A New Binocular Mount

by The Bolton Group


A New Binocular Mount

Introduction

This mount was invented by another member of Bolton Astronomical Society and three have been made to this design. It started with the ergonomic question, as we lean our head back to observe from horizontal to vertical, what path does the eyepieces of binoculars need to follow? From the resulting curve, the idea of a curved rail evolved which raises the binoculars and moves the eyepieces more overhead as they point nearer the zenith - matching the path our eyes would follow.


Binoculars horizontal

Construction

There are two parts to it. A curved rail in stainless steel flat bar with a plate at the bottom to attach it to a standard tripod and a moving trolley to which the binoculars are attached directly. The usual (flimsy) bracket supplied with the binoculars is not required. The track passes between the two barrels of the binoculars.


Binoculars vertical

The binoculars are easily moved by holding the curved bar and pushing gently with your thumb on the trolley to raise or lower them.


Close-up of trolley 		The trolley uses four nylon flanged wheels which are spring loaded and trap the curved track between them. Adjuster nuts are finger tightened to get the right friction which varies with binocular weight. Not visible here is the thumb wheel nut at the back to attach the binoculars.
Last updated: 11th December 1997 Return to Telescope Making main menu