Getting the pier right

To place the Paramount Me at the 36 inch height I need, I’m considering a cement pier 24 inches high by 20 inches in diameter with a 12 inch Bisque pier mounted on top. The purpose behind this combination is to minimize the low frequency, high amplitude vibrations that only concrete can provide. My concern is that such a large diameter cement pier might interfere with the movement of the Paramount ME and decrease tracking past the meridian. This is especially of concern because I will need to use the counterweight extension shaft. Should I be concerned and is there a better alternative?

fedutton:

with a 12 inch Bisque pier mounted on top.

What is your latitude?  The 12-inch pier will most likely provide sufficient clearance, but more information would be helpful. 

See the Paramount ME Minimum Pier Height page for photos of the Paramount ME on an 11-inch pier.

My latitude is 42.3 degrees north. I'm not concerned about the 12 inch Bisque pier interfering, but rather the cement pier that is 20 inches in diameter and two feet high.

fedutton:

I'm not concerned about the 12 inch Bisque pier interfering, but rather the cement pier that is 20 inches in diameter and two feet high.

Essentially, the 20-inch concrete pier represents "ground level" at which the mount's payload and counterweight shaft must be "above" at all times (and at all orientations of the GEM as it slews and flips to each side of the meridian when necessary). 

To demonstrate, the photo below shows a Paramount ME adjusted to 42 degrees sitting atop a 12-inch pier.  The yellow yard stick shows the distance to the ground (your concrete pier) when the mount is pointed at the zenith (a "worst case" scenario). 

The OTA+payload length, when located at the balance position of the mass on the declination axis, cannot exceed 20 inches (or so) beyond both ends of the Versa Plate.  Otherwise, the payload can potentially encounter the ground at some point.

The challenge is to determine whether or not the payload (OTA+equipment at the balance point) meets this criteria.

I hope this helps.

 

Thanks so much! It certainly helps, in fact, the picture says it all!

Fred