Farpoint Dovetail System · Vixen SCT Kit · Armored
The Meade 8″ SCT Vixen kit with a stainless steel armored strip — set screws can't chew it up.
Safely attach your telescope optical tube with the Farpoint Armored Strip Vixen dovetail plate for the Meade 8″ SCT. Machined of sturdy aluminum with a black anodized finish, this 13.5″ Vixen-style (V-size) bar is just like the regular version of our Vixen dovetail bar — with the addition of a stainless steel armored strip. Compatible with the Meade 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube Assembly. CNC-machined in the USA.
Why an Armored Strip?
Many Vixen-size saddles and accessories clamp with a set screw pressed against the dovetail bar. That mars the dovetail and pits the edge — and eventually leads to slop in the system as the set screw wanders in the old grooves cut into the bar. The armored strip puts hardened stainless steel where the set screw bites, eliminating the problem.
Using only Farpoint-style saddles with a clamping bar instead of a set screw? The armor isn't necessary — the regular version saves you a few dollars.
Specifications
Fits
Meade 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube Assembly
Bar length
13.5″ — see product drawing
Bar standard
V-size (Vixen-style)
Armored strip
Stainless steel — protects the dovetail edge from set-screw damage
Finish
Black anodized aluminum
Construction
CNC-machined in the USA
Which Meade Vixen Kit?
Kit
Bar
Armored strip
Meade 8″ SCT — ArmoredThis model
13.5″
Yes — stainless steel
Running a heavier mount with a D-size (Losmandy-style) saddle? See our D-size SCT kits instead.
Kit only — telescope not included. Questions about fit with your tube or saddle? Email us and we'll confirm before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the armored strip do?
It's a stainless steel strip along the dovetail where set screws clamp. Set screws mar and pit bare aluminum, cutting grooves that eventually make the connection sloppy — the hardened strip takes the bite without damage.
Do I actually need it?
Only if your saddle or accessories clamp with a set screw. Saddles with a clamping bar (like Farpoint-style saddles) press flat against the dovetail and don't mar it — in that case the regular version does the job.
What mounts will this work with?
Any mount with a Vixen-style (V-size) saddle — the smaller of the two common dovetail standards, found on most small and mid-size equatorial and alt-az mounts.
Putting a Vixen bar on your SCT?
Browse all V-size SCT kits, or start with the dovetail system guide.
Shop V-size SCT kits Read the dovetail guide
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