Telescope Reviews: Stellarvue MG mount

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Stellarvue MG mount
#3018229 - 04/01/09 03:01 PM

Anyone know when Vic will start shipping them to those of us who ordered them? I called a couple of weeks ago and was told by Shelly that they were hoping by the end of the month. I ordered mine back in February. It's now April.

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DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3019303 - 04/02/09 01:10 AM

Wish I had an answer for you. On the SV forum, Vic's comments indicate he's been focusing on getting ready for NEAF so this may have something to do with the delay, at least for the last week or two. OTHO, since these are outsourced, the reasons for the delay may be beyond his control. My suggestion-call and ask for Vic and find out straight from the horse's mouth so-to-speak.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: DennisF]
#3019813 - 04/02/09 10:59 AM

I emailed both Shelly and Vic about it and so far no reply. Maybe I will give him a call.

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DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3019941 - 04/02/09 12:08 PM

That's probably a good idea. A few have commmented in the past that emails sometimes don't get a quick response although that has not been my personal experience. Calls seem to always get answered and queries handled immediately.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: DennisF]
#3020153 - 04/02/09 02:30 PM

I called, spoke to Shelly and the none-encoder MG mounts arrived from the manufacturer and are ready to ship. Mine should go out today.

Hurray!

After I receive it and test it, I will post my impressions along with photos.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3028762 - 04/06/09 09:27 PM

Well, here's an update. After speaking with Shelly at SV and being assured my mount would ship on Thursday of last week, I never received a confirmation email so I called up Shelly this morning and discovered that nothing was done. She apologized promising that my mount would ship today and I'd receive an email with confirmation as well as a tracking number for shipment. So far, no email and SV is now closed.

Now I plan to just sit back and see how long before I receive a confirmation email. I've now called twice and both times was told it would ship that day.

Anyone have problems ordering directly from SV?

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o1d_dude
o1der than dirt

Reged: 10/03/07

Loc: The Wolfpack

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3028910 - 04/06/09 11:05 PM

(cough...NEAF...cough)

We must be the only ones who didn't go.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: o1d_dude]
#3028994 - 04/07/09 12:16 AM

Well, NEAF starts on the 18th and this is only the 6th. Plus I'd think it's more important to actually sell merchandise than to tout it at a trade show. But then what do I know.

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CarterB
member

Reged: 09/08/08

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3029365 - 04/07/09 08:36 AM

I'm having problems with my SV105 order as well. Vic called me two weeks ago saying he was assembling it and I've called back twice to find out when it was going to ship and get the same run around "Vic is busy. It's here. We'll ship soon."--I heard that 10 days ago and again yesterday. I love Stellavrvue but this experience has been very frustrating.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: CarterB]
#3029733 - 04/07/09 12:22 PM

Today is Tuesday and still no email confirmation and that's after I was promised it would ship yesterday and by the end of that day I'd receive an email confirming it.

Inexcusable really. My patience is running thin.

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Bradley B
sage

Reged: 05/14/07

Loc: Sacramento, California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3030129 - 04/07/09 03:35 PM

I had an M3 mount on order since August, 2007.

In my own businesses, I learned the key to customer satisfaction was to UNDER promise and OVER deliver.

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Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Bradley B]
#3030351 - 04/07/09 05:22 PM

Quote:

In my own businesses, I learned the key to customer satisfaction was to UNDER promise and OVER deliver.

In my experience, this is usually Stellarvue's business model as well. I wonder if getting ready for NEAF has something to do with this. Have you tried calling SV and asking to speak to Vic, directly? This usually works for me.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3030393 - 04/07/09 05:45 PM

Vic hasn't been in for a while. I'm dealing with Shelly. I just learned that once again my mount will be shipped and today. When I get it and have it in my grubby little hands, I'll believe it.

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Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3030473 - 04/07/09 06:21 PM

I hope everything works out well for you. Definitely let us know when you get your new mount.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3030484 - 04/07/09 06:33 PM

I will test it out and provide photos.

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7331Peg
Sirius Observer

Reged: 09/01/08

Loc: North coast of Oregon

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3031213 - 04/08/09 01:10 AM

I've learned you need some patience with Stellarvue. The best thing you can do is call them back and prompt them. They WILL ship it, but they seem to over-promise sometimes on the phone, and it does get frustrating. My impression is they're so busy right now they just can't keep up, and I know they're short the one person who handled most of the order questions on the phone.

John

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: 7331Peg]
#3031811 - 04/08/09 11:09 AM

I finally received a tracking number so I should have the mount by Friday.

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Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3031906 - 04/08/09 11:55 AM

Quote:

I finally received a tracking number so I should have the mount by Friday.

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jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan

Reged: 02/28/06

Loc: Petaluma, CA

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3032037 - 04/08/09 01:03 PM

Or perhaps the little elves in the far east actually making much of this gear are missing their deadlines, causing the middle-men selling it in the US to likewise miss their deadlines.

With the global recession in full sway, many manufacturing companies, such as those making astro-gear in China, have cut back production. Flagging demand makes sustaining supply a silly proposition. Cut a shift here and a shift there, prioritize projects that are yielding higher volumes and margins, etc.

It's even worse when you're just a pass-through; you have neither control nor up-to-date information. Patience and a grain of salt are useful in these cases.

Regards,

Jim

Edited by jrbarnett (04/08/09 01:05 PM)

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Jim7728
Postmaster

Reged: 04/10/05

Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3032277 - 04/08/09 02:56 PM

Interesting design, it looks like it has potential to be motorised.

United Optics dual helical mount

Hope it works well out the box, will be awaiting your first slew report.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: jrbarnett]
#3032497 - 04/08/09 04:46 PM

Quote:

Or perhaps the little elves in the far east actually making much of this gear are missing their deadlines, causing the middle-men selling it in the US to likewise miss their deadlines.

With the global recession in full sway, many manufacturing companies, such as those making astro-gear in China, have cut back production. Flagging demand makes sustaining supply a silly proposition. Cut a shift here and a shift there, prioritize projects that are yielding higher volumes and margins, etc.

It's even worse when you're just a pass-through; you have neither control nor up-to-date information. Patience and a grain of salt are useful in these cases.

Regards,

Jim

You might have hit the nail on the old head. Explore Scientific has a new dual-head mount that's not yet available. I've been told it's a manufacturing issue. That mount looks intriguing, especially at the low price advertised.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3034910 - 04/09/09 08:44 PM

I finally received the mount today and it was a disaster. First of all, the pillar on the head was loose and since there was no instructions included, I had to figure it's held in place by six tiny allen screws that bite into the mount shaft. The bottom of the pillar has a hole where the screw on the tripod supposedly attaches, but the hole is too small. Then, the head is painted in flat gray which shows up the slightest fingerprint. Plus the head has a nice scratch in the paint. The cap was missing on one end and from what I could tell, this is the opposite of the Orion as far as tension goes. This one has way too much tension. Releasing the levers, I could barely turn the pivot where the dovetail attaches. The apple tray that supposedly snaps in with ease is a bear to fit and once in place is darned near impossible to remove. I get the feeling this is a work in progress. So I'm shipping it back.

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hwman
member

Reged: 02/16/09

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3035176 - 04/09/09 11:19 PM

Bummer . . . talk about disappointing. Thanks for cluing us all in though. Unfortunately I seem to be hearing other similar stores about SV at the moment. What a headache to go through to get something that shouldn't even be for sale.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: hwman]
#3035224 - 04/09/09 11:52 PM

The whole thing looked cheap and hastily shoved together. Certainly not worth what's being charged for it. It's not like Vic to offer something less than satisfactory. I've been extremely happy with my SV102ED. Hopefully, this will quickly be resolved to my liking.

What's interesting is on the other end where there's no dovetail mounted, I could tell this could be a dual-head mount. I guess this is what United Optics manufactures as a dual-head minus one side. I could look into the hole since the cap was missing to see where a dovetial could mount. It appeared that when I turned the alt slow motion knob, inside I could see the mount moves.

The biggest problem with the head is it needs to be totally free when the lock levers are disengaged just like it is with my CG4 mount. Instead, this mount is as stiff as imaginable.

Oh, and I didn't mention that the aluminum tripod was marked up with several scratches. Inexcusable. And it wasn't due to shipping either. Everything was protected in bubble wrap. The outside box arrived in perfect condition. I ordered it with the aluminum surveyor's tripod which I was told was quite stable. Well, it has the same cheap aluminum legs that I replaced on my Portamount plus at the top where they attach is made of black plastic which I'm sure will flex. I see where Vic sells a wooden version made in the USA, but it costs $100 more. That's probably the tripod to get. But until the mount problems are rectified, I'd stay away from it.

So now I've ordered two different AZ mounts that turned out to be not as represented. The other was the Orion deluxe dual-head AZ mount which I sent back for a refund.

I'm now very reluctant to be thrice burned. So I guess I'll stick with the Portamount. It's soundly made and with the addition of wooden legs and flexible slow motion knobs, hard to beat.

I see where Explore Scientific's Twilight dual-head mount is not yet available and no one seems to know when it will arrive. I've had my eye on that one. But I'll have to see it first, play with it to know if it's for me. No more buying new stuff sight unseen. Those days are over.

Post Extras:

Teal'c
Indeed

Reged: 08/02/05

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3035510 - 04/10/09 06:04 AM

Do yourself a favor and check into the Giro 3. I doubt that you'll find anything (if properly used) to complain about with these German made mounts.

The Giro 3 and my old DM-6 have been extremely solid mounts.

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Jim7728
Postmaster

Reged: 04/10/05

Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Teal'c]
#3035604 - 04/10/09 07:54 AM

Not to play monday morning quarterback, but it sounds like the MG mount was made available too soon without working out the bugs,QA or going through some kind of beta testing. That said, potentialy this could be a nice functioning mount, though I'am not a huge fan of slow motion controls when, imo, they cannot be reached easily with longer, larger ota's.

I would also recommend the GIRO 3. It does cost more, but you do get what you pay for.

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skyjim
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/13/07

Loc: Long Island, NY

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3035835 - 04/10/09 10:24 AM

Hey star I've been watching your posts and feel your pain,I went with the Orion mount to and after 3 went to something else but not a Alt/Az, Orion gave me full credit after 6 months to a Sirius EQ-G so I have no problems with Orions CS. I was kinda expecting that the SV MG would have been better only because Vic seems to do a good job on QC of his products but it looks more to me that they got the mount in and shipped it to you, no QC done at all. I know with Neaf coming up the man is spread way to thin but keep you customers 1st is alway the most important aspect of your comitment to your marketplace. I like you did hope that this MG mount was going to work for you and its a shame what happened to you, I feel that maybe this mount was re bagged and shipped without being checked, to me there is no excuse for this and at the price he is charging its a shame

.
I hope you finally get what you want but it might take some time, good luck.
Jim

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rick rian
Seeker of Truth(s)

Reged: 08/03/04

Loc: Upper Mid West

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Jim7728]
#3036134 - 04/10/09 12:54 PM

Quote:

Interesting design, it looks like it has potential to be motorised.

United Optics dual helical mount

Hope it works well out the box, will be awaiting your first slew report.

Yup! That looks like it, Jim ... good catch. I hope they get the QC where it needs to be.

I'm sorry your unit didn't pan out for you Starlighter, it's customer service time ...

Best of luck.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: skyjim]
#3036150 - 04/10/09 01:03 PM

I spoke with Vic this morning. He apologized saying the mount should never have been shipped to me. Preparing for NEAF has taken time away from him going though these mounts to make sure they all come up to his high standard of quality. The reason the mount was so stiff is it's loaded inside with that thick Chinese grease. Vic had planned to open them all up and remove that grease and replace it with good old American grease, but that didn't happen. Plus the mount lacks the end cap because they haven't been made. So back it goes. It will take another few months before Vic has the mount I really want which is a dual-head version of the MG.

My search for the proper AZ mount ends today. Unless I see one in person and can use it, no way will I buy another. The Discmount looks great, but not for over $2,000 which is how much one would run me that way I'd want it. The TV Gibraltar is nice, but besides being expensive, when using one it's hard to aim a scope at Zenith. I know since each time I've seen one in person, I've noticed this. Had the Orion dual head AZ mount not had the lack of tension issue, that would have been the ideal mount for me. It's built well, looks great and handles two scopes at once.

Post Extras:

Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3036197 - 04/10/09 01:31 PM

Have you considered the Unistar Heavy Deluxe mount from Universal Astronomics? Mine does a great job supporting my SV102ABV.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3036247 - 04/10/09 02:00 PM

From now on unless I see one, get one in my grubby fat hands to test, I won't buy another. It's like buying shoes via the web. They never fit once delivered.

I did look at the Teton website where they sell the German made Giro. It looks interesting. The Germans make great stuff. But I'd need to see how it operates with two scopes mounted at the same time. If it lacks proper tension and balance is critical, it's off my potential list.

The Half Hitch looks wonderful. But it's also very expensive.

Maybe I should just take my CG4 EQ mount and turn it into an AZ mount. I wonder what would be needed to accomplish this. As it is, I rarely use the CG4 for viewing since it's a pain to move it around and then when I do find a target, I have to lock it down and then switch on the RA motor. I want something that's simple, lightweight yet can carry any scope I own. Two at a time would be even better.

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Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3036320 - 04/10/09 02:35 PM

What about buying something used? At least if it turns out to be not to your liking, you could probably sell it for about what you paid for it.

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frankcf5
member

Reged: 09/27/05

Loc: Carbondale, Colorado

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3036695 - 04/10/09 06:15 PM

Starlighter, I’m sorry to here about your troubles with the MG mount. I second Scott’s recommendation regarding the Universal Astronomics Unistar Deluxe. I picked mine up used a couple years ago for under $300. It carries the 102ED easily without being fussy at all regarding balance. Set right I can remove a 31 Nagler without fear of the scopes nose dropping. It carries my 15+lb. SV115 well but requires a little more attention to fore/aft balance. I was at a star party were a guy used the same mount with a 20+-lb SV5 and it was surprisingly smooth. UA has come out with a duel scope version called the Doublestar that looks interesting in the way it can be adjusted so both scopes alignment match. (you can adjust the left-hand scope so it points exactly the same as the right-hand scope) I do not know of any other duel scope mount with that ability. A nice feature I find with the UA mounts is that they carry the scope up and back away from the tripod making viewing near zenith effortless. I had JMI add encoders to mine making it a nice push to system. One other thing, the Unistar is very light. Whatever mount you go with I suggest you don’t skimp on the tripod. Good luck!
Frank

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: frankcf5]
#3036796 - 04/10/09 07:13 PM

Frank, with the Unistar I take it you can lock it down so when changing out eyepieces the scope doesn't suddenly pitch forward or backward depending on how it's balanced? If so, that might be a mount for me to consider.

Post Extras:

Myles
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/25/06

Loc: Seattle, Washington

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3036859 - 04/10/09 07:51 PM

If you were ready to use the MG why wouldn't the DM4 work?
Without encoders it comes in around $950 when adding a saddle. A DM4 doesn't approach $2000 until you add encoders and the sky commander.

- Myles

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Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3036881 - 04/10/09 07:58 PM

Quote:

Frank, with the Unistar I take it you can lock it down so when changing out eyepieces the scope doesn't suddenly pitch forward or backward depending on how it's balanced?

Yes, and it's really easy to lock down with the twist of a knob. If you're careful, you can even do so without knocking the scope off its target. The only caveat is that if you're using heavy EPs with a nose-heavy scope, you really do need to lock it down when changing EPs.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Myles]
#3036939 - 04/10/09 08:20 PM

The DM4 lists for $800. Then I'd need a decent tripod. A good wooden one they sell runs $450. Now we're up to $1250 and that doesn't include a saddle plate so I can attach my scopes. Add another $125 for that and I'm up to $1375. Then add whatever they charge for shipping. Plus in California, they now force us to pay sales tax on taxable items purchased out of state. Taxpayers must list all purchases and then pay the sales tax that's in their district. Otherwise, if they ever come and audit you and discover those taxes weren't paid, well, it means penalties. Most people ignore it, but I happen to know someone who purchased a very expensive camera from New York, didn't list it and the store sent California the info so he got snagged. So starting this month, California sales tax where I reside will hit 10%. So add another $137.50. That comes to $1512.50 plus whatever the shipping charge happens to be so lets say it's $50. That means the entire rig will run me $1562.50.

What people tend to forget is once everything is added up, nothing in this hobby is cheap. Take my simple Vixen A80Mf achromat that I paid $239 for. It sits on a Portamount that back when I bought it cost me $399 plus tax. I added wooden legs to it for another $79. Plus I bought a WO dielectric diagonal for $80 and a Stellarvue RDF for around $24 plus shipping and sales tax. So when I take that scope outside and start using it, I'm using equipment that cost nearly $860. And that's with no eyepiece save the two el cheapo Plossls that came with the scope. If I plug in say my 13mm Ethos which by the way works incredibly well with that scope, we're now talking about a setup that ran me just under $1,500!

Oh, speaking of the Ethos, I see where a fifth has just been announced. A 10mm will be coming out listing for $620.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3036954 - 04/10/09 08:24 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Frank, with the Unistar I take it you can lock it down so when changing out eyepieces the scope doesn't suddenly pitch forward or backward depending on how it's balanced?

Yes, and it's really easy to lock down with the twist of a knob. If you're careful, you can even do so without knocking the scope off its target. The only caveat is that if you're using heavy EPs with a nose-heavy scope, you really do need to lock it down when changing EPs.

That's not a problem. I wish the Orion had that feature. I'd have kept it. Oh well....

Post Extras:

frankcf5
member

Reged: 09/27/05

Loc: Carbondale, Colorado

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3036978 - 04/10/09 08:34 PM

Yea to what Scott said. I find with the weight of the 102ED I may just snug the altitude knob up a bit when switching out the heavy eyepieces, depending on how well balanced I am initially. You can also tighten both axis’s to be “locked down”, something I do when mounting/ unmounting the scope. I have spoken to Larry at UA a couple of times and he is very helpful and seems concerned that his customers are happy.
Frank

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: frankcf5]
#3037005 - 04/10/09 08:47 PM

Where are they manufactured?

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Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3037042 - 04/10/09 09:14 PM

Quote:

Where are they manufactured?

Universal Astronomics is, to the best of my knowledge, a one-man business. Larry Patriarca makes all his mounts in his own shop in Webster, MA.

Post Extras:

Bob P S
member

Reged: 04/04/09

Loc: Jakarta, Indonesia

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3037355 - 04/11/09 12:57 AM

Starlighter,
I would also suggest Universal Astronomics' mount. I have a Unistar basic and I love it.

Before I bought it, I borrowed my friend's TV Panoramic mount for a week, and I picked Unistar over the Panoramic mount for the same reason you mentioned: the Panoramic is diffcult to aim at zenith. Down here in Indonesia (-5 deg lat), the ecliptic is right over head so the the ability to aim the scope at or near zenith without hassle is a main consideration for me.

Service was great. Larry was really helpful with question and everything. When I purchased it, I needed one screw to attach my Starbeam to the TV 85, and he threw in three screw for free even though I told him to charge me the price of the screws. It's just a small and perhaps cheap screw, but that's a great service in my book.

AFAIK, he makes the mount himself in his workshop.

edit: correction, mine is a unistar light.

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GShaffer
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 02/28/09

Loc: Bogart, Ga USA

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3037371 - 04/11/09 01:15 AM

I am sure they are busy.....so I am being patient. But I sent an email days ago about another product and still no reply....

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GShaffer
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 02/28/09

Loc: Bogart, Ga USA

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Scott in NC]
#3037385 - 04/11/09 01:28 AM

on top of that he is a great guy to deal with.....I have one of his millenium parallelagram mounts that I didnt buy from him directly. When I 1st got it I had a question about matching it up to my Oberwerk surveyors tripod and gave him a call.... We wound up spending a good while talking shop about it and he didnt flinch a bit......Just on that alone besides the fact he makes a great product I will give him my future business.....

Quote:

Quote:

Where are they manufactured?

Universal Astronomics is, to the best of my knowledge, a one-man business. Larry Patriarca makes all his mounts in his own shop in Webster, MA.

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Herenomore
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 11/29/04

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3037807 - 04/11/09 10:20 AM

Quote:

The DM4 lists for $800. Then I'd need a decent tripod. A good wooden one they sell runs $450. Now we're up to $1250 and that doesn't include a saddle plate so I can attach my scopes. Add another $125 for that and I'm up to $1375. Then add whatever they charge for shipping. Plus in California, they now force us to pay sales tax on taxable items purchased out of state. Taxpayers must list all purchases and then pay the sales tax that's in their district. Otherwise, if they ever come and audit you and discover those taxes weren't paid, well, it means penalties. Most people ignore it, but I happen to know someone who purchased a very expensive camera from New York, didn't list it and the store sent California the info so he got snagged. So starting this month, California sales tax where I reside will hit 10%. So add another $137.50. That comes to $1512.50 plus whatever the shipping charge happens to be so lets say it's $50. That means the entire rig will run me $1562.50.

But with a DM-4, you'll never ever be looking for another alt-az again. As Tom Trusock said in his review, it is the best which, like everything else in this hobby, you pay for. Equally true is the fact that quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten. Indeed, if you consider how much $ you've spent on buying and accessorizing mounts which don't come close to the DM-4's performance, you probably could've paid for one by now. Anyway, I've owned mine since June '05 and its performance hasn't diminished a bit. I'm convinced it'll last forever, certainly well past the time my astronomy days are done.

Tom

Post Extras:

Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Herenomore]
#3037988 - 04/11/09 12:17 PM

Good advice, Tom.

Post Extras:

Bill Barlow
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/03/07

Loc: Overland Park KS

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3038404 - 04/11/09 04:53 PM

I own the UA UniStar Deluxe mount on a heavy duty surveyors tripod and find it to be the best altaz mount I have owned..even better than the Porta mount (which I still use with my SV 102ED). The UA UniStar is very stable, even with a C11 on it, and the atl-az tension controls are easy to adjust once the scope is balanced. You don't need slow motion controls as it is very smooth. It can easily hold a 5" or 6" refractor.

If you don't need that much support, then the basic UniStar on a medium duty surveyors tripod would be a good fit. I would suggest that you vist his website at www.universalastronomics.com, then call Larry at UA and he will tell you what mount/tripod combination will work the best for what type of OTA you want to mount. He really knows his stuff about atlaz mounts and is a top notch guy and will go the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied. Highly recommended!!

Post Extras:

Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Bill Barlow]
#3038435 - 04/11/09 05:10 PM

Yeah Bill, I agree. I've talked with Larry at UA before, and he's been very helpful. It's quite a refreshing change from so many of today's stores, where you call to get advice on their product and find you know more about the product they're selling then they do.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Bill Barlow]
#3038440 - 04/11/09 05:13 PM

That looks like a totally different surveyor's tripod from the one Stellarvue sells. Just from looking at the photos, the UA surveyor's looks far more stable. The SV version is....well....junk. There. I said it. It's nearly impossible to get the darned apple tray in place and once in place, nearly impossible to remove. The legs are thin aluminum and where they attach at the top is cheap black plastic which I'm sure will flex under a somewhat heavy load.

For the life of me I have no idea why so many of these AZ mounts cost a small fortune. I have a friend who's a machinist and he's looked at some of them from their photos as well as looking at my Portamount and tells me he could pretty much fabricate any of them and charge far less.

Hey! Maybe I should go in with him on manufacturing the best AZ mount for the money!

Post Extras:

Herenomore
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 11/29/04

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3038533 - 04/11/09 06:08 PM Attachment (66 downloads)

Starlighter:

Pictured below is my SV105 (original TMB/LZOS version) mounted with a Nagler 31T5. About 17.5 lbs with everything up (scope, plate, rings, diagonal, ep). The DM-4 handles it like it wasn't there. To paraphrase Roland Christen, as between a scope and a mount, spend your money on the mount

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Herenomore]
#3038662 - 04/11/09 07:35 PM

That is a beautiful mount. The tripod legs don't appear to extend though.

Post Extras:

7331Peg
Sirius Observer

Reged: 09/01/08

Loc: North coast of Oregon

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3039163 - 04/12/09 02:03 AM

No, the legs don't extend. However, Tom Peters sells two different tripod heights, and two different height extensions. Check the DM web site. You won't find a more solid tripod in my opinion. There is a picture on the web site of Tom standing on one.

John

Post Extras:

jouster
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/27/05

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3039438 - 04/12/09 09:35 AM

Quote:

Hey! Maybe I should go in with him on manufacturing the best AZ mount for the money!

Seems like that would make sense.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Herenomore]
#3039833 - 04/12/09 01:18 PM

Tom, I doubt I'd get it with the encoders and the computer.

Can you mount a scope going in the other direction on that mount? The reason I ask is, right now with my 6" SCT, I cannot use the Portamount or any mount that's restricted to mounting on the right side. With the 6" SCT OTA, the finders would end up on the bottom. The dovetail is on the left side. So If I mounted it on the DM4, will it slew all the way if I have the scope pointed in the opposite direction of your scope in the photo? I hope I made myself clear on this. That was one reason I went with the MG mont since I was told I could do it.

Oh, one other item. When you slew using the Discmount, do you do it by grabbing the diagonal?

Post Extras:

ngc2289
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/13/05

Loc: Some Where Around The Maypole.

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: rick rian]
#3040312 - 04/12/09 07:07 PM Attachment (51 downloads)

I got a Williams EZ Touch about a month ago and so far I love it. The mount starts and stops very smoothly. I have used the scope at 142X with this mount and no trouble keeping what I was looking at in the field of view.

Edited by ngc2289 (04/12/09 07:08 PM)

Post Extras:

ngc2289
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/13/05

Loc: Some Where Around The Maypole.

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: GShaffer]
#3040364 - 04/12/09 07:49 PM

Yeah I e-mailed a couple questions 1 month ago and never got an answer. So I called and got my questions answered in 2 minutes. So I know what you are talking about GShaffer. Vic is one person down with his office staff and with NEAF getting near he has been tring to finish several projects at once!

Post Extras:

Clive Gibbons
Mostly Harmless

Reged: 05/26/05

Loc: Oort Cloud

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3040709 - 04/13/09 12:07 AM

Quote:

Hey! Maybe I should go in with him on manufacturing the best AZ mount for the money!

That sounds like a plan, Starlighter.

Plus, from what you've experienced recently, I bet you'd have a good idea of how not to upset the customers.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Clive Gibbons]
#3040737 - 04/13/09 12:22 AM

I've always had a motto that I applied to my job. Never do anything that you wouldn't want done to yourself.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: ngc2289]
#3040752 - 04/13/09 12:30 AM

Quote:

I got a Williams EZ Touch about a month ago and so far I love it. The mount starts and stops very smoothly. I have used the scope at 142X with this mount and no trouble keeping what I was looking at in the field of view.

I see you have the second dovetail mount. The dealers here in the US do not carry it. WO sells it on their website for I think $59. Problem is, I do not want to buy from a foreign country. Did you get yours from a dealer in the US or send off to WO in Taiwan for it or did it come with the mount?

A dealer near me was selling that mount for about $428, but they sold out quickly. Also, they didn't they carry the second Vixen style dovetail.

And the dovetail is shaped so I would need to slide the bar in. Problem is, with my SV102ED, bolts protrude near the ends making it impossible to slide on so I'd have to change out the bar. The Orion SkyView AZ dual head mount had the same problem.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3040759 - 04/13/09 12:38 AM

It just dawned on me that on the other side where you have your scope mounted, you're using a saddle plate. That's all the WO dealer near me still has in stock. They sold out just about their entire WO inventory by knocking the prices way down.

Post Extras:

7331Peg
Sirius Observer

Reged: 09/01/08

Loc: North coast of Oregon

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3040807 - 04/13/09 01:15 AM

Starlighter,
Yes, you can mount a scope pointing in the opposite direction on the DM-6, or the DM-4. You can slew the scope by grabbing it, or you can buy a handle from DiscMounts which attaches to the bottom of the saddle plate, and it also can be attached for either right or left mounting. The handle is a bit expensive, although it's pretty darn long. You can also get a $25 dollar handle from Stellarvue and drill a second hole to match the dovetail and save some money. The SV handle is quite a bit shorter. I've found that was actually an advantage, however, because the longer DM handle was preventing me from reaching the zenith.

John

Post Extras:

GShaffer
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 02/28/09

Loc: Bogart, Ga USA

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: ngc2289]
#3040836 - 04/13/09 01:45 AM

Figured out how to get a response from Vic.....after 8 days of waiting I sent this

"Just wanted to say thanks for the fast and professional response I never got to the message below sent a week ago from a formerly very impressed and satisfied owner of one of your products. While the way I feel about the scope has not changed I have to say I do feel less inclined to purchase another as a result."

I followed up with my original inquiry and had an apology and a answer on the same day

Wrote back and told him that the warm, fuzzy feeling was back and all was peachy........

Quote:

Yeah I e-mailed a couple questions 1 month ago and never got an answer. So I called and got my questions answered in 2 minutes. So I know what you are talking about GShaffer. Vic is one person down with his office staff and with NEAF getting near he has been tring to finish several projects at once!

Post Extras:

DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3041430 - 04/13/09 12:27 PM

Quote:

...Can you mount a scope going in the other direction on that mount? The reason I ask is, right now with my 6" SCT, I cannot use the Portamount or any mount that's restricted to mounting on the right side. With the 6" SCT OTA, the finders would end up on the bottom...

Starlighter, IIRC, when I had the PortaMount, Manny Myles right angle bracket solved that problem by rotating the attachment point 90*.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: DennisF]
#3041450 - 04/13/09 12:36 PM

You're right Dennis. I had forgotten about that splendid conversion Manny does. Problem is, the Porta isn't up to mounting my C4-R so I'm still looking for a beefier mount, one that I can either mount two scopes at once or do what the DiscMount and conversion of the Porta allows which is to mount my 6" SCT so the finders are on the top. One day I'll find something that works and doesn't cost me more than I paid for my very first car which was a brand new bright red 1966 VW Beetle. It ran me $1,600 plus change out the door, tax, license, everything. I drove it for a year and then sold it for $1,500. Had I not spun it out on 'dead-man's curve' (a section of Sunset Blvd. next to UCLA), I've have kept it. But those bugs were never good in the rain.

Post Extras:

ngc2289
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/13/05

Loc: Some Where Around The Maypole.

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3041514 - 04/13/09 01:02 PM Attachment (48 downloads)

The second mount isn't a Williams it is a StellarVue. I modified the mounting holes to work on the EZTouch.

Edited by ngc2289 (04/13/09 05:37 PM)

Post Extras:

orbitgeek
newbie

Reged: 06/11/07

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3041980 - 04/13/09 05:20 PM

Quote:

And the dovetail is shaped so I would need to slide the bar in. Problem is, with my SV102ED, bolts protrude near the ends making it impossible to slide on so I'd have to change out the bar. The Orion SkyView AZ dual head mount had the same problem.

I have the SV102ED with the clamshell and short dovetail. The attachment bolts do not protrude above the bottom surface. Do you have the clamshell or rings with your SV102ED? Is the dovetail from Stellarvue? Are the bolts that protrude used to attach the dovetail to the clamshell or rings? Something just doesn't sound right about this.

I also wanted to let you know that I have the SV heavy duty surveyors tripod. Is it very sturdy and the legs are attached to the tripod head with metal components. I don't think you were shipped the correct tripod either. I don't have the appleply tray but have chains instead, so I can't comment on that problem.

Post Extras:

Herenomore
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 11/29/04

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3042015 - 04/13/09 05:39 PM

Quote:

Tom, I doubt I'd get it with the encoders and the computer.

Can you mount a scope going in the other direction on that mount? The reason I ask is, right now with my 6" SCT, I cannot use the Portamount or any mount that's restricted to mounting on the right side. With the 6" SCT OTA, the finders would end up on the bottom. The dovetail is on the left side. So If I mounted it on the DM4, will it slew all the way if I have the scope pointed in the opposite direction of your scope in the photo? I hope I made myself clear on this. That was one reason I went with the MG mont since I was told I could do it.

Oh, one other item. When you slew using the Discmount, do you do it by grabbing the diagonal?

1. It's your choice on the encoders but I would very highly recommend them. You can get the mount w/o them but it was designed with encoders in mind.

2. You can mount the scope on either side of the mount. You just need to tell Tom Peters which side of the mount you want your scope on and he'll set the mount up that way. This gallery from the DM website shows scopes mounted on the left and right sides:

http://www.discmounts.com/gallery3/DMG3_p1.html

3. When I slew the mount, I have my left hand on the diagonal, my right hand on the focuser, and my eye on the ep. That way I can observe, track, and focus/re-focus, all at the same time.

Tom

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: orbitgeek]
#3042017 - 04/13/09 05:40 PM

OK. Looking at the dovetail bar that came with my SV102ED which is attached to the clamshell, there is a single silver bolt at the end which appears to be just screwed into the center raised rib of the dovetail bar. Using an allen wrench I can remove it. It doesn't appear to be holding anything in place. I thought there were two. Now I remember that with the Orion AZ mount, I was forced to slide the dovetail bar in by one end and out the same way. I guess I should remove that bolt since it serves no useful purpose. The dovetail bar that came with the scope is 7 1/2 inches long.

As far as the SV surveyor's tripod I received, it had no chain, just a cloth strap. The black areas where the aluminum legs fitted were made of what felt like thick black plastic.

Post Extras:

orbitgeek
newbie

Reged: 06/11/07

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3042034 - 04/13/09 05:49 PM

Quote:

OK. Looking at the dovetail bar that came with my SV102ED which is attached to the clamshell, there is a single silver bolt at the end which appears to be just screwed into the center raised rib of the dovetail bar. Using an allen wrench I can remove it. It doesn't appear to be holding anything in place. I thought there were two. Now I remember that with the Orion AZ mount, I was forced to slide the dovetail bar in by one end and out the same way. I guess I should remove that bolt since it serves no useful purpose. The dovetail bar that came with the scope is 7 1/2 inches long.

Those would be "safety bolts." They are meant to be put in place after the scope is slid into the dovetail base, so that if the dovetail clamp comes loose during an evening of use because of changing temperatures or whatever, the scope cannot slide out of the dovetail.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: orbitgeek]
#3042068 - 04/13/09 06:04 PM

Well, I don't have such bolts on any of my other dovetail bars so I just removed it. Fortunately where I live, it's pretty temperate. What I like about the Portamount is it uses two bolts to apply pressure to the Dovetail bar. I wish more mounts would use this design. The dovetail mount on the MG used a pressure system where the entire top comes down. Problem with it is, when I unscrewed it to loosen it enough to see how easy it would be to attach a scope, the darned thing came apart. I had springs flying and plastic spacers falling on the floor. The MG mount shown on the SV website doesn't exactly look like the one I received as far as where the dovetail bar attaches.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Herenomore]
#3042075 - 04/13/09 06:10 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Tom, I doubt I'd get it with the encoders and the computer.

Can you mount a scope going in the other direction on that mount? The reason I ask is, right now with my 6" SCT, I cannot use the Portamount or any mount that's restricted to mounting on the right side. With the 6" SCT OTA, the finders would end up on the bottom. The dovetail is on the left side. So If I mounted it on the DM4, will it slew all the way if I have the scope pointed in the opposite direction of your scope in the photo? I hope I made myself clear on this. That was one reason I went with the MG mont since I was told I could do it.

Oh, one other item. When you slew using the Discmount, do you do it by grabbing the diagonal?

1. It's your choice on the encoders but I would very highly recommend them. You can get the mount w/o them but it was designed with encoders in mind.

2. You can mount the scope on either side of the mount. You just need to tell Tom Peters which side of the mount you want your scope on and he'll set the mount up that way. This gallery from the DM website shows scopes mounted on the left and right sides:

http://www.discmounts.com/gallery3/DMG3_p1.html

3. When I slew the mount, I have my left hand on the diagonal, my right hand on the focuser, and my eye on the ep. That way I can observe, track, and focus/re-focus, all at the same time.

Tom

Do you use the computer that much to find objects? Does it work somewhat like the Orion Intelliscope? I've seen that one working. Problem is aligning it. I just want an AZ mount that's beefy enough to handle my biggest scope and can be used in either direction or better yet, a dual head mount. It needs to have the ability to be locked down so when removing a heavy eyepiece, the scope doesn't suddenly pitch forward. And if it doesn't have slow motion controls, it needs to be very smooth operating. The DiscMount sounds like just the ticket. Too bad it costs so much.

Post Extras:

Herenomore
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 11/29/04

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3042133 - 04/13/09 06:50 PM

Quote:

Do you use the computer that much to find objects? Does it work somewhat like the Orion Intelliscope? I've seen that one working. Problem is aligning it.

I use it all the time. I've never used the Orion. The Sky Commander uses a 2-star alignment. Takes all of about 1-2 minutes to set-up and with the orthogonality of the DiscMounts, it's dead-on accurate.

Quote:

I just want an AZ mount that's beefy enough to handle my biggest scope and can be used in either direction or better yet, a dual head mount. It needs to have the ability to be locked down so when removing a heavy eyepiece, the scope doesn't suddenly pitch forward. And if it doesn't have slow motion controls, it needs to be very smooth operating. The DiscMount sounds like just the ticket.

It is certainly all of that. That's what Tom Peters means when he says "no rebalancing". Take out a heavy ep, put in a light one (or vice versa), and the scope doesn't move (and you don't lose the object) while you're making the switch...no locks, nothing to tighten or adjust...yet its movements are silky smooth.

Tom

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Herenomore]
#3042362 - 04/13/09 08:58 PM

Sound like the ideal mount. I guess I should start saving up for one.

Post Extras:

DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3042792 - 04/14/09 04:34 AM

Starlighter,

FWIW, I found a used AYO EzTouch a while back that works well for me. I usually mount my SV80ED on one side and a C6 SE or C8 on the other. So you're talking a total of about 28 lbs. with finders, diagonals, EPs, etc. While I do balance the scopes, the tension control can be cranked up so that the scopes won't move, balanced or not so it makes changing EP, diagonals, filters, etc. a very safe operation. The EzTouch handles those combinations with ease.

Since all my equipment is currently attached using a Vixen-type dovetail, I ordered another Vixen saddle for AYO. It was identical to the WO version. I'm sure they got it from the same Far East manufacturer. Since you don't want to order from overseas, I'd check with ScopeStuff. They have a Vixen-type saddle that I'm pretty sure would work with the EzTouch. Of course, I'd check with them before ordering. One nice thing about their saddle/bracket is that it has the backup set screw.

It's a heck of a lot cheaper than the Disc mounts and does provide a dual mount. Haven't used a Giro (yet) but everyone seems to swear by them. I do believe there are models that can handle more weight although the larger EzTouch may be competitive.

The one downside (?) of the EzTouch is that it doesn't have pan handle. Based on my Porta Mount and M1 experience, it does seem to make movement easier/more accurate although I've managed to adapt to not having one with no problem. I do believe Dave (aka Manny) now makes one for the EzTouch.

BTW, I just bought a used Quickset Hercules tripod which is built like the proverbial tank. It's rated for 150 lbs. and, although I don't plan on using it, the pan/tilt mount that came with it is rated for 80 lbs. I put my 200 lbs. on the tripod and it didn't budge. Tripod weight is 23 lbs. Legs are extendable and, with the center column extended, maximum height is @ 70".

It will be a while before I get it configured to handle my various mounts but when I'm done I expect it to be as solid as a rock. This plus a EzTouch or larger Giro should be able to handle anything up to a AR6.

Post Extras:

Manny Myles
Postmaster

Reged: 11/29/05

Loc: Far South of the flyover city ...

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: DennisF]
#3043170 - 04/14/09 10:33 AM

Dennis, you are correct that the ScopeStuff saddle will fit the EZT on the flip side of the mount.
And yes I still make the pan handle mounting plate and handle for the EZT.
m2

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: DennisF]
#3043299 - 04/14/09 11:50 AM Attachment (46 downloads)

WO is being dropped by dealers near me. They had sales to get rid of what inventory they had. I notice that WOs website shows far less products available than before they closed their US office and service center. The new EzTouch is totally made in Asia. If I got one it would need to be the earlier version made in Switzerland with metal knobs. I rarely, if ever, see one of them going used. They must be great mounts since few want to part with them. The new EzTouch was being heavily discounted by a local dealer, but they warned me I wouldn't be happy with it, that it shares the same issues that I had with the Orion.

My next mount will have to meet certain criteria. If it doesn't, I won't buy it. And I'll need to be able to test it before buying it. The DiscMount is out of the question because quite frankly It costs more than I wish to spend at this time. So right now my beefed up Portamount will fill most of my needs. It works well with most of my scopes. Now that I bought a new TV-85 and tend to be using it far more than any of my other scopes, the Porta is the perfect mount for it.

Post Extras:

DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3043631 - 04/14/09 02:48 PM

Quote:

...If I got one it would need to be the earlier version made in Switzerland with metal knobs. I rarely, if ever, see one of them going used. They must be great mounts since few want to part with them...

I couldn't agree more. I wouldn't go with the WO version.

Quote:

...The DiscMount is out of the question because quite frankly It costs more than I wish to spend at this time...

I understand completely. The DiscMount, and the Half-Hitch for that matter, must be excellent products. I don't recall any negative comments on either. But they are the top tier for alt/az mounts and are priced accordingly. Too rich for my blood.

Post Extras:

Bradley B
sage

Reged: 05/14/07

Loc: Sacramento, California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: DennisF]
#3043712 - 04/14/09 03:45 PM

To be honest, I've had the WO EZTouch in both Swiss- and Taiwan-made versions, and aside from the plastic knobs--which material doesn't really matter in my usage--don't find any difference in operation between the two. In fact the newer version EZT already has an upgrade that I performed on my previous EZT: upgrade of the set screws that hold the non-Vixen side to a larger size that hold better and are less prone to cross-threading.

Your Mileage May Vary, of course, but I currently mount a C8 and the Pentax 105SD on the EZT without issue, and the operation is smooth-as-silk. I have upgraded to JMI encoders and computer to help deal with the light pollution here in the Central Valley of California, but unlike the previous EZT that I sold, I don't think that I'll be selling this one.

Post Extras:

ngc2289
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/13/05

Loc: Some Where Around The Maypole.

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Bradley B]
#3043759 - 04/14/09 04:03 PM Attachment (45 downloads)

I made a handle for my EZTouch that worked quite well.This is before I put on the second saddle.

Post Extras:

ngc2289
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/13/05

Loc: Some Where Around The Maypole.

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Bradley B]
#3043780 - 04/14/09 04:16 PM

By the way my EZTouch is the Taiwan version and works very well!

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: ngc2289]
#3043950 - 04/14/09 05:59 PM

I'm leery of buying anything from a company that could end up going south. Dealers here are pretty upset with WO heavily discounting items on their website, items that if dealers tried to match the price would make hardly any profit for them.

I also collect model trains and soon discovered the manufacturers who sell directly at huge discounts soon discovered they had no dealers. Of course it saved me money, but I do prefer going into a dealer and actually seeing the item I'm thinking about purchasing.

My days of buying sight unseen are over. That goes for just about everything.

Also, now that WO closed its US office and service center, what do people do when they need service? Ship their items to Taiwan? No thanks.

Post Extras:

ngc2289
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/13/05

Loc: Some Where Around The Maypole.

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3044170 - 04/14/09 08:14 PM

The message from W.O. is they are relocating the service center not closing it for good. I do not know where the new location is W.O. didn't mention where they were going.

Post Extras:

jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan

Reged: 02/28/06

Loc: Petaluma, CA

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3044175 - 04/14/09 08:17 PM

What US service center? I think all WO has ever had in the US was a sales office.

Regards,

Jim

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: ngc2289]
#3044310 - 04/14/09 09:40 PM

Quote:

The message from W.O. is they are relocating the service center not closing it for good. I do not know where the new location is W.O. didn't mention where they were going.

It won't be in California.

Their service center has been moved to Taiwan. Whether they reopen one in the US is pure conjecture. If they remain mostly a company that sells their product via the web, I think it'll remain in Taiwan. But then that's pure conjecture on my part. In any event, I want to buy stuff where I can ship it within the continental US to get it repaired, if that becomes necessary.

Post Extras:

Phil Frederick
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 12/19/05

Loc: Seattle, WA & La Paz MX

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3044618 - 04/15/09 12:51 AM

Hey Starlighter,

Sorry to hear about your issues with the new SV MG mount. Being an alt-az guy (and an SV fan) I was very much looking forward to the release of this mount and had convinced myself to get one and give it a try. Holding off for now.

That said, and as I've said before in many other posts here and on CN, I've found the Takahashi Teegul (Lapides) to be an extremely nice mount especially if you want slo-mo controls. I own three (just sold a fourth--how can you really justify that many Teeguls?

), but I've used them with a variety of scopes and tripods and simply have found them to be excellent.

Now I haven't used the Discmounts (4 or 6) or the Half-Hitch or the very high end UA mounts all of which (from all accounts) are great. I have owned the Voyager, Portamount and WO EZT (and checked out the new Orion Alt-Az at a dealer) and IMO none of them stacked up to the Teegul in at least one or more ways.

So, to the point, you might want to check out the Teegul which is avalable at a number of dealers and is a proven quantity as it's been around for years.

And back to the subject of this thread, I'm sad to see that the MG isn't (or doesn't appear to be) living up to the typical quality of SV offerings. Hopefully Vic will get this fixed!

Phil

Post Extras:

DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Phil Frederick]
#3044713 - 04/15/09 02:54 AM

Phil,

Have you ever piggybacked a scope using the Teegul? I've seen setups with counterweights but somehow I think I would prefer a dual mount setup along the lines of the EzTouch, Giro, etc.

Post Extras:

skyjim
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/13/07

Loc: Long Island, NY

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3044846 - 04/15/09 07:02 AM

Hey Star, when you were on the phone with Lord Vic of SV, did he say something about when they get the bugs cleared up in this mount to offer it as a dual scope alt/az? I seem to remember something in an early post that the mount when finished will have two CG5 heads the way its shown on the UA site. I know that it was in need of adjustment as far as tenssion on the locking controls but once done that might have been a contender, its a shame that it was shipped to you before its time, maybe Ole VIC might learn a lesson here, never ship a mount before its time kinda like wine. I like yourself want a dual scope alt/az, the Orion would have been nice but seemed to change its tenssion after 2-3 weeks of use but when it was working it did a nice job cause I had my SW120ED on one side and the C8 on the other and for 2 weeks it did fine but then the tenssion controls didn provide enough grip after a months use to hold the scope but when it worked it was a solid mount. Maybe Synta will taake a look at what UA did and make there own version and just maybe learn from there mistakes on the mount they produced for Orion. I find on mounts they work a little faster than there scopes so who knows. I will be going to neaf this weekend and I'll look at the MG mount if SV has one on display, sorry I am not a fan of Vic like some here on CN but if he's the only one to import it I'll have to give him a chance. I myself have had not pleasing experiances with my dealing with SV amd Mr.Vic so I would like to see someone else import this mount once the bugs get ironed out but that might be a while. I haave looked at the AYO mount but nobody inports these, maybe if Alpine astro is at the show they might be able to look into it since he does have a germany conection for the Hyperions but that doesn't have slow mos. We are moving in a few months to a new house and I have already claimed Man Space in the two car garage, I'm going to set up some machine work shop there and just might try my hand at my own design if nobody seems to come up with what I want. I also have a buddy with a full machine shop that I might get iterested in the idea but thats a long way off. Good luck in your search.
Jim

Post Extras:

Phil Frederick
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 12/19/05

Loc: Seattle, WA & La Paz MX

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: DennisF]
#3045233 - 04/15/09 12:04 PM Attachment (55 downloads)

Quote:

Have you ever piggybacked a scope using the Teegul? I've seen setups with counterweights but somehow I think I would prefer a dual mount setup along the lines of the EzTouch, Giro, etc.

Hi Dennis,

Yes I have and have found it to work quite well. Obviously it moves the CG away from the azimuth axis of the mount and as you would expect this somewhat increases damping time but not unduely so. The Teegul itself, however, is very solid and this does not appear to place undue strain on either of the bearings or affect the slo-mo controls.

Also, when I originally did this I was a bit concerned that moving the CG out would compromise the stability (tipping)of the tripod, however I did not find this to be a problem. Using this on an SV Stablelock (very heavy and solid) created a very stable platform and tipping was not an issue.

I've also considered building a counterweight contraption but so far have just not gotten around to it. Maybe I need a new project!

Here's a pic of an Orion 110ED with an AT80LE CF riding sidesaddle.

Post Extras:

DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Phil Frederick]
#3046324 - 04/15/09 11:51 PM

Quote:

I've also considered building a counterweight contraption but so far have just not gotten around to it. Maybe I need a new project!

Phil, you already have a pretty good counterweight. It's just made of glass. Put a couple of big Naglers/Panoptics on it and I think you're good to go.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Phil Frederick]
#3046368 - 04/16/09 12:18 AM

That's a very impressive setup.

Post Extras:

Phil Frederick
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 12/19/05

Loc: Seattle, WA & La Paz MX

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3046408 - 04/16/09 01:01 AM

Thanks guys. Appreciate the kudos.

Yes, the EP tray helps but is not a total solution. I'd really like to develop a good counterweight system for the Teegul besides (or in addition to) the EP tray that's easy to install, effective and affordable. Just haven't had the time or inclination--maybe this discussion will help. Then, there's gotta be a bunch of Teegul owners out there that have come up with something???? How 'bout it???

But then we should probably move this to another thread--sorry Starlighter, I'm sure none of us meant to hijack your thread.

Phil

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Phil Frederick]
#3046431 - 04/16/09 01:24 AM

You didn't hijack it. On the contrary, you all helped me forget the problems I had with the MG mount which I shipped back to SV.

As for the Teegul, I hardly see it listed anywhere for sale new. Is it still something Takahashi manufactures? Also, I noticed your Teegul is black. I've only seen it in Tak green. Did you repaint it?

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: skyjim]
#3046434 - 04/16/09 01:27 AM

It's my understanding that United Optics has marketed the dual head version outside the US. Vic told me over the phone that it's "junk." Well, after seeing what was shipped to me......

Post Extras:

DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3046526 - 04/16/09 04:29 AM

Starlighter, last time I looked you can order in black as well.

Post Extras:

DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Phil Frederick]
#3046528 - 04/16/09 04:32 AM

Quote:

...I'd really like to develop a good counterweight system for the Teegul besides (or in addition to) the EP tray that's easy to install, effective and affordable. Just haven't had the time or inclination--maybe this discussion will help. Then, there's gotta be a bunch of Teegul owners out there that have come up with something???? How 'bout it???

Phil, take a look on Amart at Classified Ad #240866.

Post Extras:

Phil Frederick
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 12/19/05

Loc: Seattle, WA & La Paz MX

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: DennisF]
#3046984 - 04/16/09 11:55 AM

Thanks Dennis for the tip on the AM ad. That's exactly what I had in mind--just need to adapt the idea to accommodate the EP tray.

And Starlighter, I know that Anacortes and Optcorp both carry the Teegul. I think Texas Nautical as well. The only issue is whether they are in stock. And yes, Tak makes it in both Black (my fav

) and Tak Green. And they do come up periodically on AM--I just sold one of my four last week!

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Phil Frederick]
#3047035 - 04/16/09 12:30 PM

I checked with OPT and they don't have what's called a Teegul. They do sell the Takahashi TG-LMLT Lapides Modified Alt-Az Mount in green. It comes with a tripod although I don't know which one. It reads: "We're sorry... But manufacturer specifications are currently unavailable for this product." It runs $799. They also say it's drop shipped, but don't say from where. Anyone have one who can post a photo showing what tripod is included?

Post Extras:

Clive Gibbons
Mostly Harmless

Reged: 05/26/05

Loc: Oort Cloud

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3047050 - 04/16/09 12:47 PM

Anybody seen or tried out the Sky-Watcher HDAZ mount?

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Clive Gibbons]
#3047064 - 04/16/09 12:59 PM Attachment (48 downloads)

I bought one under the Orion brand. I had to ship it back. It lacked proper tension. When I changed out a heavy eyepiece, the scope wanted to pitch forward. I called up Orion and they admitted to me that the tension knob won't work to completely lock off the mount. Balance with this mount is critical. Mounting two scopes at once and then changing out an eyepiece became a nerve-wracking experience. It's really a shame since the mount looked great, was built well. Had the lack of tension not been an issue, I'd have kept it and not gone through the problems with the MG mount.

I called up OPT and talked to a salesman about the Tak Lapides AZ mount. He claimed it's rated to about 12 lbs. He also said the tripod looks like a camera tripod.

Here's a photo of the Orion version:

Post Extras:

rick rian
Seeker of Truth(s)

Reged: 08/03/04

Loc: Upper Mid West

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3047075 - 04/16/09 01:05 PM

Hi Starlighter,

Have you tried these guys yet? Link

I think this is what you're looking for ...

Post Extras:

Clive Gibbons
Mostly Harmless

Reged: 05/26/05

Loc: Oort Cloud

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3047089 - 04/16/09 01:14 PM

Quote:

I bought one under the Orion brand. I had to ship it back. It lacked proper tension. When I changed out a heavy eyepiece, the scope wanted to pitch forward. I called up Orion and they admitted to me that the tension knob won't work to completely lock off the mount.

Thanks for the info, Sir!

If only they could resolve that tension adjust issue...

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Clive Gibbons]
#3047105 - 04/16/09 01:23 PM

It's really a shame. That was the Achilles Heel of the mount. I did find that when I mounted my Meade 80mm all by itself and then properly balanced it, the mount was superb. I could move the scope in any direction just by lightly pushing the diagonal with a single finger. When I stopped, it stopped. Very fluid.

And the people at Orion were great. They understood my problem and allowed me to send it back to them for a full refund. I bought it when they had heavily discounted it. They even promised that if I ever want to buy another, they'll provide me with the same discount. Can't ask for much more when it comes to customer service.

The problem is how the tension knobs work. I've been told that improvements are on the way. If they do fix this problem, I'll get another one.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: rick rian]
#3047127 - 04/16/09 01:32 PM Attachment (56 downloads)

Quote:

Hi Starlighter,

Have you tried these guys yet? Link

I think this is what you're looking for ...

Well, first, it's not available. I checked it out months ago it it read the same, that it's backordered. Second, the salesman I just spoke with at OPT told me these Tak AZ mounts are not designed for heavy loads. Plus at nearly a grand just for the head, it's way out of the ballpark of my budget.

The Orion was able to handle my longest as well as heaviest scope which is the C4-R which now sports a Moonlite focuser plus two finders. I carried it so well that I saw hardly any vibration.

I really miss that mount. Oh well....

Post Extras:

DennisF
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/03/06

Loc: Northern IL

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3047967 - 04/16/09 09:22 PM

Quote:

I checked with OPT and they don't have what's called a Teegul. They do sell the Takahashi TG-LMLT Lapides Modified Alt-Az Mount in green. It comes with a tripod although I don't know which one. It reads: "We're sorry... But manufacturer specifications are currently unavailable for this product." It runs $799. They also say it's drop shipped, but don't say from where. Anyone have one who can post a photo showing what tripod is included?

Starlighter,

That's the modified Lapides Teegul. Can't help you on the tripod although I seem to remember seeing a photo somewhere. Had aluminum legs.

Teegul #1

Teegul #2

Teegul #3

Texas Nautical is the authorized distributor. I think both Anacortes & OPT have them ship direct. You might also note the Texas has the green Teegul listed for @100 more-this comes with the Vixen type saddle bracket which I bought from Anacortes for $95, shipped.

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3047981 - 04/16/09 09:31 PM Attachment (54 downloads)

I decided to email Orion technical support regarding the tension issue I had with their SkyView AZ mount. Here's their reply:

Thank you for providing valuable feedback regarding your recent return to Orion Telescopes and Binoculars. We have identified a manufacturing issue on the SkyView Pro AZ Mount that caused the mount to slip when changing accessories such as eyepieces or finder scopes. We have addressed this issue in all current inventory and have notified the supplier for shipments moving forward. I would like to take this opportunity to offer additional information regarding the product. The Altitude Tension knob was not designed to lock down the altitude axis of the mount. The improvement allows the necessary tension to change accessories; even at maximum payload without slippage. However, it is critical that your payload be properly balanced for best results. I appreciate your interest in our products and hope you would reconsider the SkyView Pro AZ mount in the future. I would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Richard Rothhouse

Orion Technical Support Lead

So, think I should try another? With the exception of the tension issue, this mount has it all over the far more expensive SV MG mount.

Post Extras:

rick rian
Seeker of Truth(s)

Reged: 08/03/04

Loc: Upper Mid West

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3048017 - 04/16/09 10:02 PM

Very tempting, if it doesn't work out you can return it.

Go for it!

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Stellarvue MG mount new

[Re: rick rian]
#3048081 - 04/16/09 10:39 PM

By the way, notice it has an 'N' on one of the legs as if marking north is important with an AZ mount. Same story with the SkyWatcher AZ mount. I get the feeling both companies took the tubular steel tripod right off an EQ mount.

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