Giant
Field Tripod
SHRINK KIT
Reduce the height of your Meade giant field tripod (originally supplied with the 12" and 14" LX200GPS and the 12" LX200 Classic scopes) to a more comfortable viewing height. This kit reduces 39" tall tripods shipped prior to November 2003 from 39" to 31", 30", 29" or 28". It also reduces the 31" tall tripods manufactured since then to 30", 29" or 28" (and you want to drop down to 28" for sure if you are mounting your tripod on a Wheelie Bars, a Scope Buggy, or some similar roll-around device).
See the difference it makes when mounting a 12" SCT on a tripod that has been shrunk to 31" (which happens to be the same height as the standard field tripod supplied with the 8" and 10" SCT.
Here's a 12" GPS
where this kit has been used to shrink the giant field tripod to 28" tall so
that it comfortably rides on JMI's Wheelie Bars.
NOTE: Since you are reducing the Giant Field Tripod height to that of the
Standard Field Tripod, get the Wheelie Bars for the Standard Field Tripod.
The Giant Field Tripod Wheelie Bars shown to the left had to be modified to fit.
And here's a
14" that's been kit shrunk to 30":
(Note cutoff tubing sections on floor)
What's provided in this kit? Three black anodized aluminum spreader arms with stainless steel mounting hardware, extra leg mounting studs and acorn nuts, dowel pin removal hardware, and our usual high quality very detailed step by step photo illustrated instructions.
This is not an easy modification to implement - it requires a basic capability with hand tools and some labor on your part. Tripod shrinking takes anywhere from 1-1/2 hours to 5 hours. You must have access to a commercial grade hacksaw with a 24 tooth/inch blade, 2 adjustable or 5/8" sized wrenches, a hammer, and a file.
Customer comments:
From
California: The Peterson tripod shrink kit for my 12"GPS is wonderful! I can
now sit in my observing chair with both feet on the
ground for much of my viewing. I lowered mine by the full 13". I
would recommend it as a "must-do" mod for any 12" owner.......
From Washington: I placed an
order for your tri-pod shrink kit and mounting assistant last Monday. Here in
the northwest we've had typical cloudy/rainy skies, so over the last two nights
I performed the tri-pod shrink. I brought it down to 31” and all I can say is
success. The directions were excellent and the kit had everything needed. It
looks like it came straight from the factory. It’s now a manageable size and
I’m much happier with it. I haven’t mounted the scope on it yet using the
mounting assistant (too tired), but I’m going to try that tomorrow. Thanks
again…
From
California: I used Peterson's shrink kit about a month ago and absolutely love
it. I took mine down to 29" base height. The only downside I see to
it is getting under the scope to focus my Olympus OM-1 at prime focus. Alignment
is 10 times easier now. I use a wedge almost exclusively and that is the main
reason I decided to shrink the tripod. It is kind of funny, before on the big
tripod, the scope (12") looked kind of small. On the small tripod it looks
like the beast I thought it would look like. I also take my scope out to
elementary schools for astronomy night at the schools, now I don't have to lift
the kids up or hope they don't fall off my step ladder!!! Thank you Pete
Peterson.
From Manitoba: Hi Pete! The kit arrived yesterday and as the weather was horrid I got right at it. Disassembled last nite and re-assembled today. Everything worked out great!!!! I just followed your instructions and took my time... I should have done this ages ago!!!! Shrinking the tripod went exactly as your instructions said!!! Wow!!! The scope is much more user friendly and I can't thank you enough!!!! Thanks ever so much for your advice and assistance. I shrunk down the full 28" and couldn't be happier. I would recommend your kit to anyone!!!!!!!
From Illinois: Pete: I just thought that I would drop you an e-mail to let you know that I installed your “Meade Giant Tripod Shrink Kit” over the weekend with great results! You seem to have thought of everything in the kit and your instructions were letter perfect. .....Now I have a far more user-friendly tripod that came in at 30 1/2” in height. What a difference a few inches makes. Thanks for producing such a great kit and thinking through everything so thoroughly.
From New York: Hi Pete, Just wanted to let you know that I did the Meade tripod conversion with your kit successfully this past weekend. Even though one leg of my tripod had a big dent, the operation went very smoothly following your excellent directions. I now have my NJP mount set up on a 28" tripod on JMI wheeley bars, and it is great for my use (I like to observe sitting down). Many thanks for a great kit, worth every penny. all the best
$49.99 plus postage
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Peterson Engineering Corporation
Sky Division
405 New Meadow Road
Barrington, RI 02806
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