23" P-Style Dovetail Plate (SBPW23)

Description

The robust Astro-Physics P-style Dovetail Plate measures 7.65" at the widest portion of the dovetail and 1.2" thick to carry your heavy loads with ease. This plate bridges the gap between the 3" Losmandy D-style plates and the giant 9.9" dovetail plates that we designed for the 3600GTO (the width dimensions refer to the lower dovetail portion of the plate). We refer to this as a P-Style plate since PlaneWave Instruments originated this dovetail specification for their larger scopes.

The SBPW23 pairs up with our 16.5" P-style Dovetail Saddle (DOVEPW) to make a truly solid “Dynamic Duo". The DOVEPW saddle can be used with the 3600GTO, 1600GTO or 1200GTO mounts.

This mid-size  plate was designed with the increased load capacity of the 1600GTO mount in mind. The plate’s enhanced strength and rigidity, along with a versatile hole-pattern, offers a variety of instrument configurations. It allows the attachment of large instruments lengthwise at a number of balance points and also serves as a rigid side-by-side bar for mounting multiple scopes.

The schematic image below is a link to a PDF file detailing the hole-patterns and showing the many options for attaching a wide variety of mounting rings, as well as our 16" Easy-Balance Dovetail Saddle (DOVELM162) and even the DOVEPW in side-by-side arrangements. Our smaller 8.5" Dovetail Saddle (DOVELM2) can be attached at the ends of the plate, but can not be further inset, as its knobs interfere and do not contain the internal socket screw that allows tightening with a hex key.

For an added measure of safety, a series of matching through-holes in the DOVEPW saddle and tapped ¼ - 20 holes in the 23" dovetail plate allow the setup to be bolted into its final position through both plates once adequate balance is achieved. This is especially useful for permanent installations and ensures piece of mind.

Specifications

Dimensions: 
The plate top measures 7.7" (19.6 cm) wide by 22.875" (58.1 cm) long and 1.2" (3.1 cm) thick. 
The dovetail portion measures 7.65" (19.4 cm). The underside has been milled to reduce weight, while maintaining strength. 
Weight is 8.6 lb. (3.9 kg)

Includes:
23" P-style Dovetail Plate
Fasteners listed on Mounting Plate Fastener Chart

Please CLICK HERE to review the detailed diagram and confirm that your rings are appropriate to use this plate.