Farpoint Vixen Dovetail Plate - Armored Strip - Meade 8 Inch SCT

Product Overview

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.

Who Is This Product Best For?

This product is designed for telescope owners and astrophotographers who use Vixen-style (V-size) dovetail hardware. It is an ideal choice if you need a precision-machined, reliable mounting solution that integrates with the Vixen-style (V-size) ecosystem of plates, saddles, and accessories.

Why Choose This Product?

• Precision machined: CNC-machined and anodized for a tight, secure fit on Vixen-style (V-size) hardware.
• Built to last: Aircraft-grade aluminum construction resists flexing under load and holds alignment.
• Trusted brand: Farpoint Astro is a respected name in telescope mounting hardware, made in the USA.

Recommended Uses

Use this telescope dovetail plate for visual observing and astrophotography setups that rely on the Vixen-style (V-size) dovetail standard, including mounting optical tubes, guide scopes, cameras, and accessories.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

Key compatibility and fit details:

• 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

Important Limitations

This is a Vixen-style (V-size) component and is not compatible with D-size (Losmandy-style) hardware unless an adapter is used. Verify your telescope's mounting pattern and your mount's saddle width before purchasing.

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.

Our Recommendation

If you run a Vixen-style (V-size) setup, the Farpoint Vixen Dovetail Plate - Armored Strip - Meade 8 Inch SCT is a dependable, precision choice that will integrate cleanly with the rest of your Farpoint dovetail system. Ontario Telescope and Accessories stocks the full Farpoint lineup to help you build a complete, matched mounting solution.