03.02 · Provisional page

Modified HEQ-5 tripod

Low base, extension pier and ballast for greater stability

Lowered HEQ-5 tripod assembly with the extension pier and Wave 150i mount

The base is a stainless-steel tripod used with Sky-Watcher’s HEQ-5 series. I shortened it so the mounting platform sits 650 mm above the ground: lowering the centre of gravity makes the assembly more stable and less sensitive to vibration. A triangular support below the legs normally carries 8 to 10 kg of ballast. A 20 cm ZWO extension pier sits between the tripod and mount, using an HEQ-5 adapter at the bottom and a connection compatible with the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i at the top. The complete assembly remains reasonably easy to transport while providing a solid, stable platform for imaging. The trade-off is that its reduced height is not suitable for comfortable visual observing.

Modified support

Technical specifications

Original platform: Sky-Watcher HEQ-5 series tripod
Material: Stainless steel
Modified height: Mounting platform 650 mm above ground
Extension pier: 20 cm ZWO extension
Lower interface: HEQ-5 compatible
Upper interface: Sky-Watcher Wave 150i compatible
Typical ballast: 8–10 kg
Primary use: Astrophotography; not recommended for visual observing

Detail of the HEQ-5 tripod legs and the lower triangular support with its ballast bag — The 8–10 kg ballast adds stability to the assembly

Lower tripod bag loaded with stones used as ballast — A practical solution: stones found at the observing site provide the weight without having to transport it