Graphic of the Changing Forces when CG is lower (scope move away from the apex) than the Rotational Axis

 

C of G

Scope falls this way if un-weighted with the rotation above the CG

User pushes down

Drive wheel

West

East

Friction

Rotational axis.  The scope is north of the rotational axis.

1)  Blue arrows show the direction of the changing weight distribution applied to the support as the platform rotates. 2)  Red arrows show how the forces are applied as the scope is pushed down from the tube.  The center bottom arrow (purple) shows how the scope would fall if the drive wheel was un-weighted.

Fulcrum for external force applied to tube in the down position.