PFD Systems, LLC
NexStar Tripod #93593 Upgrade/Dress Up Kit
(Fig 1) Original brackets
Click on each picture to see a larger image.
After purchasing a NexStar 5 and a tripod a couple of years ago, I took a trip to Arizona from my home in Maryland to enjoy the dark skies near Tucson.
I carried the telescope as carry on in a hard case but the tripod had to be checked as luggage. I only had a soft side bag to transport it in. That was a big mistake. I would suggest that if anybody else plans to travel with the tripod to put it into a box at least. Anyways, upon arrival, I found the accessory tray mounting bracket were mangled (See Fig 2).
I called Celestron and they sold me a set of replacement brackets for $10.00. I replaced the damaged brackets on the tripod and thought my trouble were over. After a few months of use, I found that some of the brackets were again damaged. I hadn't made any airline trips to blame it on this time, but examining the tripod action of the legs opening and closing made me think that perhaps these cheap plastic brackets were not sturdy enough for the job. Instead of ordering yet another set of brackets from Celestron I decided to find an alternative solution.
I had a sheet of Delrin plastic from another project that happened to be the same thickness as the narrow width of the plastic brackets. I experimented with trying to cut the Delrin to closely match the shape of the original brackets, but it would took some very close work around a band saw to achieve the "pillow block" look of the original. I valued my fingers more than my need to achieve perfection so I compromised and created a rectangular block instead. The differences can be seen in Fig 3.
The new brackets have the same dimensions as the originals. The holes used to attach the bracket to the tripod are countersunk to the almost the height of the original. Since I had more base material available, I decided to make them slightly deeper to give the bracket more internal strength. This change required a slightly longer screw. Fig 4 shows a set of six brackets and the mounting screws.
After the success of the first set, I thought that I might not be the only one with the bracket problem. I posted a message in the Yahoo NexStar users group and a few people responded. From there I solicited the help from my retired Dad who had access to a wood shop. He took the remainder of the Delrin and created enough brackets for 15 tripods.
I am now making them available as part of a upgrade/dress up kit. The contents of the kit is shown in Fig 5 on the left. In addition to the brackets, I'm including 9 yellow reflective strips that work great to help find the scope in the dark. They produce an eerie glow when illuminated by a red-light flashlight. A velcro strap is provided to help hold the tripod legs together when not in use. A foam space is used to evenly space the tripod legs during storage.
Ordering instructions are to the left.
Click "Next Page" to see installation instructions.
(Fig 2) Mangled brackets after an airline trip
(Fig 3) Old brackets with Delrin replacements
(Fig 4) A set of replacement brackets with #4-1/2" attachment screws.
(Fig 5) Tripod repair and dress up kit.
Kit Includes
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6 Delrin brackets
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12 #4 - 1/2" screws
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9 yellow reflective strips
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1 Velcro strap
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1 foam spacer
Cost
The NexStar Tripod #93593 Upgrade/Dress Up Kit costs $16 for domestic US orders and includes Priority Mail shipping anywhere in the United States.
The price is $20 for international customers
Additional Information
If you have additional questions, please click on the email link below.
Orders made with a personal check will be held till the check clears.
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Thank you