Swarovski binoculars ATC/STC anti-rotation (2 Viewers)

[Dominique B.]

In this post Vorstellung Swarovski Spektiv ATC 17-40 x56 (+Vergleich KOWA TSN553) and also in other forums, I have seen some users criticizing the ATC/STC's tripod base, which leaves a lot to be desired. The feeling of security does not come after mounting a tripod plate. The ATC/STC does not offer any means of preventing rotation.

Here is a solution that is certainly not available to everyone, but can possibly be implemented through well-known networks in the social environment. The Berlebach plate with its embedded rubber lips already provides a very good grip with normal use. The same goes for a Novoflex. But it cannot be ruled out that it will come loose with rough use?

The base of the newer models has 2 holes. An assembly/disassembly tool is probably used here to carry out the corresponding assembly/service work.

The holes have a diameter of approx. 3.2 mm and are 3.1 mm deep. The distance from the center of the tripod screw is almost exactly 10 mm.

In one of these holes - starting from the observation line of sight - at 3 and 9 o'clock, an anti-twist device in the intended mounting plate in the form of a bolt-pin could be installed.
The rubber lips of the Berlebach plate are also located from the middle of the mounting screw to the middle of the rubber lip, 10mm apart in their groove. Whichever plate is to be used, 10mm clearance is required and there should be space there for securing with a bolt.

I decided on a blind hole in the plate. A continuous thread would also be possible. The pin/bolt could then be installed in this. A stainless steel wire with a diameter of 3.4mm was turned down to 3.1mm and the protruding functional part to 2.9mm. It then fits into the blind hole with a diameter of 3.2mm and into the hole in the base of the ATC with 3.2mm. The groove depth of the Berlebach plate must be taken into account for the total length of the bolt/pin. The protruding effective part of the bolt/pin is 3mm long. The fuse is glued into the blind hole. At the end, the rubber lip must be shortened and brought to the pin from both sides.

I hope the attached documentation supports my description here.

 

[MiddleRiver]

Nice. Swaro needs to do the same, or you should have 100 made and market them on BF ;-)

 

[Tringa45]

Hi Dominique,
Although I have Berlebach heads/clamps on three tripods I would have reservations about usíng a Berlebach plate with the ATC.
The Berlebach plates are slightly concave in the transverse axis, so with the ATC you would only have point contact on both sides.
The Novoflex plate might be the better solution and the only disadvantage is that you have to depress the release button to get the plate onto the clamp.

PS:- I've only just noticed your presence here, so welcome to birdforum.
Regards,
John (formerly John Russell here and on the Jülich forum)

 

[Mike Crawley]

or a bit of PTFE tape on the thread ?

 

[Dominique B.]

have reservations about usíng a Berlebach plate with the ATC

Hi John.
I could actually write in German and wouldn't have to bother with the translator, given my knowledge.......... ahem.....
Well, I haven't had any problems with the Berlebach plates so far and didn't know that they were slightly curved. Based on the width of the plate and the diameter of the base of the ATC, the contact surface will be large enough. Now with the pin, there's no need to worry at all.
I just see that the plate is very small concave. This means that the contact surface is on the outside of the base and increases the surface pressure at certain points on a large diameter. P= F/A + Pin = Zero problems.

 

[4John]

Dear Mr Swarovski,

When a reputable and responsible manufacturer makes a mistake they hold their hand up, admit the mistake and fix it. Toyota comes to mind. You underestimated the need for a robust tripod mount on your ATC, choosing instead to believe your own marketing department’s nonsense that anyone can hand hold a scope at 20x + magnification.

Here’s one way to fix the problem that would avoid a product recall and a redesign of the body: Take a 3D laser scan of the body around the tripod screw thread. Make a strong plastic moulding from the scan that cups the area around the tripod screw that’s large enough to prevent any rotation of the body in the cup. You can prototype this very quickly using 3D printing. Mould in a threaded insert for a tripod plate screw and metal bush for an anti-rotation pin. Secure the cup to the scope body using the existing threaded hole in the tripod body. Offer it FOC to all existing ATC owners and supply it FOC with all new scopes in future. If you don’t do this yourselves it won’t be long before a third party starts selling something like this as an after market add-on – and that would be embarrassing.

Yours sincerely,

An appalled ED50 owner with an anti-rotation pin hole in a scope that costs around 25% of the cost of yours.

 

[4 The Birds1]

The Novoflex plate might be the better solution

Hi John,

not so sure about your proposal to go Novoflex.

It looks like Dominique's burr hole for the anti-rotation pin is centred in the track of the rubber strip in his Berlebach plate.

Foto below shows opposite each other: Novoflex=blue, (upside down) , Berlebach=black. (you are of course familiar with the brand's colours, but others may not)

The rubber strips are spaced further apart on the Novoflex plate. I would expect that it will be difficult to drill the burr hole neatly because its position will be in conflict with the narrow raised strip of aluminium on the inside of the rubber strip.

The scope foot being so small, neither of the two plates would appear to make abundant contact, because their profiles feature a central depressed section running back to front. Would be interesting to see a rear view of the ATC's foot on the Berlebach's plate.

 

[Dominique B.]

Would be interesting to see a rear view of the ATC's foot on the Berlebach's plate.

But with pleasure - please

The distance from the rubber strip of the Novoflex plate to the middle of the screw is 12mm. The hole for the pin cannot then be positioned correctly - that's correct!

 

[Tringa45]

not so sure about your proposal to go Novoflex.

Yes, I see the problem there. My old Novoflex plates don't have the rubber inserts.

John

 

[Dominique B.]

Swarovski could easily offer a plate like the one I customized. That really isn't a problem that the buyer should have to solve. Even if the plate then costs a few euros / dollars / pesos or rand more........... maybe I should write to the company...............

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

Yes, Swarovski should have done something about it. Although I managed to have a strong connection, there is still some play after a birding day. Not much, and fixing it is easy. But it's something to worry about, we replace screw threads with quick release plates for a reason. Scopes have to last for decades.

 

[Dominique B.]

I have informed the company of my modification as a suggestion for an accessory. Let's see what they say.

 

[knonist]

I have been notified by Swarovski this morning that they have developed a tripod base plate for the ATC/STC, and is happy to provide it if needed.

 

[Dominique B.]

I have been notified by Swarovski this morning that they have developed a tripod base plate for the ATC/STC, and is happy to provide it if needed.

Yes, I also received this information yesterday. The plate seems to have been developed only recently and is not yet included in the scope delivery. I also ordered it free of charge.

 

[ReinierB]

I have the old version ATC 56. Also with just the thread in the middle, without the two holes.
I am afraid this plate is not fitting for my ATC?

 

[Dominique B.]

I have the old version ATC 56. Also with just the thread in the middle, without the two holes.
I am afraid this plate is not fitting for my ATC?

Yes, this could remain a problem. I know the old base plate because I tested the ATC once. I already complained about the less than optimal attachment.
When I decided to buy one and it is from 2024 according to the serial number, I saw these two holes and thus the difference. I would have bought it without a new base plate.
Then I would - because I have the option - drill holes in the tripod base.
Or you can ask whether the base on the spotting scope can be replaced.

 

[ANK]

 

[Dominique B.]

View attachment 1609096

Do you have some photos of the removable plate?

 

[ReinierB]

View attachment 1609096

You also have the old version of the ATC, haven't you? I remember you have the ATC for a while now.

 

[ANK]

The above snapshot is from the current IFU you can download from the Swarovski website.

I own the ATC for over a year now and I am more than satisfied.
I dont have any issues with a "rotating" scope - contrary to other users?
Since a couple of months I use a small Gitzo plate, fixed firmly with the Gitzo Allen key at the beginning. And thats it.
And Btw, the Gitzo plate has no anti-rotation pin, nor the connection of the Gitzo tripod (1545) to the video head...