Whether this is a new or an existing OTA, we prefer that the OTA is shipped to us soon after construction starts, for final fitting and testing in our shop. Information requirements will be somewhat relaxed for well-documented OTA's such as the Celestron C14. The 20M Mount may need a Pier Spacer Assembly to properly position the mount axes and telescope focus with respect to the observing floor and dome opening. This is particularly true when replacing a tall slender pedestal for a German equatorial mount, which is not suitable for supporting an offset mount, such as a fork or asymmetric. If a pier spacer is needed, this would normally be attached to the top of the existing pier with the same mounting hardware used for the previous telescope pedestal.
Main structure is comprised of steel weldments primed and painted using two-part epoxy paint.
Machined components are anodized 6061-T6 aluminum and rust resistant fasteners. Shielded bearings on drive worms shafts. Cast iron worm gears, hardened, ground and polished worms. Gear mesh is preloaded in both axes using precision constant-tension spring motor assemblies. 5-20 lbs, depending on type.