The DSC Stalk™ II (now over 400 Markless DSC Stalks in use worldwide!)
designed and manufactured by Markless Astronomics exclusively, will hold your DTC/DSC (Argo Navis, Sky Commander, JMI, etc.) and handpad at a convenient height and in safety. Properly affixed to the shelf, your DSC will be safely secured - no more tumbles from the UTA to the concrete below! A Bakelite studded knob for attaching the shelf to the SATIN ANODIZED aluminum tube makes for easy adjustment (no fumbling for a wrench to loosen or tighten). A Moonlite Clamp and mounting block securely holds the tube assembly. Only the best materials go into the construction of a DSC Stalk by Markless Astronomics.
The DSC Stalk II from Markless Astronomics also includes (at no extra charge) a Bumper Block that mounts on the other side of the rocker box. The combination of the Main Block and the Bumper Block constrain the mirror box to the center of the rocker box and prevent the mirror box from sliding back and forth in a sideways motion. The finish of the Bumper Block is stained and varnished Baltic Birch plywood. A photo of the Bumper Block is displayed below.
The M.A. DSC Stalk II has five to eight major components, depending upon the model. The following table shows the makeup of each model.
| Model 201 Classic Obsession-style (Baltic Birch) | Model 202 Classic Obsession-style (Black Poly) | Model 203 Ultra Compact Obsession (Black Poly) | Model 204 Lightbridge Style (Black Poly) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fits Models | ||||
| Acrylic Shelf | ||||
| Aluminum Sandwich Plates Installed | ||||
| Aluminum Tube | ||||
| Internal Cables (DSC power, handpad, encoders, DSC) | ||||
| Connection Panel | ||||
| Mounting Block And Moonlite Clamp | ||||
| Bumper Block | ||||
| Upper Stabilizing Block | ||||
| Price | ||||
| S&H (48 cont. States) |
The Acrylic shelf (with metal reinforcing plates) is pre-drilled with holes for your Argo Navis holster. The satin anodized aluminum tube contains the internal cables and is slotted to allow the cables to exit the tube. The cables reach your DSC (attached to the shelf) and the mating connectors on the Connection Panel (Connection Panel on Models 201, 202, and 204). On Model 203, the cables exit the lower slot and extend around to a connection board already mounted on your factory-installed ServoCAT-equipped Ultra Compact Obsession telescope. Scroll down to see photographs of the DSC Stalk II mounted on a UC 18 Obsession telescope.
The Mounting Block you need depends upon your telescope’s requirements. There are four models available and each is shown in an accompanying photograph. Choose a model that best suits your needs.
In addition to the Moonlite mounting block, the Model 204 for Lightbridge style of telescopes has an Upper Stabilizing Block™ which is mounted high on the rocker box sidewall.
The DSC Stalk II Connector Panel is available only on DSC Stalks wired by MA. If you want or need the functionality of the Connector Panel (keeps your cables very neat and orderly) and one that is very rugged, order your wired DSC Stalk here.
The Mounting Block and Bumper Block (if applicable) attach with screws to the side of your rocker box. The length of attachment screws varies with telescope brand and sidewall thickness. Specify your scope so that you get the correct hardware.
The Moonlite Clamp is manufactured by Moonlite and is a very secure method of holding the tube assembly. It is made of aluminum, is very strong, and has several interesting features. There is a set screw and washer which serve as a “stop” to prevent the tube from sliding downward when the clamp knob is loosened. However, the set screw and washer are removable which would then permit a downward height adjustment of the tube. There is another threaded hole on the top end of the clamp which also will accept the set screw, effectively changing the clamp from a right handed clamp to a left handed clamp.
Optional Spacer Kits:
Email me to obtain a free copy of a drawing that depicts the mirror box and rocker box issues that might require a spacer. Just ask for the "bearing overhang" drawing. I will email it to you as an attachment.
SPECIAL NOTE: Please also send your email to cstarsnc(at)yahoo.com. This is necessary due to a problem with the following email address.
To order, please email me at cs(at)marklessastronomics dot com.
Charles Starks, Charlotte, NC
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Announcing the new DSC Stalk Sandwich Kit, or DSC-SK
This product is an enhancement for your DSC Stalk acrylic shelf to strengthen the web attachment area. It is now standard on every new DSC Stalk and DSC Stalk replacement shelf sold by Markless Astronomics. However, it is easily retrofitable on almost every M.A. DSC Stalk shelf in the field.
The price is only $8.00 for the kit, postpaid! Only $5 if ordered with another product! Email me to order. cs(at)marklessastronomics dot com.
The kit includes
The plates are easy to install and complete instructions are emailed with each order. You need only align the plates above and below the shelf (sandwich the plastic), drill two small holes, and fasten them together with the screws.
The DSC Stalk was designed to hold Digital Setting Circles (for example, an Argo Navis, Sky Commander), etc., a ServoCAT hand pad, and a ServoCAT wireless receiver (on the underside). It does that job very well. It was not designed for heavier items (such as laptops or monitors!) or designed to be leaned on, used as a cane, or to steady oneself when ascending or descending a ladder. Also, when it is in transport, it should be removed from the Stalk tube, and packed away, especially if one leaves the DSC attached to the shelf.
However, I saw an opportunity to strengthen the shelf assembly to make it more resilient to abuse and to improper storage and transport. This kit, which is very modestly priced, significantly improves the resiliency of the shelf (although nothing is unbreakable and the aforementioned usage prohibitions remain in effect). Nonetheless, I recommend you take advantage of this offering to improve your equipment. If you order an entire shelf (a complete new shelf is $28 plus shipping), the Sandwich Kit will be included at no additional charge.
However, the Sandwich Kit alone is available now for only $8, postpaid. Only $5 if ordered with another product!
Astrocrumb Filter Slides - a "MUST HAVE" accessory for your Big Dob. Roger builds 'em RIGHT!
Copyright 2003-2009, by Charles Starks, Charlotte, NC, All Rights Reserved
Updated: 2:23 PM 10/28/2009
