CG-4 / EQ-3 MOUNT EXTENSION (END PLATES)

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Mount extension tubes prove particularly useful when observing stars near the zenith, as well as for clearing counter weights/shafts from colliding with the North tripod leg while observing stars in very low latitude locations. The extension tube is specifically designed to fit CG-4/EQ-3 or other EQ mounts with matching physical dimensions. It consists of a 4" thick aluminum tube (101.60mm O.D., 95.60mm I.D.) cut to the desired length, accompanied by two end plates. The bottom plate features a center-inserted nut that matches the thread of the long-threaded shaft holding the EQ head in place. My CG-4 has an M10 1.5mm-pitch thread; however, this may vary for other EQ mounts. Three inserted M4 nuts on the inner side of the plate are secured into the aluminum tube using three M4x15mm screws. The top plate is fastened to the EQ head via an M10x25mm (1.5mm-pitch) through the center hole, taking care to verify the correct thread on your GEM. Like the bottom plate, it has three M4 nuts for mounting to the top end of the aluminum tube. Drill three holes at each end of the aluminum tube for M4x15mm screws, positioned 15mm from the ends and spaced at 120-degree intervals.