Always Nice to Get Mail
A couple of weeks back a reader wrote me to ask a question about my Arca-Swiss tripod clamp mount post. I really appreciate hearing from folks who are interested in what I’m tinkering with so I was happy to engage. However, I wasn’t really prepared for where the conversation ended up taking me – and that’s a good thing. Because that means I get to bring to you a new and improved version of an accessory rail clamp for tripods that serves up a plethora of possibilities.
Where’s the Goods?
So the basic question posed to me was – where can I find the design files for this tripod mini-PC clamp mount? That’s a fair question. Now I know I never posted this on Thingiverse, so I’d just grab it off my NAS device. That was the plan anyway. But as it turned out, my files weren’t in my Freecad project folder. That would be logical, obvious, and straightforward. Too easy. Nope! I had to: descend into the darkest reaches of my storage network, reverse engineer my thought processes around why I wouldn’t have put it where it should be, and get all Columbo about where the missing goods were. All to no avail. Gone. I simply accepted they got lost in the shuffle somewhere.
But then a funny thing happened when I was pulling some image files for something else I’m working on. I stumbled across this lonely little directory called FreeCAD right smack dab in the middle of my imaging directory. Well this was certainly out of place. And lo and behold, tucked inside were the original files for the Arca-Swiss tripod clamp mount. Whoo-hoo! And then I opened the old files…
What a Horror Show!
I know it was only 2 years ago or so, but I was honestly a little embarrassed looking over how I built my design. It was functionally good. Just not very practical if one ever wanted to modify or extend the design. I suppose this is one reason why I never posted the files online. And there was another reason. My design uses a generic Arca-Swiss clamp that I inexpensively purchased online. I was concerned that other folks would never be able to find the same clamp and then the design would never fully work for them. And that’s just not something I could be comfortable with. So a redesign is in order so I can finally share this very handy project with everyone.
Accessory Rail Clamp Version 2
I’ve got some other things cooking in my little workshop that you’ll see soon enough. But one common theme I’ve employed is using standardized accessory rails to use a mount points for other astrophotography accessories. This simplifies my designs, delivers standardization, and brings commonality across all my astrophotography setups. Adding a small accessory rail to a tripod leg clamp just seems like the right thing to do – So I did!
This version has many advantages over the previous version I created. First and foremost, I designed this as a parametric model. Now I can produce files for any tripod leg diameter I need. Additionally, it frees itself from hard-to-standardize and source third-party equipment. That’s right, just standard screws and a 3mm brass rod – common at many home goods stores. So folks can easily build this without having to order additional equipment to make it whole. The rail design also lends itself to multiple mounting options – from quick release plates to robust screw clamps.
As for accessories – the possibilities are only limited by your imagination and need. Mini-PCs, wire harnesses, cable guides, GoPro cameras, lights, powerbanks, batteries, USB hubs, – if it’s a small astrophotography accessory, it’ll mount!
 Assembled View of the Accessory Rail Clamp |  Accessory Rail Clamp with Mini-PC |  Accessory Rail Clamp with Wire Harness |
Available for Download 😉
This won’t be another post that’s all fluff and no substance. I’m sharing the goods today! And I plan on sharing a lot more in the near future. While I may not have been writing much, I’ve been busy working on a number of projects I’m sure you’ll enjoy. Which is also why I’ve brought a new look and feel to this website.
You’ll be able to find all my projects in the builds section of this site from the main navigation menu at the top of the page. Here you’ll be able to view more details about the Accessory Rail Clamp project or jump over to my Ko-Fi shop where I’ll be making the 28.6mm (1.125″) Accessory Rail Tripod clamp STL files available for free to download.
There will be a lot more coming in this space in the near future – both free and paid designs, kits, and products. So keep an eye out and don’t be shy about letting me know what you’d like to see me design and upload. I’ll do my best to keep a steady roll out of parts moving forward.
