopes and binoculars.  Optimal positioning.
  • Optional Balance Trimmer easily compensates for differences in eyepiece weights in seconds
    without tools.
  • Built only in limited quantities for personal attention to detail.
.

Why even consider buying an alt-az mount that doesn't have two-axis balancing?
To understand why mounts that depend on added friction to overcome their inability to balance their loads simply don't work, go to this page.

 

Play Quarter Hitch Video

 

How does a Quarter Hitch differ from a Half Hitch?

 

  • All features related to the encoder and DSC installation are omitted from the Quarter Hitch.
    This is the single largest difference between the Quarter Hitch and Half Hitch, and it is
    responsible for the bulk of the cost savings.

  • The Quarter Hitch has two stiffening elements instead of the Half Hitch's four.  Generally
    speaking, the Quarter Hitch has more than 80% of the capacity of the Half Hitch.  The
    difference is hardly noticeable with most 105 mm refractors — and is really only a factor with
    larger scopes.  The Quarter Hitch is solid with a 105 mm APO refractor.

  • The Quarter Hitch omits the azimuth carry-lock screw, altitude drive release, and motion-control extension lever hubs — nice but not essential features.

  • The finder bracket, semi-ratcheting dovetail clamping handles, and balance trimmer, standard
    equipment on the Half Hitch, become optional accessories on the Quarter Hitch.

 

Otherwise, the Quarter Hitch and Half Hitch are the same and have the same overall size.  However,
a Quarter Hitch can not be fully upgraded into a Half Hitch.  Both mounts are built with the same uncompromising standards for quality.

 

Aiming Options Other Than Digital Pointing

 

Ignoring the additional cost, many observers neither want nor need digital pointing.  For instance,
observers who primarily concentrate on the Sun, Moon, and planets have no need at all for a DSC
unit.  Also, many observers favor "star-hopping" to deep-sky objects and "learning the sky."  Modern wide-field eyepieces transform small telescopes into powerful object locators, even without additional aid.  And also today, there are excellent options for non-digital aiming devices, including the following methods.

  • Unit-power reflex finders:  This is probably today's most popular method of locating objects.
    These devices project a red dot or reticle pattern onto a transparent window through which
    you view the sky without magnification.  The "big view" allows the observer to match the
    geometric patterns on the star chart over a broad area of sky — a task that the human eye
    and brain performs very well.

  • Green Laser Pointer finders:  Locating objects with GLP finders is perhaps the quickest and
    most intuitive method of all.  The GLP's thin, visible beam projected high into the night sky
    shows you exactly where your scope is pointed — allowing the biggest and most easily integrated view of all methods.  This technique is very much like pointing to a spot on your star chart with your finger.  It's that simple.  Some reasonable precautions are necessary when using any laser, and not all star parties allow them (particularly star parties where astrophotography is in progress).

  • Optical finders:  Many objects in the Messier catalog can be seen directly in optical finders (small auxiliary telescopes).  But the "big view" integration of star patterns is more difficult through an optical finder.  Some optical finders are equipped with right-angle, correct-image prisms which may aid in recognizing patterns on your star charts.

If you have a finder mounted directly on your scope, the Quarter Hitch's optional finder bracket can allow you to attach a second finder so that you can employ two of the methods listed above.

 

For many people, finding a deep-sky object without digital aid is akin to a treasure hunt — and is half the fun of observing.


info@halfhitchtelescope.com
512-632-9624


 Quarter Hitch Order Form

 

Hit Counter

Back