Askar SQA Series Heightening Section

Askar SQA Series Heightening Section

The Askar SQA Series Heightening Section is an optional 20mm all-metal spacer ring that attaches to the bottom of the SQA70, SQA85, SQA106, or SQA130 OTA. Its purpose is to increase the clearance between the bottom of the telescope tube and the mount, preventing the telescope from colliding with the mount head or counterweight shaft during equatorial tracking — a practical concern on telescopes with shorter tube-to-mount clearance.

In addition to collision protection, the heightening section creates extra space at the bottom of the OTA to accommodate different connecting devices, accessories, or cables routed along the optical train. The spacer is CNC-machined from metal and compatible with the same interface used by the SQA series tube ring mounting system.

Who Is This Product Best For?

• SQA70, SQA85, SQA106, or SQA130 owners on equatorial mounts where the OTA sits close to the mount head and risks collision during slewing or tracking near the meridian.
• Astrophotographers who need additional space at the bottom of the OTA for accessories, spacers, or cable routing.
• Users on compact mounts where telescope-to-mount clearance is tight.

Why Choose the Askar SQA Series Heightening Section?

• Prevents costly collision damage — adds 20mm of clearance between the telescope and mount during equatorial operation.
• Creates accessory space — extra room at the OTA base accommodates connecting devices, spacers, or cable management.
• All-metal construction — no flex, no play, no degradation to the rigidity of the optical train.
• Simple bolt-on installation — attaches directly to the tube ring mounting interface.

Recommended Uses

• Preventing OTA-to-mount collisions during equatorial tracking on SQA70–SQA130
• Creating additional space at the bottom of the OTA for accessories
• Cable and connector routing clearance

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

Compatible telescopes: Askar SQA70, SQA85, SQA106, and SQA130. Not compatible with the SQA55.

Height added: 20mm between the tube ring mounting base and the OTA.

Important Limitations

• Not for SQA55 — the SQA55 uses a different tube interface and does not accept this section.
• Does not change optical performance — this is a purely mechanical spacer; it does not affect imaging or focus travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much clearance does it add?
20mm between the OTA base and the mounting interface.

Does it affect balance?
Slightly — adding 20mm at the base shifts the OTA’s balance point marginally. Most users will need to adjust the dovetail plate position slightly to rebalance.

Does it fit the SQA55?
No. SQA55 only.

Our Recommendation

At Ontario Telescope and Accessories, we recommend the SQA Series Heightening Section for any SQA70 or larger owner who has experienced or is concerned about OTA-to-mount clearance during equatorial tracking. At under $100, it is inexpensive insurance against potentially costly collision damage to the telescope or mount.

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