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The Half Hitch's machined structure makes the best telescope mount:
In much the same way that two identically appearing optics may not perform identically, a telescope mount built to exacting tolerances will outperform an otherwise identical looking mount made to less stringent tolerances. The Half Hitch alt-az telescope mount is a well conceived mechanism manufactured to very strict tolerances. Tolerance control is designed into the mount and executed on state-of-the-art CNC machining and turning centers. The fit, finish, and function of the Half Hitch alt-az telescope mount reflect its quality pedigree. As with many things in the world of astronomical telescopes, quality can be subtle but it makes a big difference in performance — and there are no shortcuts to producing it. |
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Graceful, efficient design captured by precision CNC machining
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Rugged stainless steel threads secure the Half Hitch alt-az mount to most tripods using a standard 3/8-16 screw or stud. Three hard nylon contact points prevent marring of the base or tripod and insure a solid, wobble-free connection. |
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The Half Hitch's Tuned Structure Is Unmatched The Half Hitch's rigid, machined structure contains specific elements designed to eliminate twisting as well as bending. The interlocking pattern of braces work together to convert twisting and bending loads into tension and compression loads — making the Half Hitch unusually rigid for its weight. And the Half Hitch's structure is elegantly tapered and pocketed for efficiency. Cheap mass-market mounts do not incorporate similar anti-twist elements because of the complexity involved in the needed geometry. In fact, mass-market mounts also typically lack effective cross-bracing against bending forces. Moreover, most examples are not tapered for efficient, lightweight strength. Some have obvious stress points that are very poorly braced (such a narrow "pinch points" in the middle of the structure). |
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Castings Can Hide Serious Defects While it's not impossible to make good ones, castings are more frequently used to make the cheapest possible structure. Even good castings are never as good as carefully machined structures. Typical problems with castings include voids, fissures, brittle spots, warping, unknown and inconsistent metallurgy. Castings are also usually quite soft and will not hold threads well. Moreover, they are prone to galling and erosion when used as bearing surfaces.
Often, holes are molded directly into castings and used without processing for the axis bores. Another frequent practice with castings is to simply drill holes by hand using a drill press. Often the axes on a cast mount will not be square to within five degrees. In such cases, a reliable DSC installation is hopeless.
The paint and covers on a cast mount can hide a multitude of problems and shortcuts.
The modularity of the Half Hitch's machined structure permits a complex, tuned geometry designed to minimize flexure and promote fast vibration damping despite the Half Hitch's small size and low weight. It's the kind of engineering that you would expect in a premium bicycle or car. Why shouldn't you expect this type of sophistication in your telescope mount? |
