LXD55/CG5 to Meade Field Tripod Modification

The purpose of this modification is to remove the standard “flimsy” tripod from the LXD55/CG5 mount and use the equatorial head on a more solid base. The Meade standard field tripod is perfect for this purpose, but any tripod with a flat surface and ½” hole in the center will work fine. The Celestron tripod works equally as well.

The centerpiece of this modification is a simple piece of PVC pipe called a 2”x4” reducer. The reducer has a 2” center hole and an outside diameter of 4”. This nicely corresponds to the dimensions of the base for the LXD55/CG5 equatorial head. The reducer then acts as a platform on which the equatorial head sits. A ½”x13 12” threaded rod serves to hold the entire assembly together.

It takes about 20 minutes to complete the modification. The only part of the procedure that that isn’t “plug-n-play” is to change the existing 3/8” threads in the under-center of the equatorial head to ½”x13 threads. This is easily accomplished. Under the equatorial head the existing hole (with 3/8” threads inside) must drilled with a 27/64” drill bit for about ¾”. A hand drill drills the aluminum easily. Use a ½”x13 tap to then create the threads in the hole. Because the aluminum is easy to work, the threads will tap without a problem. Use WD40 as a lubricant.

Once the hole is drilled and threaded, the rest of the modification is easily assembled.

2”x4” bushing, threaded rod, coupler, washer and nut	Drill 27/64” hole about ¾” into the base.		Tap threads into the hole, slowly, carefully. Use WD40 for lubricant
Screw threaded rod into the newly tapped threads completely, don’t tighten too much. Just hand tight.	Use the 1/2x13 nut to secure the rod securely in the new hole. Tighten, again, not too tight.		The 2”x4” reducer on the base of the mount.
The CG5 equatorial head inserted into the 2”x4” reducer. This fits on top of the field tripod, the threaded rod extending down through the existing hole.
	Place the washer and then the coupler on the threaded rod under the tripod. The coupler acts as a “long bolt”. Tighten this bolt to keep the EQ head in place. Once you’ve aligned the EQ head in azimuth, tighten this with a wrench to create a solid platform for the telescope. Then install the leg “spreader” and locking handle.	Here’s the finished product. The EQ head simply “sits” on the 2”x4” PVC black reducer and is held together with the center 1/2x13 threaded rod and spreader assembly. Overall, this CG5 modification has shown itself to be a tremendous improvement over the standard aluminum tripod shipped with these mounts (including those fitted with wooden legs!)