Accessories: Mounting Plates

This saddle plate was originally designed with the 3600GTO in mind; however, it is ideal for the 1600GTO and our 1200 mounts. We dubbed this a P-style plate since PlaneWave Instruments originated this dovetail specification for their larger scopes, specifically the 17", 20" and 24" CDKs. With the introduction of our 23" P-style Dovetail Plate (SBPW23), this saddle plate can be used with a wide variety of telescopes.

The plate has a wide slot to accomodate the SBPW23, as well as the 7.65" dovetail plates (width of dovetail portion) available from PlaneWave with their instruments. The tilt-in style of the saddle allows you to mount the dovetail plate as easily as possible with a large instrument. The four spring-loaded clamps lock into place with an allen wrench to hold the plates securely. If you use our SBPW23, you also have the option of bolting the saddle and dovetail together with 1/4-20 screws. This ensures that if the clamps are loosened accidentally, the dovetail will not slip. This feature is particularly useful for permanent installations, especially public observatories.

Please review the Hole Pattern Chart.

Dimensions: 16.5" x 10" x 1.35" (42 cm x 25 cm x 3.4 cm)
Weight: 9.0 lb. (4.1 kg) The plate is ribbed on one side to reduce weight.

Includes:
16.5" Dovetail Saddle Plate
Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

23" P-Style Dovetail Plate (SBPW23)

Our robust P-style Dovetail Plate measures 7.65" at the widest portion of the dovetail and 1.2" thick to carry your heavy loads with ease. This plate bridges the gap between the 3" Losmandy D-style plates and the giant 9.9" dovetail plates that we designed for the 3600GTO (the width dimensions refer to the lower dovetail portion of the plate). We refer to this as a P-Style plate since PlaneWave Instruments originated this dovetail specification for their larger scopes.

The SBPW23 pairs up with our 16.5" P-style Dovetail Saddle (DOVEPW) to make a truly solid “Dynamic Duo". The DOVEPW saddle can be used with the 3600GTO, 1600GTO or 1200GTO mounts.

This mid-size plate was designed with the increased load capacity of the 1600GTO mount in mind. The plate’s enhanced strength and rigidity, along with a versatile hole-pattern, offers a variety of instrument configurations. It allows the attachment of large instruments lengthwise at a number of balance points and also serves as a rigid side-by-side bar for mounting multiple scopes.

The schematic image below is a link to a PDF file detailing the hole-patterns and showing the many options for attaching a wide variety of mounting rings, as well as our 16" Easy-Balance Dovetail Saddle (DOVELM162) and even the DOVEPW in side-by-side arrangements. Our smaller 8.5" Dovetail Saddle (DOVEDV10) can be attached at the ends of the plate, but can not be further inset, as its knobs interfere and do not contain the internal socket screw that allows tightening with a hex key.

For an added measure of safety, a series of matching through-holes in the DOVEPW saddle and tapped ¼ - 20 holes in the 23" dovetail plate allow the setup to be bolted into its final position through both plates once adequate balance is achieved. This is especially useful for permanent installations and ensures piece of mind.

Dimensions: The plate top measures 7.7" (19.6 cm) wide by 22.875" (58.1 cm) long and 1.2" (3.1 cm) thick. The dovetail portion measures 7.65" (19.4 cm). The underside has been milled to reduce weight, while maintaining strength.
Weight is 8.6 lb. (3.9 kg)

Includes:
23" P-style Dovetail Plate
Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

Please click on the thumbnail to review the detailed diagram and confirm that your rings are appropriate to use this plate.

Losmandy D-Style Compatible Mounting Options

10” Dovetail Saddle for both D-style and V-style Dovetail Plates (DOVEDV10) - (replacing DOVELM2)

This 10” Dual-style Saddle Plate fills the need of customers who have multiple scopes. Often times the smaller scopes are outfitted with Vixen V-style dovetail plates; whereas, the larger scopes have the more stable Losmandy D-style plates. The DOVEDV10 is the perfect solution as the best of both worlds. It is a very robust dovetail saddle that will securely attach all your scopes to the mount.
	The saddle is a three clamp design that provides the strongest possible lock for both style plates. Using all three clamps will provide extra security, while using one of the end clamps along with the center clamp will allow shorter dovetail plates to be secured. The saddle has the convenience of the Astro-Physics tilt-in feature applicable to both style plates. This tilt-in feature allows scopes to be quickly positioned close to balance without the hassle of sliding a scope’s dovetail in from the end of the saddle. This feature is greatly appreciated when you are struggling with a heavy scope!
The clamping blocks grip your dovetail plate firmly. Springs keep the blocks in an open position until you tighten the knobs. The unique design of the clamping blocks ensures that they remain properly aligned with no need for additional guide pins and the brass washers on the knobs allow firm tightening without binding.
Features: Dual D-style and V-style design Triple clamps for securely attaching scopes Locking knobs with hex key sockets for security Tilt-in design for convenience Several mounting positions to aid balancing This saddle is primarily designed for use with the 400, 600E and Mach1 mounts. It can also be used with the 900 and 1100 mounts when smaller scopes are used (for larger scopes we recommend the 16” DOVELM162). It has additional attachment holes so that the saddle can be shifted forward or backward, depending on whether you are balancing a front-heavy or back-heavy scope. Although the locking knobs have 3/16” hex sockets, there are few times when they need to be used, as hand tightening is normally sufficient. They are intended more for accessibility than force. There is a safety relief machined into the saddle to allow more travel of the dovetail plate when using a ¼”-20 safety screw in the bottom of the dovetail plate. If you are using the 17.25" or longer Losmandy D series dovetails with our 900 or Mach1GTO mounts, we recommend the DOVELM162. The DOVELM162 was designed to use the longer plates on the 900, 1100, 1200 and 1600 mounts. Dimension: 10" (25.4 cm) long Weight is 2.3 lb. (1 kg) Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart
	Click this link for PDF of hole position dimensions.

This 16" Dovetail Saddle Plate, designed and manufactured by Astro-Physics, is the ultimate in versatility for customers with instrument packages that are difficult to balance in conventional saddle plates.

A total of 8 mounting positions are available to provide a "best possible" orientation for either front-heavy or rear-heavy instruments - especially useful for today's heavy imaging configurations. This plate has an inherent 8" (20.3 cm) total offset capability, depending on how you position it on the mount. Due to the addition of a third, center clamp, the DOVELM162 can now maintain at least two clamps engaged on any Losmandy "D-style" or other "D-style" dovetail plate 7" or longer.

As with all of our dovetail saddle plates, it is very easy to attach dovetail plates. Simply tilt your D-style plate, with the scope attached, into position. Then tighten the knobs. There is no need to struggle as you try to insert the Losmandy plate (with your heavy telescope attached) into the end of the dovetail saddle, as with some dovetail saddle plate designs.

Warning: For several years, beginning approximately 2004 until more recently, Celestron delivered their scopes with a dovetail mounting plate that had a different specification. These plates do not anchor securely in the DOVELM162. We encourage everyone using an older plate manufactured by Celestron to test that plate in the DOVELM162 before mounting their telescope, in order to ensure that it can be locked down firmly.

The previous, two-clamp version of the DOVELM162 shown at maximum offset on a 900GTO

The DOVELM162 features 1" diameter knobs with 3/16" hex sockets, allowing an Allen wrench to be used for extra tightening when carrying a heavy load. The smaller design of the knobs prevents interference with the Dec motor box when the plate is mounted in the extreme offset position. The smaller knobs also avoid interference when used on the 22" or 27" sliding bar for the 3600GTO (SB3622 or SB3627) in a side-by-side configuration.

The clamping blocks grip your dovetail plate firmly. Springs keep the blocks in an open position until you tighten them. The unique design of the clamping blocks ensures that they remain properly aligned with no need for additional guide pins, and the brass washers on the knobs allow firm tightening with no binding.

This plate includes wide recesses to accommodate the safety knobs of the Losmandy D-style plates. It also features multiple machined cutouts on the underside to reduce weight.

Weight is 3.9 lb. (1.8 kg)
Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

The DOVELM162 can be attached to the top of your Astro-Physics rings using riser blocks and a hole-spacing length of 13.75".

A #10-32 tapped hole at each end allows for cable stays to be installed for cleaner routing of accessory cables.

More detailed information regarding the DOVELM162 can be viewed by clicking the thumbnail, including:

offset positions for the 900, 1100, 1200, 1600 and Mach1GTO mounts;
travel distances for commonly used Losmandy dovetail plates;
possible configurations with the 27" Dovetail Sliding Bar for the 3600GTO (SB3627).

Click this link for hole position dimensions.

Notice: Please note that older styles of this saddle plate utilized a larger diameter knob which will not work with the new, wider SBD16 dovetail plate without installing additional washers. Alternatively, we do offer the newer style knobs (SDOVE162KB), which include a 3/8" socket screw, as a replacement.


This 12" Dovetail Sliding Bar was designed with short instruments in mind. The middle portion of the plate is raised 0.5" above the front and back sections. As a result, the plate is long enough for optimal movement without causing interference with the dewcap or focuser. The plate is ribbed on the opposite side to reduce weight.
Attach directly to the bottom of mounting rings 130 mm f6.3 StarFire "Gran Turismo", 105 mm Traveler, 130 mm f6 StarFire (original version) - attach directly to Astro-Physics rings. With the Traveler, a spacer bar is preferred to allow more finger room on the focuser, but is not required. 130 mm f8 or f8.3 StarFires, 140 mm f7 StarFire, and 155 mm f7 StarFire or similar instruments - use with Astro-Physics Riser Blocks (SBDAPB) in the outer hole positions. This will space the rings approximately 10" apart. The LMAPBLOCKS rest completely on the sliding bar and do not extend off the side. Instruments that have ¼-20 center holes in the mounting rings. 90 mm f5 Stowaway must be mounted by using the 5.5" sliding bar (SB0550) (discontinued) as a spacer to allow additional clearance for the dewcap. Attach your TeleVue or Takahashi clamshells directly to the SBD12 using M8 socket head screws. Use with our 10" Dovetail Saddle Plate (DOVEDV10), 16" Dovetail Saddle Plate version with 3-clamps (DOVELM162) or other similar saddle plates. The 12" Sliding Bar is too short to be used with our older style 16" plates, the DOVELM16, or DOVELM16S that have only 2 clamps.
Use as an accessory plate Attach directly to the top of rings using a single center hole or use Astro-Physics Riser Blocks (SBDAPB) - purchased separately) to attach the 12" Sliding Bar to the top of the mounting rings (assuming that the surface is flat and has the Astro-Physics hole pattern - two 10-32 tapped holes with 3" spacing). Use with the following accessories: Losmandy Dovetail Plate Adapter (LMDVA). This will allow you to attach the following items: Quick Release Finder Bracket for 10x60 finder (S1060QRM), TeleVue Starbeam (STARFMD) and various other accessories. Other adapters with a female D-style series dovetail channel.	Click this link for hole pattern dimensions.
Weight: 1.9 lb. (0.86 kg) Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart


This 16" Versatile Dovetail Plate is exceptionally strong, providing a rigid structure to your heaviest payloads. It can be used with our DOVEDV10 and the DOVELM162 saddle plates (earlier versions of the DOVELM16x require the minor modification outlined below). It can also be used with many other Losmandy D-style Saddle Plates. Consider the SBD16 for the following configurations:
Astro-Physics mounting rings with 2.362" (60 mm) or 4.5" hole spacing. Note: The 3.2" hole spacing of Astro-Physics rings requires using the SBDAPB AP Riser Blocks with this plate. TeleVue, AstroTech, Stellarvue, TMB, ASA rings (confirm your ring spacing with diagram) Parallax rings with 37 mm hole spacing Losmandy Adapter Blocks or AP Riser Blocks (SBDAPB) using 3.5" hole spacing Takahashi clamshells and ring sets Optional blocks (SBDTB) are available for the largest Takahashi scopes: Mewlon, BRC, FRC Optional blocks (SBDAPB) are available if you wish to raise your AP rings in order to incorporate "floating" rings for a guidescope Dimensions: 16" x 5" x 1" (40.6 cm x 12.7 cm x 2.5 cm) with 3" (7.6 cm) dovetail Weight: 4.2 lb. (1.9 kg) The plate is ribbed on one side to reduce weight. Includes: 16" Universal Sliding Bar Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart
	Please click on the thumbnail to review the detailed diagram and confirm that your rings are appropriate to use this plate. Important: Due to the 5" width of the SBD16 Versatile Dovetail Plate, its use with the pre-March 2007 design of the 16" Dovetail Saddle Plate (DOVELM16x) will require a minor modification of the locking clamp assemblies to ensure that the plate seats and locks properly. See linked PDF file.

The Astro-Physics Riser Blocks are used with the 16" Versatile Dovetail Plate (SBD16) and Astro-Physics Mounting Rings that have 2.362" (6.0 cm) or 4.5" (11.4 cm) hole spacing. These blocks are not required for normal use of the SBD16, however are used when you want to raise up one pair of mounting rings in order to use an extra pair of "floating" rings for guidescope attachment. These blocks can also be used in place of LMAPBLOCKS.

These Riser Blocks can also be used to attach the 16" Easy-Balance Dovetail Saddle Plate (DOVELM162) to our older 800 mount.

Parts Included:
Two Riser Blocks
Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

The Riser Block thickness is 0.5".
Please review the Hole Pattern Chart.

Use the Takahashi Adapter Blocks with the 16" Versatile Dovetail Plate (SBD16) to attach the Takahashi Mewlon, BRC and FRC. The blocks are designed to accomodate ring sets having fastener spacing at
18.0 cm (optical axis) by 4.8 cm to 15.2 cm in width; utilizing the M10 fasteners typically provided by Takahashi.

Parts Included:
Two Takahashi Adapter Blocks
Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

The Riser Block thickness is 0.5".
Please review the Hole Pattern Chart.

Mount your favorite instruments side by side with these versatile plates. The Astro-Physics Side-by-Side Dovetails are just the thing for a tandem mounting arrangement, allowing you to do your own eyepiece or instrument comparisons. Set up a wide-field scope next to a long focal length instrument if your all-night session includes a variety of different-sized objects (dare we say a "modified Messier marathon?"). Side-by-side is also a great way to solar observe with both white light and H-alpha!
		Please note that while it might be tempting to use a side-by-side setup for guided imaging, we do not recommend it due to the potential that pointing and flexure issues may produce poor guiding results. This potential is true of any side-by-side setup. Recessed mounting surfaces allow for your preferred dovetail saddle to attach to either end of the plate.
Using either of these side-by-side plates in conjunction with our dovetail plates affords the opportunity to take advantage of the offset position capabilities designed into our saddle plates. Current Astro-Physics saddle plates that can be attached to the Side-by-Side Dovetail Plates include: DOVEDV10 DOVELM162 Discontinued saddle plates that can also be bolted onto the Side-by-Sides include the DOVE08, DOVELM2, DOVELM16, and DOVELM16S. Note: The DOVE15 saddle plate cannot be attached to these plates. Please see this SBD13SS / SBD16SS hole pattern illustration. Please see this illustrated dimension calculator when choosing the proper side-by-side plate. The plates are shipped with two 1/4 - 20 x 3/8 socket head cap screws installed on the bottom to act as a safety stop if the bottom saddle plate clamps are loosened. Any saddle plate will accommodate these side-by-sides bars if they are designed to accept the D-style plate, including the following Astro-Physics plates: DOVEDV10 and DOVELM162 (as well as their previous versions - the DOVELM2, DOVELM16, and DOVELM16S). Balancing Balancing a Side-by-Side setup is much more complicated than a single scope setup. Please see the following linked PDF for a helpful guide: Balancing_Side-by-Side.pdf Plate specifications: Weight: 13" (33.0 cm) plate - 2.5 lb. (1.1 kg); 16" (40.6 cm) plate - 3 lb. (1.4 kg) Plate width, both: 4" (10.2 cm) Distance from optical center to plate's shoulder, both: 1.85" (4.7 cm) Distance to optical centers when two instruments are mounted: 13" plate - 9.5" (25.0 cm); 16" plate - 12.5" (31.8 cm)
	The photo on the left shows the SBD13SS with a DOVELM (top) and a DOVELM2 installed. The photo on the right shows the DOVELM2 and the DOVELM162 (the version with 2 clamps is shown) attached to the 16" Side-by-Side plate.

		This 12" plate fills the void for those customers whose telescopes use the Vixen-style mounting plate. Now there is no need to replace your existing Vixen-style bar, rings, or clamshell to accommodate your Astro-Physics mount.

The top portion is a female plate that accepts Vixen-style bars. In order to retain the tilt-in feature of the dovetail, the sliding bars must have an approximate width between 1.65" (4.2 cm) and 1.8" (4.5 cm) and that have a 75 degree bevel. Please note that we have not tested all plates that are currently available on the market. We recommend you check your plate for a good fit in this saddle without an instrument attached!
	The bottom dovetail of the plate has the ubiquitous D-style male dovetail, allowing it to be clamped into any saddle plate which accepts this size plate. This includes the following Astro-Physics plates: DOVEDV10 DOVELM162 As well as these discontinued, older style saddles: DOVELM2 DOVELM16 DOVELM16S
The saddle portion of this plate has a hole in the center to relocate one of the knobs for use with a shorter sliding bar (as pointed out in the rollover image above). With a knob in the center and in one of the outer holes, you can use a plate as short as 4.5" (11.4 cm) and still maintain two clamps engaged on your sliding bar. This plate ships with one 1/4 - 20 x 1/4" socket head screw to use in the bottom of the SBD2V plate as a safety screw for this plate. Please install it in the appropriate end to function as a safety stop. The screw packet also includes a 1/4 - 20 x 1/4" low-profile socket head cap screw for use as a safety stop in the bottom of your Vixen-style, male sliding bar. Note that the top portion of this plate is not designed to be used with our SB0800, SB1000 or SB1500 sliding bars. Can't tell the difference between the Vixen and Astro-Physics sliding bars? Click here for a scaled diagram comparing each of the bar profiles. Weight: 2 lb. (0.9 kg) This plate is ribbed on the bottom to remove excess weight yet maintain strength. Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

These male dovetail plates are used in conjunction with our DOVEDV10 and DOVELM162 described above (also the previous models: DOVELM2, DOVELM16 and DOVELM16S. The Losmandy D Series Plate attaches directly to your telescope or your telescope mounting rings and fits into the saddle as shown at right. The most common sizes are listed below. If you have other requirements, please call.

Important note: The Dovetail Plate for Astro-Physics Rings is the Losmandy Universal Plate (LMDUP). Using a second plate on the top of older-style AP rings (for using Losmandy Adapters (LMDVA) may require the use of Riser Blocks (SBDAPB) with the top plate. Reference the following instruction sheets:

Losmandy Universal Dovetail Plate Hole Pattern - PDF document
Using Your Traveler or Stowaway with 14" Losmandy Universal Plate - PDF document

The plates are produced by Hollywood General Machining (makers of Losmandy products), and may have some minor cosmetic flaws, for which we cannot be held responsible.

All required fasteners are included.

LMDC8 14" plate for Celestron 8"SCT, weighs 2.5 lb.

LMDC925 19" plate for Celestron 9.25"SCT, weighs 3.5 lb.

LMDC11 19" plate for Celestron 11" SCT, weighs 3.5 lb.

LMDC14 24" plate for Celestron 14" SCT, weighs 5.5 lb.

LMDM8 14" plate for Meade 8" SCT, weighs 2.5 lb.

LMDM10 19" plate for Meade 10" SCT, weighs 3.5 lb.

LMDM12 19" plate for Meade 12" SCT, weighs 3.5 lb.

LMDM14 24" plate for Meade 14" SCT, weighs 5.5 lb.

LMDM16 24" plate for Meade 16" f/10 SCT, weighs 5.5 lb.

LMDUP 14" Universal plate for use with Astro-Physics and most telescope ring systems; weighs 2.4 lb. Please see Losmandy Universal Dovetail Plate Hole Pattern when matching the mounting hole spacing of your telescope rings. (For rings or clamshells using M-8 fasteners, you must substitute 5/16-18 fasteners of the appropriate length to use this plate.)

LMDMM Losmandy D-style male to male dovetail plate - 14" length, 0.75" thick, weighs 1.75 lb.

LMDVA Losmandy D/V Style Dovetail Plate Adapter: This single-clamp, female adapter is used to attach accessories to a male D-style (or V-style) plate on top of your scope or scope rings. Use one for a finder, a balance weight, a dew controller, or a 35 mm camera. Use two (one for each mounting ring) for piggybacking a guidescope or second smaller scope. Hole spacing is 0.75" side-to-side and 1.75" front-to-back.

Losmandy D/V Style Dovetail Plate Adapter (LMDVA)

LMDVCM2 Losmandy D/V Style Single-Axis Camera Adapter: This adapter attaches your camera to a D- or V-style dovetail plate and can be used for taking wide-field astro images.

Losmandy D/V Style Three-Axis Camera Adapter (LMDVCM2)

Astro-Physics Vixen-Style Wide Plate, 15" Dovetail Saddle and Sliding Bar

15” Vixen V-Style Wide Dovetail Plate (SBV15)

This 15” long Vixen V-style dovetail plate is designed to add maximum strength and rigidity to your scope setup. It uses a wide attachment surface with the Astro-Physics 2.362” (60 mm) side-to-side hole-pattern, along with the universality of center slots.

The plate hole pattern also incorporates Astro-Physics’ 6.3” and 13.75” front to back spacing for scope rings. The 6.3” spacing is repeated to allow rings to be mounted forward or backward of center in order to facilitate balancing front- or back-heavy scopes.

The underside has been machined to reduce weight while maintaining stregth.

Though it was designed to be used with the 10” Dual-style Saddle Plate (DOVEDV10), the SBV15 can be used with all Vixen V-style OEM dovetail systems.

Use as an accessory plate by attaching it to the top of rings.
This will allow affixing a variety of accessories using V-style adapters:

Small scopes
Communication and power distribution devices
Counterbalance weights
Wide field cameras

The above options can be secured and slid along the plate to assist balance.

We recommend using the D-style dovetail system for most telescope configurations to provide the strongest and safest attachment. However, the V-style dovetail is popular with small scopes and we do not want to neglect it.

Dimension: 15" (38.1 cm) long x 2.9" (7.5 cm) wide
Weight is 1.4 lb. (0.6 kg)

Please click this link for SBV15 hole-pattern dimensions.

Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

15" Dovetail Saddle (DOVE15) - 400, 600E, 800, 900, 1100, 1200, 1600 and Mach1GTO

The 15" version of our dovetail plate is suited for the 130 f/6 StarFire EDT, ARO Maksutovs, Takahashi scopes and other instruments of similar size. The knob assembly features a brass pin with a tapered end to hold your sliding bar firmly without marring the aluminum

Use with the 15" Sliding Bar (SB1500), which is sold separately. These are some of the applications:

Mounting plate

400, 600E, 800, 900, 1100, 1200, 1600 or Mach1GTO German equatorial mounts (all models).
All Takahashi mounts with the 2-hole mounting pattern (EM-10, Teegul, etc) - use the Q4044 adapter plate.
GiroDX mount - use the Q4044 adapter plate.

Accessory plate - Attach to the top of our Astro-Physics mounting rings (diameters 4.7" - 8") or rings from Parallax Instruments that have the Astro-Physics hole patterns (you can request it). Note, you must also use a mounting plate on the bottom of the rings with the same distance, i.e. the DOVE15, FP1500, 1200RP15, 900RP, FP1800 (only if you use the innermost hole spacing) or the cradle plate of the Astro-Physics 800 mount (prior model). The distance between these pairs of holes is 13.75".

Please note that your telescope rings must be tapped with two 10 - 32 holes spaced 3" apart to accommodate this plate as an accessory plate. Some of our earliest rings were produced before we included this set of holes in our standard hole patter. To confirm that your rings are appropriately tapped, please refer to our Astro-Physics Mounting Ring Hole Pattern document.

Note also that this plate will NOT accept Vixen style plates (sliding bars) like the Losmandy V-series. This newer Vixen specification is slightly narrower than our long established Astro-Physics 15" specification and has a much less angled bevel to the dovetail. This dovetail saddle will not adequately clamp onto the smaller Vixen style plate (sliding bar). Can't tell the difference between the Vixen and Astro-Physics sliding bars? Click here for a scaled diagram comparing each of the bar profiles.

Click here for DOVE15 hole spacing diagram.

Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

Use with 15" Dovetail Saddle. These are a few of the possible applications:

Attach to the bottom of mounting rings or cradle - 130 StarFire EDF or any rings or cradle with a flat mounting surface and 1/4 - 20 holes.

Attach to tube assembly - ARO Maksutovs and other similar instruments.

Attach accessories

Quick Release Finder Bracket for 8 x 50 finder (discontinued)
Quick Release Finder Bracket for 10 x 60 finder (S1060QRM)
TeleVue Starbeam Finder with our part #A3251-B (also #A3251-A)
TeleVue Quik-Point Finder with our part #A3251-B (also #A3251-A)

Please note that this sliding bar can NOT be used with Vixen style saddle plates. The base of this sliding bar is wider than the receiving channel on the Vixen style mounting system, and it will not fit into most Vixen style saddles. In addition, the Astro-Physics sliding bar has a more aggressively angled bevel for a secure grip. Can't tell the difference between the Vixen and Astro-Physics sliding bars? Click here for a scaled diagram comparing each of the bar profiles.

Please click here for SB1500 dimensions.

Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

Saddle Plate Adapters

Adapter to Use DOVE08 with 900, 1100 or Mach1GTO Mount (Q4047)

Since the 8" Dovetail Plate (DOVE08) is so short, an adapter is required to raise it up above the top of the 900, 1100 or Mach1GTO declination axis so that the knobs clear. It may also be used to provide additional clearance for the middle knob position of the DOVEDV10.

Please Note: This adapter attaches to the Mach1GTO with four 1/4 - 20 x 1" Flat Head Socket Cap Screws. DOVE08's purchased before Nov. 1 2006 did not include these screws in their fastener packets. If you will be using a DOVE08 purchased before Nov. 1, 2006 with this adapter and a Mach1GTO, you will need to order the four 1/4 - 20 x 1 Flat Head Socket Cap Screws separately. If ordering the Q4047 along with a new DOVE08 after Nov. 1, 2006, you will have all the required fasteners. If needed, the screws may be requested at checkout under "Comments / Special Instructions."

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Adapter to use Dovetail Saddles with all Takahashi Mounts that have
2-hole Mounting Pattern and the GiroDX Mount (Q4044)

This adapter will enable you to use our dovetail plates with your EM-10, EM-200, Teegul and other Takahashi mounts; Giro2DX or any mount that has, or can be adapted to have, a 2-hole M8 mounting pattern on the top of the declination axis. The two holes are spaced 1.378" or 35 mm apart. The four outer holes are tapped 1/4 - 20 to accept the Astro-Physics plates.

Bolt the Q4044 adapter to the mount (screws provided), then attach our DOVE08 (as shown), DOVE15, DOVEDV10, DOVELM162, or DOVELM16 and DOVELM (previous models). You will also need the corresponding sliding bar. The FP1500 can also be used with this adapter. Note: this adapter is black anodized as shown in the image above.

Flat Mounting Plates

15" Flat Mounting Plate (FP1500) - 400, 600E, 900, 1100 and Mach1GTO

This machined aluminum mounting plate measures 15" x 4.6" x 0.5". Two keyhole slots that measure 3.2" between centers are provided at each end of the plate. The distance between these pairs of holes is 13.75". You can drill additional holes to suit your needs. The plate weighs 3.3 lb. (1.5 kg.).

If you plan to use an accessory plate on top of your rings, we suggest the 15" Dovetail Plate (DOVE15). All Astro-Physics rings (except the Traveler and Stowaway) are predrilled to accept the DOVE15. Rings from Parallax Instruments can also be drilled with the Astro-Physics hole pattern.

Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

This larger machined aluminum plate is available for the Mach1GTO, 900, 1100, 1200 or 1600 mounts. It is 18" long and 7.5" at its widest point in the center. The width of the plate tapers to 5.5" at each end. Four pairs of keyhole slots that measure 3.2" between centers are provided. The two inner pairs are 13.75" apart and the outer two pairs are 17" apart. You can drill additional holes to suit your needs. The plate weighs 6.2 lb. (2.8 kg.).

If you use the innermost holes, you have the option of using the 15" Dovetail Plate (DOVE15) as an accessory plate on top of your Astro-Physics mounting rings. Rings from Parallax Instruments can also be drilled with the Astro-Physics hole pattern.

Please Note: While the 18" Flat Mounting Plate will fit on the Mach1GTO without a problem, you should carefully consider whether the mount is being overloaded. If your instrument is so big that it requires the FP1800, it is probably too big for the Mach1GTO.

Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

15" Ribbed Mounting Plate (900RP) - 900, 1100 and Mach1GTO

Click here for an image of the ribbed underside

Our CNC machining center started with thick aluminum plate and carved out the excess material leaving a strong rib support structure. The finished plate is 0.75" thick, 14.75 " long and 6.5" at its widest point.The width of the plate tapers to 4.75". A pair of keyhole slots that measure 3.2" between centers are provided at each end.The distance between these pairs of holes is 13.75". Due to the ribbed structure, you may not be able to drill additional holes to suit your mounting rings. The plate weighs 2.3 lb. (1.0 kg.).

Since the rings will be spaced 13.75" apart (center to center), you can use the 15" Dovetail Plate (DOVE15) as an accessory plate on top of your Astro-Physics mounting rings or Parallax Instruments rings with the Astro-Physics hole pattern.

Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart


	This plate is 14.75" long, 7.75" at its widest point 5" at each end and 1" thick. The underside of the plate is carved into a ribbed pattern to maximize the strength and minimize the weight to a mere 3 lb. A pair of keyhole slots that measure 3.2" between centers are provided at each end. The distance between the pairs is 13.75".
Click here for an image of the ribbed underside
If you plan to use an accessory plate on top of your rings, we suggest the 15" Dovetail Plate (DOVE15). All Astro-Physics rings (except the Traveler and Stowaway) are predrilled to accept the DOVE15. Rings from Parallax Instruments can be drilled with the Astro-Physics hole pattern, as well. Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

Click here for an image of the ribbed underside

For larger instruments, the ribbed structure of this plate provides the maximum support. Again, we start with thick aluminum plate and carve a strong rib structure. The final result is 1.5" thick, in the center, 24" long and 7.6" at its widest point. The width of the plate tapers to 5.5" at each end. A pair of keyhole slots that measure 3.2" between centers are provided at each end. The distance between these pairs of holes is 23". Due to the ribbed structure, you may not be able to drill additional holes to suit your mounting rings. The plate only weighs an amazing 9.5 lb. (4.3 kg.).

There is no corresponding accessory mounting plate available.

Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847