Videos on YouTube

Original short post for some other YouTuber, this one contains lots of comments that might give more info, I do actively reply here as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3wNZgeYgsI&lc=UgzZ2NfPGpnRsT3Oc214AaABAg

Detailed video to answer a question about the Altitude adjustment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twsdDxpd_g8

CAD Model

https://a360.co/4jldqTV

This was never build with the intent to share it, so it might be a bit of a challenge when working in the Fusion file.

Edit 22-04-2025

Sorry for the longer delay here, busy with work :)
I added 4 more files, they have 2025 in the name. These are alternative versions to existing files that were redesigned a bit.
Main changes:

• The two "Alt pusher blocks" that are on the Altitude adjustment are made stronger
• There are now two separate blocks, one goes to the back of the mount, one to the front (if the mount is assembled one points to the floor, one to the sky, labeled as such)
• Then I added two alternatives to the `AZ_adjustment_screw_plate_print_once.stl`:
  • One is with printed threads, which probably is fine since it’s not really holding any force
  • One version for two captive M6 nuts

Also uploaded a new STEP file and updated the link to the CAD model.

Something that might not be clear from the model/files:
The `Center_Bearing_block_print_once.stl` has a thread on the lip sticking out with a chamfer from both sides.
The idea there is to put a short countersunk screw in from both sides so the screws pushing on the part to adjust the height have a metal contact area to push against.

Edit 16-12-2024

I added the first set of build images, which should make the process a bit more clear.
When I find the time, I will create the rest.
Do not be confused seeing metal parts — I went the extra mile and CNC milled most of the structural parts.

As for Printing

• All files can be printed without support, but tree supports can help in some cases :)
• I printed them all in Polycarbonate-CF on a Bambu X1 Carbon. (to be specific, prusament pc-blend carbon fiber, which is a great filament in general if its available and your printer can handle it)
• This should also work with regular PLA or PLA-CF (just maybe don’t put a 10 kg scope on it in that case)
• Tolerances are quite tight but should be fine on most well-tuned printers
• I used 4 top and bottom layers and 6 walls on all parts
• Through holes were cleaned up with a drill; tapped holes were cleaned with a tap
• Infill: 45%
• Orientation: auto-rotate in Bambu Studio worked great — use common sense

There is a lot of extra information in the `.txt` file included in the downloads.

One thing I did with my original printed version is apply 2-part epoxy to the bearing holders’ contact surfaces (where they screw to the mount and tripod).
This section carries the mount head and scope, so every bit of strength helps.
(This is also why there are so many screws — more threaded surface area.)

Edit

I updated one file in the model and updated it here as well.
The AZ adjustment used some weird IKEA nuts I had lying around; this now uses a printed thread, which should work fine.

Edit 2

I also added a combined back flange for the harmonic drive.
This includes the bearing mount, flange, and lower motor mount in one piece — useful if your drives didn’t come with a NEMA 17 mount flange.

Also added a full STEP export of the project for use in Fusion or other software.

Bit of Extra Info

The altitude adjustment has a limited range — approx. 30° to 62°.
I didn’t need it to work on the North Pole or the Equator :)
If you need a different range, let me know — I can generate alternatives.
(Or you can move the lobe on the center bearing block in Fusion.)

Alternative idea: skip building the Alt/Az adjustment and just use the head with a commercial alt/az base — I couldn’t find anything that wasn’t either flimsy or massive overkill.

Assembly tip:
Assemble the head and tripod parts separately. Then connect them using the 15 mm shaft.
If you do it the other way around, you can’t reach all the screws :)

Tripod compatibility:
Made to fit the LXD75 or Bresser Exos 2 tripod.
If you have a different one, you’ll need to make your own version of `LXD75_tripod_mountplate_print_once.stl` (if you do feel free to share or remix!).