I forgot to add this bit of info concerning the balancing problem with the tasco stand. I can move the scope in its brackets to bring it into balance, but that seems to create another problem.
The mirror portion of the scope is much heavier than the front and to achieve balance the scope is pushed pretty far through the brackets toward the front. This seems fine in practice, but when I place the scope in a position to view objects that are closer to the horizon the scope is severely out of balance. In no way will I get the scope to hold in position when I have it balanced as such.

I can't imagine what, if anything I am doing wrong. I just gave up. I have the stand in such a way that it will only drift when looking nearly straight up while it usually holds its place when I lower the scope.

Any advice, or is this about the best I can expect? Do you think the extra weight will help?
Can you tell if I am doing something wrong?


Talk to you later,

Lenny M