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dpastern
super member
Reged: 01/01/09
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
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Re: best under $1000
[Re: groz]
#2997218 - 03/21/09 09:53 PM
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This is the route I'd go imho.
Remember to add not only OTA, but CWs and imaging equipment to the totaly tally for weight load. You probably want to realistically stick to a maximum of 75% of the listed load for the mount when astro imaging.
If you can wait a bit and push the funds, I'd recommend going the SkyWatcher EQ6PRO/Orion Atlas mounts.
I'd also recommend going GOTO - if you're out in the field and have laptop issues, there goes using the laptop to point the scope. I'd rather spend a bit more and have a redundancy feature of GOTO with the mount itself. Best of both worlds imho.
Just my honest 2.2c inc. GST worth.
Dave
Quote:
There is another option. You say the sirius comes in at 875, for the non goto, and that would be in us dollars. The skywatcher HEQ5-Pro is basically the same mount, painted white, and lists in canada for $1049 canadian, complete with the goto controller. At current exchange rates, that's about $850us. Another difference between the skywatcher and orion mounts I believe, is the counterweights. If memory serves correctly, the orion variant of the mount comes with a single counterweight. Our HEQ5-Pro came with two counterweights.
Link
Your original post suggests the budget of $1000. After you do currency exchange on the list price in that link, the balance between the list price and your $1000 budget should more than cover the shipping. A much more cost effective way to the 'full meal deal'.
I can attest to the differences between the cg5 and the heq5 pro. We've got both the heq5-pro and the eq6-pro, and have had them set up amongst various cg5 type mounts at star party events. They are truely in a different class all around.
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gordianknot
professor emeritus
Reged: 09/04/05
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Re: best under $1000
[Re: dpastern]
#2997280 - 03/21/09 10:36 PM
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For most mounts, counterweights are not part of the rated weight capacity.
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dpastern
super member
Reged: 01/01/09
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
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Re: best under $1000
[Re: gordianknot]
#2997462 - 03/22/09 01:31 AM
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Let me rephrase my previous comment - "Remember to add not only OTA, but CWs adn imaging equipment to the total tally for weight load for imaging purposes".
That better?
Dave
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skyjim
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/13/07
Loc: Long Island, NY
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Re: best under $1000
[Re: gordianknot]
#2997829 - 03/22/09 10:19 AM
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I do own the Sirius EQ-G without the goto controller and would like to use my laptop, the EQ-MOD might just be the ticket but wonder how many CN'ers have done the same with good result with both visual and AP.
Jim
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Starhawk
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/16/08
Loc: Tucson, Arizona
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Re: best under $1000
[Re: skyjim]
#2998301 - 03/22/09 02:00 PM
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Anyone used the skywatcher version of the EQ5? It is listed on astronomics, and is supposed to have the ability to track with PEC with their hand controller. Andit would be elligible fir the CN discount. I just haven't laid hands on one.
-Rich
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