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The Super Tripod is explicitly
tailored to 130 mm class APO refractors or similar
loads
— lightweight (17.5 pounds), but performs like a MUCH
heavier tripod. Key to the Super Tripod's outstanding
performance are the large cross-section, balsa-core
upper leg structures and the large-diameter, carbon
fiber sliding lower leg sections. Moreover,
the unique upper leg sections are tapered at the
top-end to minimize
interference with telescope motions while providing
rigidity far superior to vibration-inducing columns.
The sliding leg sections are
tipped with vibration-damping, pivoting feet -- and
are secured by double cam-lock clamps. A
machined aluminum tray is also a structural
member that attaches with six
captive screws.
In the top-plate drawing, the dashed red
circle indicates the Super Half Hitch azimuth drive
disc — minus its
protective lip. (So the actual drive disc is
slightly larger than this outline.) The top
plate is small and produces little interference with
zenith access of the telescope. In fact, a
mount quick-release system is built into the top plate
assembly and included in the tripod price. The
Adapter Post for the quick-release lifts the mount
off the top plate by 2.5 inches — making potential
interferences with the telescope essentially
nonexistent. The mount is secured by sliding
the Adapter Post sideways into the quick-release and
then closing two cam-lock levers. It's really
easy — even in the dark or while
wearing gloves.
The upper tripod legs are made of
ash hardwood, balsa, and aircraft plywood. The leg
clamps, quick-release parts, top plate, and
pivoting feet are
CNC-machined, hard-anodized aluminum.
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