Description
Fits D Series dovetail bars. Adds additional weight for balancing OTA’s especially the off-center saddle on the OEM Celestron CGEM and CGEM-DX. Split clamp design grips the dovetail bar along the entire surface of the saddle and will not dent or scratch the dovetail bar. The dovetail clamp has a large locking knob for tool free operation, spring loaded jaws, anodized aluminum and stainless steel construction. DPA- 2.5″ Long, 4″ Wide, .75″ Thick, Wt. 10 oz., Counterweight- 4″ Rounds, 1″ thick, 3.5 lbs.
David K. (verified owner) –
It could use a lock nut or something to hold the weight in place.
dgroover1957 (verified owner) –
As the previous review stated, it could use a lock nut to keep the weight in place. Went to the hardware store and picked up a couple along with a couple of washers. This is what I needed to better balance my scope!
Mark Pogorzelski (store manager) –
dgroover1957, So glad to hear that the counterweight is what you needed. I will send your feedback onto Anthony for further review. – ADM Accessories.
Come Raczy (verified owner) –
Misleading description: it says “Counterweight with Side Mounting Option” and there is a picture showing the CW mounted straight down when if fact, as it is delivered, the side mounting is the only possibility. I purchased it with the idea that both the side mounting and straight down options would be readily available. Sadly no. If I want to mount the CW straight down, I still need to go to the hardware store and find a screw that would enable that.
Also, the design is such that it is difficult to replace the 1/2″-13 threaded rod because it is attached to the clamp via a 1/4″-20 screw (the 1/2″-13 threaded rod is a 1/4″-20 female threaded adapter). You might need to replace that 1/2″-13 threaded rod when you lose it – in which case perhaps ADM will sell one at a high but still acceptable cost – or when you realize that there isn’t enough lateral clearance for the counterweights and you need a longer rod – in which case you’ll need to be very resourceful.
I can understand the business value for this type of annoying and frustrating design decisions but as a customer I really wish the clamp had 1/2″-13 threaded inserts that would enable me to directly use standard threaded rods or bolts that I can easily find anywhere in any length at very low cost.
Finally, at that cost, I find that it gets scratched surprisingly easily.
Mark Pogorzelski (store manager) –
Come, I am sorry that you feel mislead from the description. I will consider changing the vocabulary in the description.
In an attempt to keep all of my products universal the best method to secure the 1/2x13tpi threaded rod was to use a 1/4×20 bolt from the underside just like all ADM products. Designing and machining a new set of clamps for the D Series, V Series, DV Series and MDS Series with a 1/2x13tpi tapped hole would increase the cost of production and would create new products that I do not feel are necessary. I am not sure how you would lose the threaded rod if it stays secured to the clamp. You can purchase longer threaded rods for about the same cost as a piece of stainless steel threaded rod ($10). See this link. https://www.admaccessories.com/product/tr-stainless-steel-threaded-rod-3-or-5-long/
All surfaces of the ADM clamp are CNC machined aluminum and black anodized. The weight is powder coated paint and I agree it scratches easily. I would prefer a stainless steel weight but the cost of these materials is just too much for this application.-ADM Accessories Anthony Davoli
Umang Patel (verified owner) –
Mark Pogorzelski (store manager) –
Umang, thank you for the review!-ADM Accessories.
Lamar McLouth –
The DCW-SM seems like a very well made product. It comes with everything needed to mount the counterweight on the side or straight down.
Unfortunately, since the counterweight diameter is so large, if you have a Meade 12″ LX850 ACF OTA, the weight will hit the radius block. So you cannot thread it on very far at all. This may be a problem for other sizes with radius blocks like the 10″, 14″, etc.
Mark Pogorzelski (store manager) –
Lamar, thank you for the feedback. I’ve escalated your concern to Anthony for a further review and more informational reply. Please stay tuned.-ADM Accessories.
Mark Pogorzelski (store manager) –
Lamar, the following is from the owner of ADM Accessories – Anthony Davoli: Lamar, sorry this did not work for your particular application. Originally, the DCW-SM was intended to be used with the CGEM mount. The saddles are offset so a side mounted weight was needed to balance the offset. I realize now this product will be used for other applications. I will look into the feasibility of producing a smaller diameter weight. Thank you.