for anybody with these questions, I emailed support and heard this:
From ZWO:
Re: Putting ANYTHING on the main block of the mount: They do not recommend anything being put on there due to the potential for hitting the tripod or cables getting hung up. They address this on their facebook page. . .but I'm never on that. They suggest moving the shoe to the cradle that the scope sits in. There are shorter screws there that can be put into where the shoe was originally located on the side of the main block (stubby so wires aren't crushed inside the block). Use the longer screws there were holding the shoe in the main block to secure asiair to the cradle the scope sits in.
Re: Using counterweight extension bar from the eq6r pro: As long as it is shorter than 25cm (9.8") and has the same threading as the hole, it should be fine. . . the eq6r pro extension rod is 7.25" long, so that works. It screws in tightly to the hole, but I am going to check the actual thread stats on both in case it "fits" but it's not a perfect match.
Re: Where to place counterweight: They suggest putting it at the end of the bar if you need one (you need one if the rig is more than 44 lbs). The counterweight cannot be more than 11 lbs.
I still don't know how to get those thumb screws on the shoe tightened when you have the asiair on it . . .not enough room to get a grip between the mount and the bottom of the asiair.
