JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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I want to purchase an altazimuth mount for my Tak 78 refractor and for the last year I hear a lot of good opinions about the Vixen´s Porta Mount. But now I just got to see the new Astro-Tech Voyager Altazimuth Mount on Astronomics.  Both looks the same and this are the main differences:
AT vrs Vixen
* Price $299 vrs $399
* Weight 13.75# vrs 12.5#
* Height 33.5"-47.75" vrs 36"-56"
* Weight capacity 20#? vrs 11#
* AT comes with one flexible control cable
* AT is in stock and Vixen is not.
* AT is chinesse? and Vixen is Japanesse.
I know that is to early to pretend that anyone could advice about this new mount but I ask if somebody knows about it.
Thanks and clear skies. 
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Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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stulevine.com
super member
Reged: 01/14/08
Posts: 186
Loc: PA, USA
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Ordered one on Saturday and hope it will be here by Friday the latest. I will post some pictures and let you know how it works out. I bought this for my AT66ED and went for this over the Vixen Porta Mount because it has nicer features, greater weight capacity (for the next BIG APO), and included accessories like 8.25" flexible control cable that can be substituted for the short azimuth control knob (for the Porta, you'd have to spend another $50 for two of these). I read other less compelling things about the Porta mount in numerous user reviews.
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Tucson, AZ 85739
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JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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Thanks stulevine. I´ll keep waiting for your pics and your overall opinion. Congrats on your new mount. Depends on your news maybe I will purchase one of this to convert my FS 78 to a grab-n-go package.
Clear skies.
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Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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Tom Trusock
Reged: 02/26/02
Posts: 29940
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Are they in stock and shipping already?
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Hyperbole - undoubtedly the best thing ever.
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oldsalt
Astro Philosopher
Reged: 02/12/05
Posts: 8662
Loc: Pa - between starparties
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According to the website they are T.
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There are no winners in war, only bigger losers.
Jim
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JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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Yes Tom, I have one on my shopping cart saved for a later purchase
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Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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stulevine.com
super member
Reged: 01/14/08
Posts: 186
Loc: PA, USA
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Quote:
Are they in stock and shipping already?
Tom,
They became available "In Stock" on Saturday on the astronomics.com web site so I quickly put in my order for one. It was shipped out yesterday (late). The tracking# has it in my hands by Thursday. Can't wait!
Stuart
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Stuart:
I'll be waiting for your first thoughts as well. Can't wait to hear.
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Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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DennisF
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/03/06
Posts: 1184
Loc: Northern IL
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I do hope I'm wrong because I'm interested in this mount as well as many others. But evidence leads me to believe this mount may have a potentially serious problem.
TONGKW in post #2136755 mentions he is happy with the mount with one exception. When the arm is positioned at a 45 degree angle and the scope is pointed at zenith, the mount has a tendency to tip over backwards unless a leg is positioned behind the scope.
ASTROLABE related in post #2169094 that he has checked the mount out at a store and was pleased with it except for 2 things-one of which is that the tripod legs are too short for comfortable seated viewing while at zenith. Short legs=more stability.
Finally, looking over the description for the optional eyepiece tray, it's made of iron, not aluminum or even steel. Not something you normally find on a tripod/mount. Especially one that was designed to be light using aluminum legs.
It will be interesting to see what the hands-on reviewers have to say about this possible problem with larger/heavier scopes.
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3064
Loc: Right Here
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The iron tray isn't to bad, it comes in at 1 pound 3 oz. I was concerned about the weight, but the iron allowed the tray to be made at a reasonable cost.
We haven't had any issues with tipping at all. We had a 6" refractor on it and it worked just fine.
I am 6'3" and found the tripod to work fine. Is it a tad short, yes. However it didn't bother me for a night of observing.
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Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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DennisF
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/03/06
Posts: 1184
Loc: Northern IL
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Well that's encouraging. Do you recall the refractor's length and weight?
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10" XTi
C6 SE
C8 SE
C8 (late 90's?)
SV80ED
SV102ED
SV M1
Original AYO EzTouch mount
LM Teegul
Gone-ETX 125, C80, ED80SF, PortaMount
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DNTash
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 09/02/07
Posts: 762
Loc: India
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Kong -- can one buy the head without the tripod?
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AT 72
TMB 92
Orion 120ST
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3064
Loc: Right Here
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6" f/5.9 20 pounds.
Not yet.
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Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1243
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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just received my mount today. got it put together. i find it to be a very good looking mount! the legs were a lot thicker then i thought, looking at the photo of it on the web. i have only two issues, the height is set down not stand up and the altitude movement is too stiff even with the tension adjusted all the way out, thinking about calling astronomics tech service and see if this can be fixed. there is a factory tension adjustment that the instructions say not the loosen or adjust. other then those 2 things i think its a keeper. i have my c5 mounted on it but it can carry a lot heavier scope then this. don
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donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1243
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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another photo.
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DennisF
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/03/06
Posts: 1184
Loc: Northern IL
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What's the range of motion on the arm? From vertical to ??? Also wondering if the arm is infinately adjustable between its range or does it have detents? (Like a click-stop on a TV zoom?)
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10" XTi
C6 SE
C8 SE
C8 (late 90's?)
SV80ED
SV102ED
SV M1
Original AYO EzTouch mount
LM Teegul
Gone-ETX 125, C80, ED80SF, PortaMount
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Donnie could you please measure the height from ground level to the centre of the alt hub at max tripod height?
Thanks 
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Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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I have to admit, it's looking pretty tempting.
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Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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TONGKW
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/16/07
Posts: 569
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The arm of this mount can only be positioned at 45 degrees on either side of the vertical. But I would only use this mount with the arm in the vertical position (the picture shown below is with a C8 OTA).
I also find the height of the tripod that come with this mount (the TG2 version from Taiwan) a bit low and I have since made an adapter for using it with a Gitzo 1415 tripod.
K W TONG
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C8 + CG-5GT, TSA102 + HEQ5 PRO, MK67 + Kenko NES, WO ZS 80FD + Mizar K mount, NexStar 6SE, C5, Maxvision ED80, Mini Borg 50, PST
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donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1243
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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starkler, it measures 50"
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donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1243
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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tongkw, did you have any problems with the altitude motion being too stiff. if so, how did you correct this. im almost tempted in going ahead and adjusting the factory settings. don
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stulevine.com
super member
Reged: 01/14/08
Posts: 186
Loc: PA, USA
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Just received mine this morning. Pretty simple to assemble. So far so good. However, had one issue and had to call Astronomics support. Learned that it is ok to tighten the "black screws" or setscrews on the Altitude Slow Motion Assembly (NOT the factory adjustment screws which are silver, that's a NO NO). Mine were loose. I made sure all were tightened as was recommended. It's steady enough for my AT66ED.
A couple of caveats I discovered:
1) The mount seems to be coated with some sort of protective oil. Make sure when you get yours, and you are ready to assemble and adjust it, that you wipe all the parts down. Especially the bare metal parts. I did not  and spent 30 minutes wiping my scope down and removing finger prints of this protectant. Yuk!
2) Setting the exact amount of friction for the Altitude SMC is important and a bit tedious. I had to get mine just right otherwise turning the SM knob for declination did not catch. Probably because my scope is so small and light in comparison to say an 80mm or larger scope.
On my wish list, a handle attached to the Altitude SMC would be nice instead of having to touch the scope to move it up and down (essentially use that as a handle).
Here are some pictures:
I'll post more info after a session this evening looking at the stars. So far it's been nice for terrestrial viewing as well.
Stuart
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L. Morgan
sage
Reged: 12/14/06
Posts: 214
Loc: Texas Cross Timbers
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When I saw this mount "in stock" @ Astronomucs, I was sorely tempted. I have an AT66ED that is a fine little scope. Presently this scope is mounted on an EQ1. Been looking for a portable, user friendly ALT-AZ. Astro-Tech makes some sood stuff for few bucks. I'm looking forward to first light reports from owners of this mount before I order.
Nice pics - drool.....
LM...Fort Worth, Graham, Tx.
PO1 USN: 1964-1972 Viet Nam Vet
SFC US ARMY (NG): 1982-1996 Desert Storm Vet (Ret.)
LXD75 SN8
Orion 100mmED, Moonlite focuser/EQ3
AT66ED/EQ1
Stellarvue SVNHNG on order (shipped today)
Edited by L. Morgan (02/07/08 03:07 PM)
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JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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Thanks to all for your reports on this mount. Stuart I saw in your pics that you don`t have the 8" flexible cable that came with this mount, why?
Another than the things that all of you had mentioned this mounts looks a true value. I will purchase one by this weekend. Thanks again to all.
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Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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stulevine.com
super member
Reged: 01/14/08
Posts: 186
Loc: PA, USA
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Quote:
Thanks to all for your reports on this mount. Stuart I saw in your pics that you don`t have the 8" flexible cable that came with this mount, why?
Another than the things that all of you had mentioned this mounts looks a true value. I will purchase one by this weekend. Thanks again to all.
Ah, that's good question. I was going to mention my experience with that, but decided not to. But, I might as well go into it and shed some light on others who will probably sit quisically staring at the mount when faced with a similar dilemma .
So, with that said and out of the way, depending on what configuration you choose to go with (they are listed as options a, b and c in the installation manual) will determine the method you employ to actually install the 8" flexible cable. I decided on approach (c) - 45 degrees, Azimuth SMC on the right. I originally thought I could use approach (a) 45 degrees, Azimuth SMC on the left, but my scope ended up with the Reticle finder on the bottom. Not the sort of setup that is useful if you know what I mean. On the AT66ED there is one place to mount finder and it's opposite the L-brack dovetail. So, having gone with the option (c), left only one place to put the 8" flexible cable at the opposite side of the scope from where the eye piece is. Not a very practicle location. However, if you think a little out of the box, what they do not tell you in the manual (maybe I missed it?) is that you can actually remove the control knobs and switch them around from one side to the other. That would at least give me the option of moving the Azimuth control knob to the front and install the 8" flexible cable on the back. And it would work if it were not for my scope extending down too far in the zenith position. The diagonal and focuser tube bump into the handle (Grrrrrr). Anyway, what I decided to do instead was to install the 8" flexible cable on the Altitude SMC, basically moving the control knob to the top and attaching the cable to the bottom. Like this:
That works. So, that's my story.
Stuart
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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Well after seeing some quality pictures above I ordered one of these from Astronomics moments ago and will be making some add-ons for these as well, can't wait to start cutting some steel.
Okay what do you want to add on? Panhandle? Maybe a bracket to rotate the scope so it fits better?
Let me know your needs
m2
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TONGKW
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/16/07
Posts: 569
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Dear Don
As long as you first balance the OTA reasonably well, there is no problem with the altitude motion and the adjustment is very smooth. I can push the OTA vertically and horizontally to any desired position then use the slow motion controls to fine tune to reach the target.
But unfortunately I am rather nervous and scary in using this mount with a refractor as the set up looks a bit precarious to me with the arm in the 45 degree position, (see the picture with the TSA102 on it).
K W TONG
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C8 + CG-5GT, TSA102 + HEQ5 PRO, MK67 + Kenko NES, WO ZS 80FD + Mizar K mount, NexStar 6SE, C5, Maxvision ED80, Mini Borg 50, PST
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stulevine.com
super member
Reged: 01/14/08
Posts: 186
Loc: PA, USA
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Quote:
Well after seeing some quality pictures above I ordered one of these from Astronomics moments ago and will be making some add-ons for these as well, can't wait to start cutting some steel.
Okay what do you want to add on? Panhandle? Maybe a bracket to rotate the scope so it fits better?
Let me know your needs
m2
m2,
Yes, yes, and yes Panhandle a must. I was thinking of something to mount between the dovetail and the Altitude SMC (black end piece to white end). There are two big screws that mount that to the SMC. Plenty of room between those two to slip in a pan handle of sorts. I was also thinking L arm bracket like the one offered by Orion. Anyway, I'll draw some pictures and send them your way. PDF or Illustrator? Let me know.
Stuart
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Tucson, AZ 85739
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JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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K W Tong Did you have any balance problems with your Tak set up? Yes it looks a bit precarious at the zenith position. How long the TSA OTA measure? How much weight do you got? I have a FS78 and I do think that maybe the same thing happen to me.
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Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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By the way Stuart that AT 66 you got look wonderfull, I love that shiny blue color! And with the Voyager your G&G package is perfect. I´m envy.
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Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Quote:
starkler, it measures 50"
I assume thats with the arm pointing vertically as shown in the photo?
My Vixen porta measures 54" from ground to alt hub centre, and the voyager would probably be 3" or so lower again (47") im guessing when set at 45 degrees. Big difference.
What's not clear is if I went to the trouble of making longer legs for the voyager if i would be any better off than just using similar upgraded tripod legs on the porta mount. 
--------------------
Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1243
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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has anyone had any problems with the altitude slow motion control not working properly. on my mount, i have to use to tension screw in order for it to work properly like you have to do on as equat, mount with the clutch engaged.
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TONGKW
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/16/07
Posts: 569
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I can report there is no balance problem with my TSA102 on this mount. The TSA102 is over 36 long when in operation and weighing about 15 lb with the accessories.
The FS78 is much shorter in length and lighter in weight and so there should be no problem.
K W TONG
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C8 + CG-5GT, TSA102 + HEQ5 PRO, MK67 + Kenko NES, WO ZS 80FD + Mizar K mount, NexStar 6SE, C5, Maxvision ED80, Mini Borg 50, PST
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Steve Williams
member
Reged: 04/03/07
Posts: 23
Loc: E. Coast Australia
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Stuart,
Another possibility for a panhandle is the Vixen - Universal Plate for Vixen Porta Mount [VX-38011]. You can find it on the OPT site. It's $99. I use this mount and adapter plate for my DPST. I hope to use this mount as well for night time use with a Long Perng 100mm F6 ED I've on order.
Steve
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40156
Loc: montana
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Manny, I very well may be getting one also, & would definitely be in line for your wonderful "Manny Mods" for this mount!
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Paul Schroeder
super member
Reged: 06/05/03
Posts: 100
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Hi all -
I too received my Voyager alt-az mount yesterday, and would offer the following thoughts.
By way of perspective I have tried and used most of the alt-az mounts on the market, and still haven't found the perfect mount or I at least keep buying and selling them . My favorite (by quite a bit) is the Wimberley mount, which I have found to be ideal for smaller scopes such as a TV-76 or a C-5 (there's a review I wrote of this mount several years ago posted here on Cloudy Nights).
I was intrigued by the price of the Voyager, and by comments I had heard that it was actually quite stable with heavier scopes, ones that really (for me) did not work on the Wimberley.
My sample arrived in good shape, and there wasn't any grease or film on the exterior surfaces of the mount (as one other poster had noted). Assembly was pretty easy, and while it was of course cloudy yesterday I was able to try it indoors with a few different scopes.
In general it looks to me to be quite a good value; in many respects it is quite a bit like the Tak Teegul. After a little experimenting I decided that it worked better at the 45 degree position vs. vertical. This angle is changed by removing the two bolts securing the arm, changing the position of the arm (there are multiple sets of mounting holes), and re-fastening the bolts.
I had thought I would use it in the vertical position to improve stability, in that with the arm vertical the mass of the scope would be centered over the tripod. However, the tripod (while lightweight) was pretty sturdy, and in particular the legs when fully extended created a wide enough footprint to keep the mass of the telescope within the spread of the tripod, thereby preventing much tendency to tip.
I tried both a C-8 and an AP Traveler, and I felt the mount handled both very well. Movements were quite smooth and at least on indoor targets the mount settled down in a little over a second after movement or a rap to the OTA. My mount seem to be a bit happier with the scope a bit out of balance, with more of the weight to the rear.
The slow motion controls worked well. On each axis there is a small thumbscrew (like the one on Tak alt-az mounts) that can be tightened to control the friction. If the scope is really well balanced they aren't needed to use the slow-motion controls, but I found most of the time it helped to tighten them by hand in order to ensure that there was sufficient friction for the slow motion controls to grab.
As an added bonus these thumbscrews held the scope sufficiently tight that the scope would stay put when changing eyepieces on the Traveler (from a 35mm Panoptic to a 19mm Panoptic), which to me is a real plus. I didn't have to worry about the scope sinking or becoming unstable when changing eyepieces as long as I tightened these.
I'll need to get it out a few more times under the stars to draw more robust conclusions, but at this point it seems like a fine mount, particularly for the price. I don't know that I'd put a scope much more massive than the Traveler on the mount, but I could imagine it being able to hold scopes up to say 20 pounds or so.
Best regards,
Paul Schroeder
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donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1243
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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i fixed the problems i was having with this mount. first of all, like paul said, the scope has to be well balanced for the altitude slow motion control to work properly and with heavier scopes you might have to tighten the tension screw. second problem i had was the azimuth assembly was loose at the point of rotation causing it to rock back and forth as i moved the scope in altitude, so in my frustration, i took it off the tripod and disassembled it and found that there was a holding ring inside that holds the assembly together. two allen screws hold it in place. i tighten the ring then tighten the set screws, put it back together. its working great now, just gos to show you, nothing perfect except GOD!! thanks, don
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Astrolabe
super member
Reged: 07/08/07
Posts: 116
Loc: sydney Australia
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Quote:
Quote:
starkler, it measures 50"
I assume thats with the arm pointing vertically as shown in the photo?
My Vixen porta measures 54" from ground to alt hub centre, and the voyager would probably be 3" or so lower again (47") im guessing when set at 45 degrees. Big difference.
What's not clear is if I went to the trouble of making longer legs for the voyager if i would be any better off than just using similar upgraded tripod legs on the porta mount.
Steve
Based on my limited experience with the Voyager in the Sydney store of Bintel I can say that replacing the legs for increased height for the Voyager is the way to go. The mount head of the voyager is of heavier duty than the Porta. I own the Porta for several years now and it is an excellent mount but it has not the loading capacity of the Voyager.
You may wish to take your telescope tube and dovertail plate in the Melbourne branch of Bintel and try it out.
George (astrolabe)
Sydney Australia
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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Carol,
These really did not look that nice in any photo I had seen on the net till stulevine.com posted pictures of his in the post above.
I'll be busy mod'n away and will keep you up to date on progress.
m2
--------------------
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Quote:
Based on my limited experience with the Voyager in the Sydney store of Bintel I can say that replacing the legs for increased height for the Voyager is the way to go. The mount head of the voyager is of heavier duty than the Porta. I own the Porta for several years now and it is an excellent mount but it has not the loading capacity of the Voyager.
You may wish to take your telescope tube and dovertail plate in the Melbourne branch of Bintel and try it out.
George (astrolabe)
Sydney Australia
I have just come back from there and will relate a few points about the experience.
The model at Bintel is minus dovetail saddle, replaced by a plate with two captive screws for attaching tube rings. Just make sure your rings are from a chinese scope with the right thread. It also does not come with extension cables for the fine adjust.
The tripod height is simply too low when pointing a refractor at zenith as you would be almost sitting on the ground. Those using a mak or sct should be ok.
We fitted a gso dovetail saddle at the store and loaded my ed115s on it. With the tripod sitting on carpet in the show room it took about 4 seconds for vibrations to damp right down. Would the carpet have helped or hindered?
Better than the porta mount, but not good enough to prompt me to open my wallet considering it cost $299au +$50au for the dovetail adapter + $? cable extensions +time money and effort to make longer legs for it, without certainty of a satisfactory result.
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DennisF
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/03/06
Posts: 1184
Loc: Northern IL
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FWIW, in the Yahoo Stellarvue forum, Vic mentioned he purchased one of these mounts with an eye toward improving it. Maybe somewhere down the road?
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10" XTi
C6 SE
C8 SE
C8 (late 90's?)
SV80ED
SV102ED
SV M1
Original AYO EzTouch mount
LM Teegul
Gone-ETX 125, C80, ED80SF, PortaMount
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Craig
Vendor (Stark Labs)
Reged: 09/16/03
Posts: 583
Loc: Irvine, CA
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Well, I've gotten mine and set it up with my Intes Mk66. I'm going to want to move the azimuth knob to the other side or maybe use "position C" but other than that, I have no complaints. It handles the load well, settling down quickly, is light, and the motions are nice and smooth. I've used a few other alt/az setups w/o slow motion controls and always had issues using it on the moon. So far, this has been a very nice setup - well worth the asking price.
Craig
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Stark Labs Astrophotography software
Borg 101 ED f/4, C8, and too many cameras to mention
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Dylan Gladstone
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 988
Loc: Connecticut, USA
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Thanks for all the reports. I was about to post here asking if anyone had tried this mount, then I saw this thread.
It seems like it'd make a great G&G mount for my Mak.
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Orion SkyView Pro 127mm Maksutov
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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I get mine Tuesday !!!!!
m2
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Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3064
Loc: Right Here
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I know some have mentioned it, so we have an answer for it. The mount seems to be low for some applications. So, an 8.5" aluminum pier extension is being machined right now. This should raise the height where you need it and the price will be under $60 and probably under $50. The extension will be anodized silver like the collar that attaches the tripod to the mount head. Est. delivery time is around 45-60 days. Probably closer to 60.
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Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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ngc2289
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 1864
Loc: SouthTexas
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Well after reading this thread I ordered one last night! I am going to use it with my Sky Watcher 100ED. If shipped today the mount should be here by Friday.
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Mike Traub(Mr. Congeniality): I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it!:Shipfitters mottos; Cut to suit, pound to fit, paint to hide!: If it dosen't fit get a bigger hammer!......Retired and BROKE!!!!!Refractors are like a fine wine!They just get better with age!!!!!! :SV102ED with Moonlite triknob focuser(Light Hawk):80mm f/11.25 homemade refractor(Star Sapphire):PST: New version Williams EZ Touch Alt-Az mount:Vixen green version GP .
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mathteacher
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/13/07
Posts: 2059
Loc: SF Bay Area
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Mike, I'd be interested in hearing your impressions, since I have the same scope on the 'other' mount. Cheers!
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Regards, Mr. Wang . . . . . . . My gallery . . . . . . . I'm a refractor guy!
CR 150-HD - The Hammer, Vixen ED100sf - The Skipper, Orion ST80 - The Pug, Orion 7x50 Scenix
Meade DSI Color, Vixen Porta Mount, Vixen Super Polaris, 2" pipe mount
Please join the International Dark Sky Association
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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Got my Voyager today and completed its first modification and is it sweet.
I did a mod swap with jayscherule and got his wonderful eyepiece tray and looking at the spreader arms on the AT and the Porta, the tray the holes looked like would line up.
They do and it looks marvelous.
My other mods start Saturday unless I get off work early to get a jump start on them.
Thanks again Jay.
m2
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Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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Thought I'd post a pic of my new mount with my PHAT mounted up and the Jay's Tray.
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Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40156
Loc: montana
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Wow Manny, that was fast, Pan Handle looks exceptional, of course! Am I on the list?
Jay's tray is really, really nice!
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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Thats what happens when I drink toooo much coffffeeeee, I can't sit still, the shop was still warm from me working out there earlier after work so why waste the heat modmodmod.
mm22
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Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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TONGKW
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/16/07
Posts: 569
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Here are some modifications I have just carried out to this mount. I have made a shorter arm for it which I think is better for some of my OTAs. I now have two interchangeable arms for use with this mount. Also the turning knobs (now black anodized) have been made larger and longer for better hand holding. The mount has also been adapted to fit on a Gitzo 1415 tripod for better portability as this tripod is only 19 high when closed.
K W TONG
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C8 + CG-5GT, TSA102 + HEQ5 PRO, MK67 + Kenko NES, WO ZS 80FD + Mizar K mount, NexStar 6SE, C5, Maxvision ED80, Mini Borg 50, PST
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stulevine.com
super member
Reged: 01/14/08
Posts: 186
Loc: PA, USA
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Quote:
Thought I'd post a pic of my new mount with my PHAT mounted up and the Jay's Tray.
Really excellent. So when can we get one of these pan handles for our ATVs ? And where can I get one of Jay's EP Trays?
Thanks,
Stuart
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JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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Ok everyone, looks like all of you now have the mount and only me not yet. Maybe It could be to the end of the month because now I get out of cash.
Thanks to all for your responses, I aprecciate a lot.
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Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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Time on my hands
sage
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 281
Loc: Central Oregon
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Mine arrived a couple hours ago. Well packaged, but now I have more large Styrofoam blocks to dispose of if anyone has found a way to recycle these, please send me a PM on how to do it. Assembly was easy and the instructions were clear. I mounted my C6-R to try it out in my living room, and it works! Not as stable as my Atlas, but that has to be expected. With the scope positioned so the weight is positioned between two legs (e.g. the picture of K W Tongs TOA 130) the tripod stays put, but very little force is needed to push it over center. I will be tying a few pounds of fishing weights to the leg adjusting knob on the opposite side if I ever use this setup outside. (Maybe tomorrow night if the clouds go away as predicted. What did I do to please the weather gods so? I want to do it again!) The height will be an issue with this setup also. At the highest setting, with my tallest eyepiece in the diagonal, and my seat at its lowest position, I would only be able to see things below 35 degrees in altitude. The proposed 8 ˝ inch extension will help in this regard, 12 inches would be better! (Mighty Kong, any chance of two lengths being made?) The only thing that I was disappointed in was the spreader on the tripod; it looks and feels cheap, drops thru center, and mars an otherwise nice looking piece of equipment (even if it is white instead of black  ). Granted this is an inexpensive mount so things cannot be as robust as something twice the price but the designers/engineers did such a astonishing job on everything else that it makes this piece look like an afterthought. One of Jays trays will probably hide this effectively, however, and the spreader does its job. Its just a cosmetic issue. All in all I am very pleased with this mount! A real bargain! Thank you Astro Tech/Astronomics.
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Thomas
TMB 130 SS [New Favorite]
C6-R/Atlas [Old Favorite]
127 Mak/AT Voyager [Grab and Go]
NexStar 8 GPS XLT
Firstscope 80EQ
I LOVE hard work...I could watch it all day long!
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ngc2289
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 1864
Loc: SouthTexas
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Mine is coming in tomorrow!Yipee!!!
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Mike Traub(Mr. Congeniality): I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it!:Shipfitters mottos; Cut to suit, pound to fit, paint to hide!: If it dosen't fit get a bigger hammer!......Retired and BROKE!!!!!Refractors are like a fine wine!They just get better with age!!!!!! :SV102ED with Moonlite triknob focuser(Light Hawk):80mm f/11.25 homemade refractor(Star Sapphire):PST: New version Williams EZ Touch Alt-Az mount:Vixen green version GP .
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petersenlr
journeyman
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 5
Loc: The Great Southwest
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 Puzzled newbie question
I received my AT Voyager mount on Saturday, and while I was able to assemble it easily, I am not certain what is the best way to safely mount my Vixen A80ss tube to the mount.
Thanks in advance,
Linda
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1 husband +5 kids
1 cute grandson
2 jack Russell's
way too many chickens
8 inch SCT "Lucky"
Vixen A80ss
Astro Tech Voyager mount
Growing collection of eyepieces (may end up like the chicken's...)
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Time on my hands
sage
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 281
Loc: Central Oregon
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Well, I went for first light early tonight with the new mount. As expected, the setup was very fast. No polar alignment, no heavy batteries to carry out and hook up, no alignment procedure to go through, etc., just carry out the mount and scope, put the two together and view. First target was Luna, and I was literally lying on the ground to look through the eyepiece. This was not as scary as it sounds as I had added four pounds of lead fishing weights to the leading leg that made for a very stable mount in this position. It was less than comfortable however. Next, after getting back to my feet, I moved to the Orion Nebula. I decided that this position would be better with a chair so I went back inside to get it. Much better! What else can I find with this bright moon out? Pleiades are not naked eye but some low power panning found them not great tonight but there. Mars! Easy find but I only brought out the one eyepiece (46X) a very small orange dot just bigger than the stars. Saturn!. Behind the trees, but wait, I can move the whole setup out into the street and get a clear view. That was why I bought this new mount in the first place! Picked it up and carried it down the driveway and into the street. That was easy, and there is Saturn! Again small but this is a proof of concept trial not an observing session. By now the eyepiece is fogging up each time my eye gets close and my fingers are numb as I had not dressed for sub freezing weather. One last test, tap the side of the scope and watch for vibration damp down time. I did not have a watch but the vibrations seemed to go on forever (probably about 5 sec.) but remember this is a heavy scope on a light mount and tripod. Vibration pads may help. I decided that this will work if I can get the extension and a shorter telescope than the 6 F8 yard cannon. (Note: The weight was not a problem, just the length.) Even with numb fingers it was easy to work all of the control knobs and the knob to remove the scope when tear down time came. 10 min setup 15min looking 10 min tear down and put away 20 min to warm up again. All in all a successful trial run. The motion for both of the axis bearings felt constant as things cooled down from the 75 degree house to the outside 25 30 degree outside. I do not know if the grease reached equilibrium in this short time (I know the scope did not.) but the metal parts were cool enough to be painful to my numb fingers when I took things apart. Tomorrow I will put a dovetail on the 80mm F11 scope and see how things go with a shorter scope and proper clothing for a longer session. Isn't new equipment fun when it works like it is supposed to!
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Thomas
TMB 130 SS [New Favorite]
C6-R/Atlas [Old Favorite]
127 Mak/AT Voyager [Grab and Go]
NexStar 8 GPS XLT
Firstscope 80EQ
I LOVE hard work...I could watch it all day long!
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3064
Loc: Right Here
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You never know, but 8.5 seemed to make the most sense right now. I had thought about 12", but the engineer suggested 8.5". From the drawings the extension threads together with the tripod and the head. It looks like a pretty slick setup. I am glad your 6" OTA worked on the mount.
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Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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roccodm
super member
Reged: 01/15/08
Posts: 102
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Greetings - came across your note on the mount- sounds good and at least it does what it is advertised to do- i am using a similar sized refrac. meade AR5 and want to be able to use it with out dragging the worthless lxd 55 mount around for short sessions- you mentioned getting leg extensions - are they offered commercially -any info would be greatly appreciated rocco
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Greg Stone
member
Reged: 04/29/06
Posts: 80
Loc: Southeastern New England
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My Voyager arrived today - this is going to get A LOT of use! Very impressive so far. My only concern is height of eyepiece when viewing near zenith and I assume the extension they're talking about will solve that.
Had clear skies tonight, so gave it a good workout with an AT66, an Orion 80ED, and Celestron 5-inch NexStar. All worked fine. With the NextStar I cranked it up to 250X on the moon and had no problems tracking and the damping was very quick - hardly noticeable. With the AT66 all was well. But with both it and the 80ED - but especially the 80 ED - you start to run into problems near the zenith.
I used both the refractors on Castor when it was 79 degrees altitude and I ended up 9-inches off the ground which is the lowest my observing chair goes. To point any higher I would need to sit on the ground. That's not my favorite way to observe. Not a big issue. I seldom look at anything that close to the zenith - but still, if that's where your target is, you want to go there.
I have to say, this is my fourth piece of equipment from Astro-Tech and I remain impressed. Yes, I want an eyepiece tray. OK, the spreaders could have better matched the rest of the construction. But overall, I really like it.
With my Obsession with ServoCat and ArgoNavis I can go completely manual, use just the ArgoNavis as digital setting circles, or be completely "go to" - and I use it all three ways, depending on mood, task, and patience. I'd love to see that kind of flexibility in mount for small refractors. But short of that, I'll take Voyager and go low-tech.
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Canon 12X36 IS
PST
60mm Televue
16X70 Fujinon FMT
80mm Celestron Onyx
100mm ED Skywatcher (Voyager)
120mm ED Skywatcher on T-Mount
10-inch Orion Dob
15-inch Obsession Dob
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3064
Loc: Right Here
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A tray is coming out that will help add counterweight to the set up. They are talking about 4-8 weeks.
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Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40156
Loc: montana
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Very nice!
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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ngc2289
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 1864
Loc: SouthTexas
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Well mine came in today also. Bad weather also arrived today in the form of high winds and clouds. I just happen to have a Vixen eyepiece tray that fits the spreader perfectly. Here are a couple of pictures.
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Mike Traub(Mr. Congeniality): I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it!:Shipfitters mottos; Cut to suit, pound to fit, paint to hide!: If it dosen't fit get a bigger hammer!......Retired and BROKE!!!!!Refractors are like a fine wine!They just get better with age!!!!!! :SV102ED with Moonlite triknob focuser(Light Hawk):80mm f/11.25 homemade refractor(Star Sapphire):PST: New version Williams EZ Touch Alt-Az mount:Vixen green version GP .
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ngc2289
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 1864
Loc: SouthTexas
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Picture number 2.
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Mike Traub(Mr. Congeniality): I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it!:Shipfitters mottos; Cut to suit, pound to fit, paint to hide!: If it dosen't fit get a bigger hammer!......Retired and BROKE!!!!!Refractors are like a fine wine!They just get better with age!!!!!! :SV102ED with Moonlite triknob focuser(Light Hawk):80mm f/11.25 homemade refractor(Star Sapphire):PST: New version Williams EZ Touch Alt-Az mount:Vixen green version GP .
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Time on my hands
sage
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 281
Loc: Central Oregon
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I took my new toy outside again tonight around 6 PM and left it until 11 PM so everything would get good and cold. With an outside temp of about 28° F there was no noticeable difference in the motion of either axis. Seems that our cold snap is really over so I do not I believe I can test any lower this year.
I mounted the 80mm F11 tonight and added the 4 lb weights to the focuser so the eyepiece was only about 12 inches from the pivot point. Much better. Vibration damped out in about 3 sec so the weight and configuration of the scope is a major factor. The big/long (6 F8) type of refractor with that heavy lens hanging out in the breeze will just take a long time to damp down. A light weight or short scope (e.g. A Mak-Cas or a fast Refractor) will behave much better. Setup time was much faster this evening also as I did not have to find all of my equipment that had become buried in my office due to lack of use. Took all of about 75 sec. to take everything outside and set it up.
MIGHTY KONG, I have been rethinking the 12 extension after you mentioned that the engineer suggested 8.5. Engineers are not typically aware of overall cost drivers and the added length would be minor from a manufacturing stand point so there must have been some other reason. Engineers usually know what they are doing and 8.5 is not the type of number that is picked out of the air. I decided that it was probably the added moment arm that would make tipping the whole rig over much too easy, especially when a heavy scope like the C6R is directly opposite a leg. The only way to safely raise the height that much would be to increase the length of the legs, thus increasing the opposing moment arm. That is obviously going to have a big impact on cost, weight, and ease of use. Much as I would like that extra few inches I will settle for the 8.5 and consider living with the 80mm scope for grab and go on this mount. That new eyepiece tray will help also.
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Thomas
TMB 130 SS [New Favorite]
C6-R/Atlas [Old Favorite]
127 Mak/AT Voyager [Grab and Go]
NexStar 8 GPS XLT
Firstscope 80EQ
I LOVE hard work...I could watch it all day long!
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Greg Stone
member
Reged: 04/29/06
Posts: 80
Loc: Southeastern New England
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It was beautiful last night and still very nice at 3:30 am this morning - and this on a night when new equipment arrives - what gives?
I tried the Celestron NexStar 8 - about 14 pounds with diagonal and the Hyperion eyepieces, I believe - and it worked fine. Yes, it took longer for the heavier scope to steady down, as others have noted. (Last night I used a 66mm, 80mm, and 127mm on the Voyager and was hardly aware of vibration issues.) With the 8-inch most of the vibration came from focusing the scope. Moving it with the slow motion controls seemed to create less vibration than focusing. At worse it was about three seconds.
One concern I do have simply because most of my observing is done when instructing beginners is that a newbie might reach in the dark and find the wrong knob, loosening the scope on its mount. For anyone familiar with it this is hard to do - both size and tension on that knob are different - and the smaller screw (is this there primarily as a safety measure?) seemed to hold the scope if I loosened the main one. But I wasn't keen on testing this too far in the cold and dark ;-) I guess my druthers would be an entirely different style knob. Not a big issue - but last night I watched one beginner fumble around searching for the azimuth knob and end up putting her hand on the locking one. Using the slow motion extention would help this situation as well, somethng I haven't done yet. Just thinking out loud.
I am pleased with how smoothly this scope moves when not using the slow motion controls. This morning was totally impromptu and I had no charts or plan, so I had to sweep a bit to find M92 and this went very well. I even found myself making adjustment at 250X without using the slow motion controls, though I like them better when I think to use them.
Bottom line - the 8-inch works for me on this mount, but I enjoy the mount more when I use the small refractors on it and keep the powers down below 125X - about their limit. And, of course, I bought it for these refractors - using the cats on it as well are just a bonus from my perspective.
--------------------
Canon 12X36 IS
PST
60mm Televue
16X70 Fujinon FMT
80mm Celestron Onyx
100mm ED Skywatcher (Voyager)
120mm ED Skywatcher on T-Mount
10-inch Orion Dob
15-inch Obsession Dob
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Paul Schroeder
super member
Reged: 06/05/03
Posts: 100
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Hi all -
It's been either cloudy or cold (-10F last night) so I haven't had a chance to try this outdoors. I have been looking at different ways to attach scopes.
After a little fiddling with the mount I figured out it would be pretty easy to attach a different dovetail.
The supplied Vixen-style works fine, but on most of my scopes I've standardized on the Astro-Physics dovetails. AP sells an adapter disk that connects their dovetail plates to mounts with a GR-2 / Takahashi hole pattern, and it turns out that the Voyager spacing is identical.
Anyhow, here are a few pictures of the alternate dovetail. It doesn't add much weight and I think it increases the versatility of the mount.
Best regards,
Paul Schroeder
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Paul Schroeder
super member
Reged: 06/05/03
Posts: 100
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Here's a different angle - Paul
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Paul Schroeder
super member
Reged: 06/05/03
Posts: 100
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Finally, with the scope mounted (a TEC-6). It seems like the mount will work very well with this scope.
Best regards,
Paul
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donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1243
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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when i got my mount, putting it together, i noticed while reading the instructions that the tripod is also used for a equat, head ( i was wondering why the bubble level and large N for north) anyone know what make this would be. don
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TONGKW
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/16/07
Posts: 569
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The Voyager mount is similar to the Microtech TG2 mount available in Taiwan. The same tripod is being used on the Microtech EM20 Eq Mount also available from Taiwan.
http://www.telescopes.com.tw/ad_info/images/em20/EM20_PDF.pdf
http://www.telescopes.com.tw/ad_info/tg2_home.htm
K W TONG
----------------
C8 + CG-5GT, TSA102 + HEQ5 PRO, MK67 + Kenko NES, WO ZS 80FD + Mizar K mount, NexStar 6SE, C5, Maxvision ED80, Mini Borg 50, PST
Edited by TONGKW (02/15/08 08:23 PM)
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Houdini
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/13/07
Posts: 523
Loc: Europe
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Quite similar...
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JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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Ok folks, let me tell you that today is my birthday and no, I hadn´t received the Voyager for birth´s present  so I do must purchase it by myself  now if only I had the cash 
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Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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By the way, excellent set up Paul.
--------------------
Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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Paul Schroeder
super member
Reged: 06/05/03
Posts: 100
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Hi all -
We had clear skies here in MN tonight and it wasn't too cold (about 25 degrees) so I thought I'd give the Voyager mount + TEC-6 a try. I was outside for about 30 minutes; the seeing was pretty lousy so it didn't warrant a longer session.
My thoughts on the mount are as follows:
- The slow-motion controls work very well. Even at 180x it was very easy to precisely move the mount and keep objects (mainly the moon, Mars, and Saturn) centered. The locks on each axis were helpful.
- It was a bit windy tonight (maybe 10 to 15 miles per hour) and the mount's stability suffered. In breezes with the TEC-6 the image would visibly wobble in the eyepiece.
- I had the mount directly on a concrete driveway. My tests indoors were on padded carpeting and the mount seemed to settle quickly. On a hard surface, it took three or four seconds to settle after a tap to the OTA. The TEC focuser is very smooth, yet it was hard not to cause the image to jump around while focusing. I'd imagine vibration suppression pads would help, but I didn't try using any. However, once the tube was settled, I didn't find that using the slow-motion controls induced any vibrations.
- Everyone has different points of view on what constitutes adequate stability, but for me at least I think the TEC-6 is about the maximum load I'd put on this mount. It's possible it would work better on a sturdier tripod, and I might try this in the coming days.
- I also noticed that the clamps on the legs didn't hold the legs in position as securely as I would like. I hand-tightened each leg as far as I could in order to prevent slippage (I thought they were pretty darn tight). When I picked the mount up to take it outside, I ended up resting everything on one tripod leg (when all three legs were folded in). That leg's clamp did not hold and the leg slipped. I noticed the same thing when I brought the mount in at the end of the session. While in most situations it's probably fine, I will admit that it was a bit unnerving to have the leg's clamp slip.
All in all I think it's a good mount. I think the best scopes for it would be smaller refractors or cats (say under 8 pounds). I'm curious to see how the performance might change when connected to a more substantial tripod.
Best regards,
Paul Schroeder
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TONGKW
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/16/07
Posts: 569
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I tried my TG2 mount (Taiwan version of the Voyager mount) on my Celestron CG-5GT tripod and to my surprise it fits without any modification. The same center screw and eyepiece tray can be used. This Celestron CG-5GT tripod has a maximum height of 51 high compare with 39 of the supplied aluminium tripod so the shortage of height should no longer be an issue. Also as the legs are made of 2 stainless steel tube and so the set up should be much more stable. I think the tripods of the EQ6 and Atlas should also fit.
K W TONG
----------------
C8 + CG-5GT, TSA102 + HEQ5 PRO, MK67 + Kenko NES, WO ZS 80FD + Mizar K mount, NexStar 6SE, C5, Maxvision ED80, Mini Borg 50, PST
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Bill Barlow
sage
Reged: 12/03/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Overland Park KS
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Does anyone know if the Portamount tripod will attach to the Voyager mount head? The Porta tripod stands 50" with the legs fully extended, which would increase the height quite a bit from the factory supplied tripod. Or can you remove the Voyager tripod legs and attach the ones on the Portamount?
--------------------
Meade 10" SCT ACF OTA on a UA UniStar Deluxe Super 8 altaz mount on a UA heavy duty surveyor tripod and a Manny Miles eyepiece tray.
SV 102ED doublet refractor on a UA UniStar Light mount on a UA light surveyor tripod with a Manny Miles eyepiece tray.
Garrett Optical 10x50 and 12x60 binoculars. Also Garrett Optical 30x100 binoculars mounted on a SLIK Pro 700DX AMT tripod.
Several TV Plossls and Naglers, plus a few very good Celestron Ultima wide TFOV eyepieces.
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Quote:
I tried my TG2 mount (Taiwan version of the Voyager mount) on my Celestron CG-5GT tripod and to my surprise it fits without any modification.
I'll be keen to hear your report on stability improvement after testing under the stars
--------------------
Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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Time on my hands
sage
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 281
Loc: Central Oregon
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My Voyager head does not attach to my Atlas tripod. It was a nice idea for a short while.
--------------------
Thomas
TMB 130 SS [New Favorite]
C6-R/Atlas [Old Favorite]
127 Mak/AT Voyager [Grab and Go]
NexStar 8 GPS XLT
Firstscope 80EQ
I LOVE hard work...I could watch it all day long!
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Craig
Vendor (Stark Labs)
Reged: 09/16/03
Posts: 583
Loc: Irvine, CA
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I've had mine out with an Intes Mk66 on a few occasions now and I've not had stability issues. I've not had wind to deal with an I've been on softer dirt / grass, so this may be a big factor, but after adjusting the focuser, it'd be still in a second - two tops.
Craig
--------------------
Stark Labs Astrophotography software
Borg 101 ED f/4, C8, and too many cameras to mention
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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See if anyone can spot my latest modification to my Voyager.
m2
--------------------
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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KWB
Postmaster
Reged: 09/30/06
Posts: 9268
Loc: Westminster,Co Elev.1646Meters
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I see it,Dave,and that is good news as this will be my next mount and will purchase the Panhandle from you. A must have accessory.
--------------------
Kenny
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." - Albert Einstein
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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Kenny, the ph is there but look again for the next mod <G>
Manny
--------------------
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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stulevine.com
super member
Reged: 01/14/08
Posts: 186
Loc: PA, USA
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Manny,
I see it. You extended the arm out by about 2-3" with a small flat bar. Very nice! I like that idea. Probably helps to balance the scope on the tripod. However, do you find the diagonal comes to close to the Azimuth SMC when looking at the zenith? Just curious.
Stuart
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Tucson, AZ 85739
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Doug Culbertson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/06/05
Posts: 1347
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I noticed that extension as well. Nicely done! So, are you going into business with these Voyager mods? I would be interested in the panhandle myself.
--------------------
Doug
Midway, FL
NS11GPS/Feathertouch/Starizona Virtual View
100ED/Giro II
Some eyepieces and a barlow
1 ThermacellŽ
Life's too short to drink cheap beer
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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Stuart,
All these questions???? Give me some time to figure out the minor details
So far this simple bar works wonders for my situation, but with the handle in the picture it hits the legs at zenith so it would have to be shortend up a bit to keep this from happnin'.
The other things I want this bar to do is be able to have it support a weight of yet to be determined weight then have to see if this induces any other problems yet to be encountered.
Then MAYBE a "drink holder" tray,, now that sounds like its needed for them hot summer nights.
It would always be in reach
m2
--------------------
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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Astrolabe
super member
Reged: 07/08/07
Posts: 116
Loc: sydney Australia
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Hello there,
Has any body tried a 6" F5 reflector on the Voyager? if so, does it fit geometrically when pointing to zenith and how does the combination of the 6" F5 reflector and the mount works during observing.
Thanks and regards
George (astrolabe)
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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I was cutting some steel today for some mods and cut it the wrong size, so it would not go to waste I continued on with the work.
Now what I'm looking for is 2 willing victims to try my Black Bar AT.
These are fully functional, no frills, no thrills and might get painted black, if 2 of you want these and would be willing to send me back the postage holler away,,, PM prefered.
Just be in the conus to be qualified and would have 2 1/4-20 allen head bolts 3/4" long.
m2
--------------------
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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Time on my hands
sage
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 281
Loc: Central Oregon
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George,
My 6" F8 fits on the mount with out any geometric problems. However, I was laying (literally) on the ground to look at the zenith. Looking at the ecliptic and lower is wonderful. An F5 can only be better.
--------------------
Thomas
TMB 130 SS [New Favorite]
C6-R/Atlas [Old Favorite]
127 Mak/AT Voyager [Grab and Go]
NexStar 8 GPS XLT
Firstscope 80EQ
I LOVE hard work...I could watch it all day long!
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Astrolabe
super member
Reged: 07/08/07
Posts: 116
Loc: sydney Australia
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Quote:
George,
My 6" F8 fits on the mount with out any geometric problems. However, I was laying (literally) on the ground to look at the zenith. Looking at the ecliptic and lower is wonderful. An F5 can only be better.
Thanks Thomas,
The information you gave me is very much appreciated.
Is the outside diameter of your 6" refractor 7" or more?
Thanks and regards
George (astrolabe)
Sydney Australia
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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You are all to late, as they are gone so please stop PM'n me for the free Voyager part.
m2
--------------------
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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Time on my hands
sage
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 281
Loc: Central Oregon
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George,
The OD of my tube is approx. 5 3/4 inches. Anticipating that your concern is over the tube CL vs the CL of the mount, my tube CL sits almost one inch past (other side of the mount arm) the mount CL. This is not a significant issue with mine and I do not believe that another inch or two will matter. The big concern here is that with the arm mounted at the 45° position (allowing viewing at the zenith), your scope CG is always more than 6" behind the CL of the mount. This makes the mount easier to push over from the "front" (where the Objective is located) side but adding weights to that leg will help. I use 4lbs of deep sea fishing weights.
--------------------
Thomas
TMB 130 SS [New Favorite]
C6-R/Atlas [Old Favorite]
127 Mak/AT Voyager [Grab and Go]
NexStar 8 GPS XLT
Firstscope 80EQ
I LOVE hard work...I could watch it all day long!
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Astrolabe
super member
Reged: 07/08/07
Posts: 116
Loc: sydney Australia
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Quote:
George,
The OD of my tube is approx. 5 3/4 inches. Anticipating that your concern is over the tube CL vs the CL of the mount, my tube CL sits almost one inch past (other side of the mount arm) the mount CL. This is not a significant issue with mine and I do not believe that another inch or two will matter. The big concern here is that with the arm mounted at the 45° position (allowing viewing at the zenith), your scope CG is always more than 6" behind the CL of the mount. This makes the mount easier to push over from the "front" (where the Objective is located) side but adding weights to that leg will help. I use 4lbs of deep sea fishing weights.
Many Thanks Thomas,
Best Regards
George (astrolabe)
Sydney Australia
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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I think I finally figured out the other thing the Voyager is missing what the Portamount has, an offset angle SMC for azimuth so my left hand that controls this function.
While drinking my coffee this AM it came to me while trying to figure what the black bar I made to extend the alt arm forward was to do other than extend it.
Tonight after working on some other brackets I fired up the torch and got my favorite beating implement( 3#hammer) and had at it.
I wire cupped it off after it cooled and mounted it up and I'm happy with the results.
Instead of my steering hand having to cross over my lap to reach the SMC, it falls right in place without having to reach.
--------------------
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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vct
newbie
Reged: 03/04/08
Posts: 2
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I just purchased the at voyager mount to use with my
at102ed.
When i first purchased the 102 i tryed it on the vixen porta-mount, but it was a little shakey.
The voyager, although it looks the same can handle a
heavier scope and is $100 less.
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Jim Moscheck
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/08/07
Posts: 1619
Loc: Under the SE Michigan lightdom...
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Does anyone know when the new shipments will be available? After reading this thread I'm interested in it but everyone is sold out.
--------------------
Jim Moscheck
Ford Amateur Astronomy Club
ATM truss dob
Stevens 14.5" f4.3
"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it's not open." - Frank Zappa
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40156
Loc: montana
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Quote:
Does anyone know when the new shipments will be available? After reading this thread I'm interested in it but everyone is sold out.
Jim, check this link from Astronomics:
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php/Number/2226972/
Carol
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Jim Moscheck
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/08/07
Posts: 1619
Loc: Under the SE Michigan lightdom...
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Hi Carol,
Called them yesterday and they couldn't tell me when they will be in.
--------------------
Jim Moscheck
Ford Amateur Astronomy Club
ATM truss dob
Stevens 14.5" f4.3
"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it's not open." - Frank Zappa
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3064
Loc: Right Here
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They should arrive in 20 days.
--------------------
Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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Psyire
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 978
Loc: 55* North
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Manny,
That angled bracket looks like it would be nice for comfort but it also looks like it throws the telescope out away from the tripod's balance point. How stable is it?
--------------------
Celestron CPC 1100 XLT, Sky-Watcher Equinox 80ED
TV 31T5-Nagler, 8&13mm-Ethos
EarthWin Binoviewers w/ 24mm Panoptics
Elusive Photons.com
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Jim Moscheck
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/08/07
Posts: 1619
Loc: Under the SE Michigan lightdom...
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Quote:
They should arrive in 20 days.
Thanks, I'll call back and get on the list.
--------------------
Jim Moscheck
Ford Amateur Astronomy Club
ATM truss dob
Stevens 14.5" f4.3
"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it's not open." - Frank Zappa
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40156
Loc: montana
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Jim, 
Carol 
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3460
Loc: Flatlandia
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Psyire,
Its quite stable, I was just testing it with 2 different scopes on it. The bent bar it transfers the weight forward and the back legs would have to be verticle in order for this to tip backwards.
Even with the extremely back heavy scope I have it wants to sit on its 3 feet I give it a push and it falls forward to the front leg. There is a different weight on the 3 legs due to the design of the mount, with the most weight being on the leg where the arm is mountedand that slowly shifts and never equals the weight that the leg has where the arm mounts to. Almost have to be here or have this bent bar to see what I'm saying.
By having the Voyagers arm mount further forward the bent bar has to work.
I'm sending out 3 to be tested so Iguess we will have to see if they say what I think its doing.
I did the same with the Portamount only I could not add the bar at the mounts head.
I added it to the bracket where the scope mounts to and that works great.
So being able to remove the Voyagers arm and add the few inches to the forward mounting point it acheives the same function without adding weight up, out and where the scope sits and adding weight UP and away from the center of gravity.
m2
--------------------
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
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donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1243
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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ive had a number of scopes on my astro voyager. too small or too large for the slow motion controls to work properly. with my 130 short tube orion reflector on it, made for a perfect marriage. very happy with this combo.
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Time on my hands
sage
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 281
Loc: Central Oregon
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donnie3,
Can you please clarify your statement:
"too small or too large for the slow motion controls to work properly"
Slow motion worked perfectly with my C6R and that is about as big and heavy as anyone would likely put on this mount. As for too small -- that just not make any sense to me either as it works perfectly with out any scope mounted at all. Therefore I must be misinterpreting what you are trying to say.
--------------------
Thomas
TMB 130 SS [New Favorite]
C6-R/Atlas [Old Favorite]
127 Mak/AT Voyager [Grab and Go]
NexStar 8 GPS XLT
Firstscope 80EQ
I LOVE hard work...I could watch it all day long!
|
donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1243
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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time on my hands, sorry about my reply to this post. i could have explained it better. the mount i received didn't really work very well right out of the box. i should have sent it back but instead of doing this, i took it apart and re greased it and tighten both axis because they were loose. then out of frustration, i did the no no!!! i loosen the three silver allen screws to readjusted the gears. so now, if i put a larger scope on it, i have to tighten the tension screw and when i do this, it becomes hard to move the scope manually. don
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Paul Schroeder
super member
Reged: 06/05/03
Posts: 100
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Hi all -
I think this is a very nice mount, but my concern has been that (in certain circumstances) the tripod is not ideal. On my sample the leg locks are hard to tighten all the way, and as a result the legs slip down a bit under a heavier load.
In addition, the tripod is a bit short for some scopes. After a bit of fiddling I attached the mount head to my Oberwerk wooden tripod (see picture below). This tripod doesn't weigh much more than the standard AT tripod, but I think it is a fair bit sturdier. In addition, it is taller, and when extended to this height the legs are spread further than the AT legs can be spread, adding to the stability.
The Oberwerk tripod has a thread-on attachment on the top that holds a plate with a 3/8" threaded bolt. To attach the AT head this simply needed to be removed, and then a 2 1/2" washer was placed on the underside of the tripod top. With this in place, the bolt and washer from the AT mount were used to attach the head to the tripod. I found that the mount head fits very securely with no wiggle when attached.
I should note that I have no affiliation with Oberwerk. I think these tripods are about $150 new, and to me that make a nice mount even nicer, particularly when used with longer or heavier telescopes.
Best regards,
Paul Schroeder
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Doug Culbertson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/06/05
Posts: 1347
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Very nice! Do you happen to know the size of the bolt that comes with the AT Voyager? I can't seem to find my hex wrench set...I was thinking that the bolt is probably a 10mm?
--------------------
Doug
Midway, FL
NS11GPS/Feathertouch/Starizona Virtual View
100ED/Giro II
Some eyepieces and a barlow
1 ThermacellŽ
Life's too short to drink cheap beer
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Paul Schroeder
super member
Reged: 06/05/03
Posts: 100
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Hi Doug -
I didn't measure it, but I think it's metric and close to 3/8", which would probably make it 10mm.
Best regards,
Paul
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TONGKW
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/16/07
Posts: 569
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The size of the bolt that comes with the Voyager is M10 (10 mm diameter with 1.5 mm pitch) and needs 8 mm Allen hexagonal key for it. But the normal 5/16 Allen hexagonal key can be used for tightening up.
K W TONG
----------------
C8 + CG-5GT, TSA102 + HEQ5 PRO, MK67 + Kenko NES, WO ZS 80FD + Mizar K mount, NexStar 6SE, C5, Maxvision ED80, Mini Borg 50, PST
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Doug Culbertson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/06/05
Posts: 1347
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Thanks guys! I guess that also means that the CG-5 tripod should work with the Voyager? I hope so, since I just ordered one from OPT!
--------------------
Doug
Midway, FL
NS11GPS/Feathertouch/Starizona Virtual View
100ED/Giro II
Some eyepieces and a barlow
1 ThermacellŽ
Life's too short to drink cheap beer
|
JAFE
sage
Reged: 07/04/07
Posts: 274
Loc: Yavin IV rebel base,
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Donnie3 I like your set up. Paul great improvement on your tripod looks very good. Doug I like to hear form your experiences when the CG5 tripod arrives.
Thanks to all to stayin alive this thread.
Clear skies.
--------------------
Jorge
Takahashi FS78SV
Meade 10" Starfinder Dob
Meade ETX 90
Vixen GP w/SS 2.0 /Vixen Porta Mount
Meade 10x50 Binos
Televue Binoviewer.
27Panoptic,22T4Nagler,17T4Nagler,7T6Nagler,8-24Hyperion Zoom,3-6Nagler Zoom,2x 2"Powermate, 2.5xPowermate.
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1734
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Just got mine yesterday. My day off from work is tomorrow so I have been staring at the box for 36 hours so far. Just savouring the excitement. Must be a sad old man 
Glen.
--------------------
Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
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bsim
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/08
Posts: 1049
Loc: New York City
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Looks like Vixen dropped the price of the Porta Mount to $279.
I'm looking for an Alt/Az mount for my WO ZenithStar 66. Do the knowledgeable experts here recommend the Porta Mount or the Voyager--given that the prices are close.
The only minor issue for me is the shorter tripod of the Voyager, but that will be remedied by the extension.
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josie521
sage
Reged: 09/03/07
Posts: 282
Loc: 43.22 n 75.45w
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were do you get the extention??
--------------------
Orion XT10i w/object locator
Roundtable platform
Orion 1.25" 25mm,10mm e.p.
University optics, inc. 2" 80 degree 30mm e.p.
Baader planetarium hyperion 68 degree 21mm,13mm,8mm e.p.
Meade super plossl 6.4 e.p.
Telrad
Skyglow broadband,moon,red,Blue filters
Bushnell 1400mm Newtionian reflector,bushnell 10&25mm e.p.s
Orion shorty 2x barlow
Vivitar 7-21x40 binos w/tripod
green lazer pointer, Howie Glatter green laser pointer
Ted Thorsen 800LP obervation chair
7 panels homemade blind
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1734
Loc: Lancashire UK
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I believe Astronomics are working on one at the moment.
Glen.
--------------------
Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
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josie521
sage
Reged: 09/03/07
Posts: 282
Loc: 43.22 n 75.45w
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Oh..I'll keep my eye on this topic.thanks
--------------------
Orion XT10i w/object locator
Roundtable platform
Orion 1.25" 25mm,10mm e.p.
University optics, inc. 2" 80 degree 30mm e.p.
Baader planetarium hyperion 68 degree 21mm,13mm,8mm e.p.
Meade super plossl 6.4 e.p.
Telrad
Skyglow broadband,moon,red,Blue filters
Bushnell 1400mm Newtionian reflector,bushnell 10&25mm e.p.s
Orion shorty 2x barlow
Vivitar 7-21x40 binos w/tripod
green lazer pointer, Howie Glatter green laser pointer
Ted Thorsen 800LP obervation chair
7 panels homemade blind
Edited by josie521 (03/12/08 09:07 PM)
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Doug Culbertson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/06/05
Posts: 1347
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For those that were interested, I just received my CG-5 tripod and the Voyager fits it perfectly. I am now thinking about adding the Orion SVP extension.
--------------------
Doug
Midway, FL
NS11GPS/Feathertouch/Starizona Virtual View
100ED/Giro II
Some eyepieces and a barlow
1 ThermacellŽ
Life's too short to drink cheap beer
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Dylan Gladstone
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 988
Loc: Connecticut, USA
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Quote:
For those that were interested, I just received my CG-5 tripod and the Voyager fits it perfectly. I am now thinking about adding the Orion SVP extension.
The CG-5 tripod's the same as the SVP right?
Too bad they don't just sell the Voyager head...
--------------------
Orion SkyView Pro 127mm Maksutov
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Doug Culbertson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/06/05
Posts: 1347
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Well, the SVP tripod has 1.75" legs while the CG-5 legs are 2". The SVP extension does work on the CG-5 tripod though, and I used to have this setup for a previous alt/az mount.
--------------------
Doug
Midway, FL
NS11GPS/Feathertouch/Starizona Virtual View
100ED/Giro II
Some eyepieces and a barlow
1 ThermacellŽ
Life's too short to drink cheap beer
|
Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3064
Loc: Right Here
|
|
Just wait. There may be something in the future.
--------------------
Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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TONGKW
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/16/07
Posts: 569
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This is my newly restored Astro 76 mm f/18 Achromat refractor OTA (length 58 inches)on a TG2 (Voyager) mount on top of a CG-5GT tripod. This is a very stable set up.
K W TONG
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C8 + CG-5GT, TSA102 + HEQ5 PRO, MK67 + Kenko NES, WO ZS 80FD + Mizar K mount, NexStar 6SE, C5, Maxvision ED80, Mini Borg 50, PST
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Doug Culbertson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/06/05
Posts: 1347
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Nice setup! Here is a picture of my 100ED mounted on the AT Voyager on the CG-5 tripod. I am trying to decide whether to add the SVP mount extension.
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Doug
Midway, FL
NS11GPS/Feathertouch/Starizona Virtual View
100ED/Giro II
Some eyepieces and a barlow
1 ThermacellŽ
Life's too short to drink cheap beer
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jtpowers1972
Professor or something
Reged: 11/03/05
Posts: 893
Loc: Cambridge, MA
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Very nice setups, guys! Doug- How stable is your 100ED? I have a Vixen 102FL that I was thinking of mounting just like yours and TONG's.
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Doug Culbertson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/06/05
Posts: 1347
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John,
Mine seems pretty stable, however, I will hopefully know more tomorrow. I just received the tripod today, and it's raining now. Forecast for Saturday night looks better.
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Doug
Midway, FL
NS11GPS/Feathertouch/Starizona Virtual View
100ED/Giro II
Some eyepieces and a barlow
1 ThermacellŽ
Life's too short to drink cheap beer
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jtpowers1972
Professor or something
Reged: 11/03/05
Posts: 893
Loc: Cambridge, MA
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I just ordered the tripod form OPT for $99. $99! I like how the tripod has an 'integrated' EP tray.
I'll be interested to hear how it goes for you.
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Jim7728
Postmaster
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 5063
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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That's prettey darned neat that the Voyager head can be mounted on the CG-5 tripod. Adds height and stability. Wish I bought the Voyager when it was $250, still a nice buy at $299. 
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Jim
Genesis SDF-f/5.4 FS-102-f/8
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Paul Schroeder
super member
Reged: 06/05/03
Posts: 100
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Hi Doug -
Looks great! Thanks for posting the picture.
Do you happen to know what the maximum height of the CG-5 tripod is, with the legs fully extended?
Thanks and best regards,
Paul Schroeder
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Doug Culbertson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/06/05
Posts: 1347
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