EQ3-2 tripod Skywatcher Focus Controller Bracket

thingiverse

A bracket for holding your Skywatcher Focus Controller which mounts on one of the tripod legs of an EQ3-2 mount. The design also fits the EQ2 and likely several other mounts, making it very useful to prevent the controller from dangling or using up accessory tray space. Holes allow the bracket to be screwed into place using lower securing screws at the top of the leg. To install this bracket, you will need to dismantle the top of the leg from the tripod and remove the upper securing screws (which are assembled tightly) so that it can be slid into position without forcing or prying the jaws apart, which could cause damage. It is also necessary to use longer M5 X 14 screws since the existing ones will be too short to pass through this bracket and into the leg. This design is based on Thing 2285649 by "sirhc", but it was found to be non-printable on any FDM printer due to its non-manifold nature. However, it could be printed using a Photon SLA printer with Chitubox software, although it would still require significant filing to fit the focus controller properly (and SLA resin is notoriously difficult to file). The original design was created in Tinkercad and resulted in an STL file that served as a stark warning against using this software. This new design takes inspiration from the original while making some key changes, increasing the depth of the holder by 0.5mm to ensure it fits properly on both SLA and FDM printers. On FDM printers, the fit may be slightly looser; if you prefer a tighter fit, consider gluing strips of card or thin felt to the "jaws".