Connecting the EON 72mm and 80mm to a Tripod or Mount

The EON 72mm and 80mm have a built-in mounting block ready to connect to a sturdy camera tripod or telescope mount (Figure 7). The mounting block is threaded to accept a common 1/4"-20 stud found on almost any camera tripod. To connect the EON 72mm or 80mm to a camera tripod, simply screw the 1/4"-20 stud found on your camera tripod to the underside of the EON’s mounting block. The EON 72mm has three different holes to choose from, and the EON 80mm has two holes. Pick the 1/4"-20 hole that pro- vides the best balance on your tripod.

The mounting block also functions as a dovetail plate which is compatible with many Orion telescope mounts. The dove- tail plate is also compatible with many other mounts. To con- nect the EON 72mm or 80mm to a telescope mount, loosen the attachment screw(s) on the mount’s dovetail holder until the screw(s) provides enough clearance for the dovetail mounting plate. Align the mounting block with the dovetail holder and slide it forward (Figure 8). Tighten the attachment screw(s) on the dovetail holder of the mount.

Figure 8. Align the mounting block with the dovetail holder and slide it forward. Tighten the attachment screw(s) on the dovetail holder of the mount.

For the best stability and motion on your mount, the EON should be balanced front to back. If you are using the mount- ing block as a dovetail plate, then balancing the EON simply requires sliding the telescope forward or backward in the dovetail holder as needed. Loosen the attachment screw(s) on your mount just enough to free the dovetail plate, then reposition the telescope and retighten the screw(s).

If you are using a camera tripod or telescope mount and need additional balance adjustment, the orientation of the mounting block can be reversed. This is especially helpful

when using heavy accessories, such as 2” eyepieces or DSLR cameras. To reverse the orientation of the mount- ing block, remove the screw (using a 4mm hex key) that attaches the mounting block to the telescope tube and turn it around 180° (Figure 9). Once the mounting block orienta- tion has been reversed, reattach the screw.

Figure 9. For a greater range of balance on the EON 72mm and 80mm, switch the direction of mounting block using a 4mm hex key.

Connecting the EON 120mm to a Mount

The EON 120mm refractor includes a preinstalled pair of tube rings and a dovetail mounting plate, ready to attach to a heavy-duty telescope mount. The dovetail plate is compat- ible with many Orion telescope mounts. The dovetail plate is also compatible with many other available mounts. To con- nect the EON 120mm to a mount, loosen the attachment screw(s) on the mount’s dovetail holder until the screw(s) provide enough clearance for the dovetail mounting plate. Carefully place the dovetail plate flat against the top surface of the dovetail holder of the mount and tighten the attach- ment screw(s) securely.

Balancing the EON 120mm can be achieved by sliding the dovetail mounting plate forward or backward within the mount’s dovetail holder. You can also move the telescope forward or backward within the tube rings. The tube rings offer the most adjustment range. Loosen the tube ring clamps (Figure 1b) slightly and slide the telescope tube forward or backward as needed to reach optimum balance, then retighten the tube ring clamps.