Side-by-side dovetail plates and saddles from Rouz Astro

Rouz Astro has launched its new side-by-side dovetail plates and saddles, constructed with FDM 3D print engineering-grade carbon fiber composite material and CAD designed for maximum strength-to-weight ratio. It saves a lot of weight (typically 1/3 –  1/2 that of metal), which improves mount capacity and tracking performance.

Why use a side-by-side plate anyway?

A side-by-side telescope mount plate can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures balanced load distribution. When two telescopes are mounted side-by-side, the weight is distributed more evenly - like a counterweight riding sidesaddle :). This reduces stress on the mount, leading to smoother and more precise movements. Secondly, it offers versatility in observations. Having two telescopes mounted together allows for different types of observations simultaneously. For example, one telescope can be used for wide-field views while the other is set for high-magnification detailed views, enhancing observational efficiency.

In astrophotography, using two telescopes side-by-side can be particularly advantageous. One telescope can be dedicated to capturing images while the other is used for guiding, which helps correct any tracking errors, ensuring sharper and more accurate photos. Additionally, a side-by-side mount configuration often improves the overall stability of the setup. This stability minimizes vibrations and movements, which is crucial for both visual observations and astrophotography.

Furthermore, a side-by-side plate allows for efficient use of equipment. If you have multiple telescopes, this setup enables you to use them without needing separate mounts, saving time and space and making your observing sessions more productive. Finally, for scientific studies, having two telescopes with different optical characteristics can allow for comparative observations. Comparing views through a refractor and a reflector side-by-side can provide insights into their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Save a lot of weight with the Rouz Astro Carbon Composite Side-By-Side system

They are modular so you can design your own setup with various lengths and types of plates and saddles. These lightweight dovetail plates come in various sizes: 6, 9, & 12inch.

Typical kit weight is 0.8 to 1.3kg (2.0 to 2.9lbs)

• Medium Duty Saddles:  Deigned to carry accessories up to 15lbs (7kg)
• Heavy Duty Saddles:  Deigned to carry accessories up to 25lbs (12kg) payload
• Total System Capacity: 35lbs (16kg)
   

Options

• Side by Side Bar: 10in - 250mm, 12in - 300mm, 14in - 355mm
• Type: Losmandy or Vixen (Losmandy type +$9.99)
• Left Side Saddles: Vixen Type Saddle 4in - Medium Duty (2 knobs, +$49.50). Vixen Type Saddle 7in - Heavy Duty (3 knobs, +$69.50), Losmandy Type Saddle 4in - Medium Duty (2 knobs, +$54.50), Losmandy Type Saddle 7in - Heavy Duty (3 knobs, +$74.50)
• Right Side Saddles: Vixen Type Saddle 4in - Medium Duty (2 knobs, +$49.50). Vixen Type Saddle 7in - Heavy Duty (3 knobs, +$69.50), Losmandy Type Saddle 4in - Medium Duty (2 knobs, +$54.50), Losmandy Type Saddle 7in - Heavy Duty (3 knobs, +$74.50)
• Price: $54.90 - $74.90
   

Center-to-center separation

• 10inch Bars: 6in with Heavy Duty Saddles – 8in. with medium duty saddles
• 12inch Bars: 8in with Heavy Duty Saddles – 10in. with medium duty saddles
• 14inch Bars: 10in with Heavy Duty Saddles – 12in. with medium duty saddles
   

Side by side bar length

• 10inch - 250mm, 12inch - 300mm, 14inch - 355mm
   

Specifications

• 10 inch Side By Side Bars: 350 grams ( 0.8lbs)
• 12 inch Side By Side Bars: 400 grams ( 0.9lbs)
• 14 inch Side By Side Bars: 500 grams ( 1.1lbs)
• Saddle weight (medium Duty): 300 grams (0.7lbs)
• Saddle weight (heavy duty): 450 grams (1.1lbs)
• Various hole spacing to accept M6 or 1/4-20 bolts
• FDM Print – Engineering grade carbon fiber composite material
• High UV, water, chemical, salt, and temperature resistance (60 DegC – 145 DegF).
   

Watch the video below where Rouz Astro tests the carbon fiber composite dovetails against hundreds of pounds in various directions.