doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 1886
Loc: 30.8N 90.0W
|
|
I've been getting some good feedback that this is the mount to carry my C6R achro refractor. Is that right, and is it stout enough to carry a C11 SCT. Not carrying both together, of course.
Also, is the non-Goto the same as the Goto, except fot the different hand control. And if so, is upgrading to Goto as simple as buying the proper HC? Thanks.
Doug
--------------------
Trucker, Astronomer, Fisherman
Meade 12" Lightbridge w/Dob Driver II
Celestron C6S OTA
Celestron C6R OTA
Celestron Omni XLT150 OTA
Astro-Tech AT80EDT (coming soon)
Celestron CG5-ASGT mount
Celestron Omni XLT CG-4 mount
Celestron Nexstar SE mount (6SE/8SE type)
Celestron Nexstar SE mount (4SE/5SE type)
Meade 5K SWA 34mm
Televue Panoptic 24mm
Pentax XW 10mm, 7mm
Televue Plossl 32mm
BO/TMB Planetary 9mm, 5mm, 4mm, 3.2mm, 2.5mm
Astro-Tech diagonals
|
Fabio Papa
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/01/05
Posts: 1032
Loc: Piacenza, Italy
|
|
You got it all right! I'll go one further and say that it's not completely impossible to mount the two OTAs together.
Another piece of advice: try to buy from a dealer which grants you the right of exchanging a defective mount. There are some lemons out there and it's important to have the option of sending it back.
--------------------
Fabio Papa
Celestron C8 F/10
Vixen ED81SWT F/7.7
Orion Atlas EQ-G
Gruppo Astrofili di Piacenza
|
skybsd
sage
Reged: 02/01/08
Posts: 257
|
|
Hi doug76,
Quote:
I've been getting some good feedback that this is the mount to carry my C6R achro refractor. Is that right, and is it stout enough to carry a C11 SCT. Not carrying both together, of course.
I don't know that much about the refractor, sorry  OTOH.., on spec, it should take the C-11, which according to Celestron has a bare-metal weight of 27.5lbs. Unlikely though, that the mount will cope with additional loads outside of the associated accessories.
Quote:
Also, is the non-Goto the same as the Goto, except fot the different hand control. And if so, is upgrading to Goto as simple as buying the proper HC?
I'm in the UK, so can speak to the EQ-6. See I DO have the EQ-6 non-GoTo  .
The EQ-6 non-GoTo mount is absolutely not the same as the EQ-6 Pro GoTo .
Both have different handcontrollers for sure, but the drives and PCB / motherboard are also different.
I note that you're in the US though.., So it might well be that there is another version of non-GoTo that others have referred to available over there in providing feedback to you.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
skybsd
|
Brian Walton
sage
Reged: 10/23/07
Posts: 233
Loc: Lawrenceville, GA
|
|
From emailing to skywatcher the newest version of the EQ-6 is the same base unit for goto and non goto just the added hand controller. The older models were different and needed more than the hand controller change. This is the same as the Orion Atlas.
The non goto (or goto) can also be used with EQMOD (software and adapter with your planetarium software) to get goto capabilities by using a computer instead of a hand controller. The goto features are far better than the goto hand controller this way since the hand controller has the smallest object database that I have noticed (between Orion/SkyWatcher, Celestron and Meade) so you have the least to choose objects from. But with EQMOD the database is as big as you have with your planetarium software but that does always require a computer to have the gotos and does work like a champ.
--------------------
Brian
----------------------------
Meade LX200R 12"
Orion Atlas mount
Meade 8" SCT OTA | Celestron C6R-GT w/GPS | Vixen ED100sf
Vixen ED80sf | Meade ETX70AT | William Optics 66-SD w/0.8
focal reducer | Coronado PST | Orion XT10
LPI | DSI | DSI Pro | SBIG ST-8 w/CCDSoftV5 | Nikon P5100
Nikon D200
William Optics Binoviewer
|
Billy Bl.
member
Reged: 05/26/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Germany
|
|
I have a standard EQ-6 non-GOTO. All the GOTO upgrade kits I've seen contain new motors and circuit board in addition to the hand control. So I think the answer to your question concerning the GOTO issue is no. Atlas, though, also has an intermediate non-GOTO EQ-6 that has what is known as a SynTrek controller. I think this mount has the same motors and circuit board that the GOTO SynScan uses, so all you would then need is the hand controller to turn it into a full GOTO mount.
|
skybsd
sage
Reged: 02/01/08
Posts: 257
|
|
Hi Brian,
Quote:
From emailing to skywatcher the newest version of the EQ-6 is the same base unit for goto and non goto just the added hand controller. The older models were different and needed more than the hand controller change. This is the same as the Orion Atlas.
THAT is an email I'd really like to see a copy of..,
I just spoke to a couple of resellers on the telephone, your (and indeed my original) statement is in fact, only half-true here in EU.
There is actually, ANOTHER, COMPLETELY SEPARATE MODEL out there in Skywatcher-land - its called the EQ-6 SynTREK 
So what the resellers have been telling me (I called two to be sure) is that the EQ-6 SynTREK isn't really "new", its actually what was apparently always available in the US as the the Atlas, and was subsequently available here in Europe, but only after quite some time after the original EQ-6 non-GoTo were in circulation.
Sorry for any confusion on my part
Regards,
skybsd
|
Cyclop_si
member
Reged: 03/13/08
Posts: 89
Loc: Slovenia
|
|
Hi,
skybsd, you are right.
Here in Europe, there are 3 models of EQ6:
- EQ6 with slow motors (I think max 40x) and square handcontrol
- EQ6 Pro (also EQ6 SynScan) with upgraded motors (max 800x speed) and upgraded matherboard (it has guideport) and GoTo handcontrol
- EQ6 SynTrek which is exactly the same as EQ6 Pro but with small, more triangular handcontrol, which does not have GoTo.
If you decide to use GoTo funcionality with EQMOD only it save a lot of money if you go with SynTrek and buy EQDIR.
--------------------
David
|
doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 1886
Loc: 30.8N 90.0W
|
|
Mine would be coming from Orion, here in the U.S., but their site doesn't indicate whether or not they are the same except for hand unit. Getting a lot of conflicting opinions here, so still don't know the correct answer. Keep 'em comin', boys! 
Doug
|
skybsd
sage
Reged: 02/01/08
Posts: 257
|
|
Hi Doug,
Quote:
Mine would be coming from Orion, here in the U.S., but their site doesn't indicate whether or not they are the same except for hand unit. Getting a lot of conflicting opinions here, so still don't know the correct answer. Keep 'em comin', boys!
Sorry for the confusion. For the US, I believe you'd be looking at the Orion Atlas EQ-G With Dual Axis Controller .
On the right of that page, you'll see the "STEP UP TO" window that's a link to the Orion Atlas EQ-G With GOTO Controller .
Its not entirely explicit, but after reading the product specifications for both, you'll work out that the "Atlas EQ-G Mount with Dual-Axis Controller" model is the non-GoTo that only needs a change of hand-controller (and possibly HC update) to become a GoTo 
Hope that helps!
Regards,
skybsd
|
doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 1886
Loc: 30.8N 90.0W
|
|
Yep, after much searching, I just found that out. I thank you for your effort, though. See, I like GOTO, but it's not necessary, and since I do plan to run this one from my computer, I might as well save the cost of the Goto HC, right? I could always get the Goto HC later.
And to give credit where it is due, looks like you had it right Brian. 
Doug
|
rmollise
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 1340
|
|
Quote:
Mine would be coming from Orion, here in the U.S., but their site doesn't indicate whether or not they are the same except for hand unit. Getting a lot of conflicting opinions here, so still don't know the correct answer. Keep 'em comin', boys!
Doug
They are EXACTLY THE SAME except for the presence/absence of the SynScan HC.
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Watch for Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using the New CATs--coming soon!
|
doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 1886
Loc: 30.8N 90.0W
|
|
Thank you sir! I was waiting for you to wake up and check in.  I knew you would know for sure. Now let me ask this, so I can lay it to rest. Will it hold a C11 good enough for not only visual, but AP? And how do you like your Atlas? Thanks Uncle Rod!
Doug
|
RAKing
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 699
Loc: Virginia
|
|
Quote:
Will it hold a C11 good enough for not only visual, but AP?
I cannot speak for Rod, but my Atlas carries my C11 just fine. In fact, it is an AWESOME combination.
I'm not into AP yet, but have been assured the mount is equal to the task. I think you will be very happy with this choice. To get anything better (G11, CGE, and etc.), you would have to double the price, IMHO.
Ron
--------------------
Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
"Hi Def" TV-102
I-M M703 MCT
C925-CF SCT "Time Machine II"
GM-8 GEM / A-P Portable Pier
|
WarrenS
sage
Reged: 03/04/08
Posts: 253
Loc: Hudson Valley New York
|
|
When the C11/Atlas EQG/AP question has come up in the past, several CNer's who have this combo seem to indicate AP is doable, especially if you change to an ADM Losmandy type saddle.
--------------------
Warren
AT 127EDT
C8 (circa 1983 Orange Tube)
Atlas EQ-G
300mm F2.8 LD Tamron, Canon 135mm F2.8
Canon 40D
Leica, Minolta binos
|
Charlie Hein
Postmaster
Reged: 11/02/03
Posts: 6405
Loc: 26.06.08N, +80.23.08W
|
|
Quote:
Mine would be coming from Orion, here in the U.S., but their site doesn't indicate whether or not they are the same except for hand unit. Getting a lot of conflicting opinions here, so still don't know the correct answer. Keep 'em comin', boys!
Doug
Orion badges the EQ6 SynTrek as the non go-to Atlas. It is identical in all respects to the go-to model *except for the hand controller*.
If you were looking at a used mount then I'd be careful to pick the right model if you're looking to buy a non go-to version and upgrade later. You'll want the one that has the ST-4 type autoguider jack on the faceplate of the mount and a DB-9 connection for the handbox. If the mount doesn't have both of these telltales then it is the original Atlas. Either mount can be upgraded to full go-to, but the one with the autoguider port and the DB-9 handbox connection can be upgraded simply by changing the handbox. To upgrade the original version you have to also replace the electronics and stepper motors, which is significantly more expensive.
Charlie
--------------------
Weston CSC:
|
doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 1886
Loc: 30.8N 90.0W
|
|
No, that's a mount I will buy new. I most often buy new, but I did get my Omni XLT127 used, in two parts, OTA from Colorado, mount from Alabama. Saved a lot of money, I admit, and both pieces were as new. Thanks for all ya'lls help, I appreciate you all.
Doug
|
rmollise
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 1340
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
Will it hold a C11 good enough for not only visual, but AP?
I cannot speak for Rod, but my Atlas carries my C11 just fine. In fact, it is an AWESOME combination.
Ron
I have no doubt it is. I generally put one of my C8s on it for imaging (I like the 8's wider field and with a C8 the Atlas doesn't even notice it's got an OTA on its back). 
But the C11/Atlas is a great combo...one heck of a lotta bang for the buck.
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Watch for Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using the New CATs--coming soon!
|
doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 1886
Loc: 30.8N 90.0W
|
|
And that, to me, is the definitive word on the subject. Thank you, Sir Mollise,  and we can give this one a rest now.
Doug
|
Bill Cowles
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 609
Loc: Utah
|
|
I'm glad to hear that the C11 and Atlas is a good match, I had mentioned to Doug I thought it might be on the heavy side. I would like to add a C11 to my Atlas but had started to consider the C9.25. I see you have both, can you give me any differences and which one do you use the most. Do you have any images?
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA
|
RAKing
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 699
Loc: Virginia
|
|
Quote:
I'm glad to hear that the C11 and Atlas is a good match, I had mentioned to Doug I thought it might be on the heavy side. I would like to add a C11 to my Atlas but had started to consider the C9.25. I see you have both, can you give me any differences and which one do you use the most. Do you have any images?
Thanks for asking. I do not have any images yet. I used to be a professional photographer and kind of burned out. It's a shame, because I have a ton of great equipment and haven't used it in years. I'm sure the bug will bite again soon. I talked to the Hutech folks at NEAF and am considering a modded Canon.
For visual work - it's a toss up between the C11 and the C925. My C11 was originally fork mounted and had to spend a month in "rehab" at Celestron. I picked up the C925 during that time because I thought that would be the biggest OTA I could handle on a GEM with my physical problems. The Celestron guys said the image might be a tick darker, but I would not be disappointed with the scope -- and they were right.
When the C11 came back from the factory, it sat in the basement for a few months because I could no longer haul that heavy CPC out the door. I finally got tired of looking at it and just decided to strip it off the forks and see if I could lift it onto the Atlas. In my case, it's not how much the mount can carry; it's how much my body can carry. Wonder of wonders, I could and it works great.
BTW -- all up weight of my C925, ready to use, is 25 pounds. The C11 comes in at a hair over 32 pounds. I use Losmandy D dovetails and my Atlas has the ADM Losmandy saddle -- highly recommended. I have an ADM Mini Rail on top of each and fashioned a handle for the top to make it easier to carry each tube. I've attached a picture of the handle on the C925.
I am very happy to tell you that if you are ever forced to choose between these two tubes -- you are a WINNER. They are both great. Since the C11 was my first love, it gets the most use. All of my eyepieces were chosen with that scope's focal length in mind and I know I'm looking at the brightest picture I can get. The C925 has served me well and I plan to keep it, too.
Take care,
Ron
--------------------
Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
"Hi Def" TV-102
I-M M703 MCT
C925-CF SCT "Time Machine II"
GM-8 GEM / A-P Portable Pier
|
Bill Cowles
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 609
Loc: Utah
|
|
Ron, thanks you answered a lot of questions. The handle is a great idea and the weight issue is of great concern to me also, I mean how much can I lift. I'm of slight build and over 65 and the Atlas head on top of an extension is a chore. I would not need the extension with the C11 and talking about 10 less pounds then the Atlas head. When I talked about some images, I meant of your scope, the handle is a wonderful idea and the kind of images I'm looking for.
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA
|
Peter in Reno
super member
Reged: 07/15/08
Posts: 116
Loc: Reno, NV
|
|
The handle is a great idea. Is it made by ADM? ADM web site is down so I can't find it.
Peter
--------------------
Celestron 11" OTA
Orion EON 80mm
StarShoot Pro
StarShoot Auto Guider
Nagler 31mm
Ethos 13mm and 8 mm
2" William Optics diagonal
Atlas EQ-G
|
doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 1886
Loc: 30.8N 90.0W
|
|
Quote:
with a C8 the Atlas doesn't even notice it's got an OTA on its back.
Like my CG-5 with the C6S on it.
|
Peter in Reno
super member
Reged: 07/15/08
Posts: 116
Loc: Reno, NV
|
|
Quote:
The handle is a great idea. Is it made by ADM? ADM web site is down so I can't find it.
Peter
I think I figured out. Looks you your bought two ADM adapters and a handle bar. Where is the best place to get a handle bar?
Thanks,
Peter
--------------------
Celestron 11" OTA
Orion EON 80mm
StarShoot Pro
StarShoot Auto Guider
Nagler 31mm
Ethos 13mm and 8 mm
2" William Optics diagonal
Atlas EQ-G
|
Charlie Hein
Postmaster
Reged: 11/02/03
Posts: 6405
Loc: 26.06.08N, +80.23.08W
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
The handle is a great idea. Is it made by ADM? ADM web site is down so I can't find it.
Peter
I think I figured out. Looks you your bought two ADM adapters and a handle bar. Where is the best place to get a handle bar?
Thanks,
Peter
The handle looks like a drawer pull to me. Any home improvement store like a Home Depot or Lowes will have something very similar right in stock.
Charlie
--------------------
Weston CSC:
|
RAKing
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 699
Loc: Virginia
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
The handle is a great idea. Is it made by ADM? ADM web site is down so I can't find it.
Peter
I think I figured out. Looks you your bought two ADM adapters and a handle bar. Where is the best place to get a handle bar?
Thanks,
Peter
The handle looks like a drawer pull to me. Any home improvement store like a Home Depot or Lowes will have something very similar right in stock.
Charlie
The handle is actually an electronics rack mount handle and comes from Mouser, Inc. Part number 534-7151, nickel plated brass, cost $4.90. The adapters are from ADM. I had one left over from Anthony's counterweight package for the CPC and another from a finder scope.
Voila! Instant SCT handle. This thing really helps me lift the OTA up onto the mount easier and can easily be removed if I want to load up a piggy back scope. The C925 wasn't too bad; the C11 gets heavy.
Thanks,
Ron
--------------------
Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
"Hi Def" TV-102
I-M M703 MCT
C925-CF SCT "Time Machine II"
GM-8 GEM / A-P Portable Pier
|
RAKing
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 699
Loc: Virginia
|
|
Doug,
One more thought regarding your decision. The C925 fits the Atlas perfectly and can be used with the stock set of counterweights (2 - 11 pounders).
If you go with the C11, you will need an extra 11 pound counterweight to balance the OTA. The Atlas is perfectly fine with this extra CW and will balance the load perfectly. It's just something else you have to buy.
More food for thought.
Ron
--------------------
Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
"Hi Def" TV-102
I-M M703 MCT
C925-CF SCT "Time Machine II"
GM-8 GEM / A-P Portable Pier
|
doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 1886
Loc: 30.8N 90.0W
|
|
Will the CG-5 weights fit it?
|
Orion f 6.3
member
Reged: 08/04/06
Posts: 44
|
|
Quote:
Hi,
3 models of EQ6:
- EQ6 with slow motors (I think max 40x) and square handcontrol
Max is only 16x, and yes the Pro or Upgraded EQ6 has much better/stronger motors. Its not just a case of "how much weight an EQ6 will take" but how will it slew. ie, standard motors really suffered with my 10" f6.3 (16kg) due to its lenght, but since upgrading to GOTO it has no problem shifting the f6.3. Orion
--------------------
Deep and Dark.
Orion Optics 250mm f 6.3 Hi-Lux 1/4PV DOB
EQ6 Tripod / Pillar Mounted
Revelation 80mm f 6 Reflector
Zeiss 7x50 Binos
Star Raker Bino Mount
Very Heavy Duty Tripod For The Star Racker
055 Manfrotto/A-Z Mount
12vdc 7ah Power Supply Unit (Home Made)
|
RAKing
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 699
Loc: Virginia
|
|
Quote:
Will the CG-5 weights fit it?
The Atlas has a very small CW shaft (18mm diameter). It's under 3/4". How does that compare with your CG-5?
Ron
--------------------
Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
"Hi Def" TV-102
I-M M703 MCT
C925-CF SCT "Time Machine II"
GM-8 GEM / A-P Portable Pier
Post Extras:
| |
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
[Re: