tclehman1969
super member
Reged: 05/18/10
Loc: SF Bay Area, California
|
Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
#5744335 - 03/20/13 01:39 AM
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Good evening all!
I have currently a Super C8 Plus stil in its original fork. I want to get into astro photography pretty extensively and the current mount just seems to have a bit of a jiggle that I think is in part due to its mount. Even a very slight breeze can ge the scope bouncing noticeable in an eyiece and in photos that would be devastating. So, I am looking at taking the plunge to a German equatorial mount, but there are a lot of manufacturers out there and I have questions, too. So, here we go!
Equipment I have is a C8 with a 8x50 finder. For photography I often go piggyback with wide field lenses up to my Celestron Onyx 80mm mounted in rings. The camera I use is a DSLR. Max equipment load from this I would guess would be about 30 lbs. so a mount that can support at least 30 lbs would be good.
I don't observe from a fixed location, so portability is a requirement. I like to get my current scope up to the mountains whenever possible, and it can be a bit bulky, but doable.
Auto guiding options. I know Orion has a system, but looks like it requires a laptop to drive it. Is there an option that is standalone? In other words, "talks" to the mount directly? I saw the Celestron guider which does this, but does it work with mounts from other manufacturers?
My initial uneducated instincts tell me either the Orion Atlas EQ-G or the Celestron CGEM could be the way to go. But, from what I have read so far, the Orion mount wins for the drive, but Celestron wins for guiding.
Anybody have any thoughts on this?
Thanks!
|
Mike X.
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/28/10
Loc: Greece-Athens and Rome-Italy
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: tclehman1969]
#5744496 - 03/20/13 04:35 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Hello tclehman,
I don't know about guiding and CGEM.I mean if it actually wins or not over Atlas.
most probably the two mounts are virtually equivalent.
I guess till Celestron comes out with a fix for the cogging issue reported by many users on the CGEM..the Orion option, at least psycologically is the safest one.
Edited by Mike X. (03/20/13 04:37 AM)
|
orlyandico
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/10/09
Loc: Singapore
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: Mike X.]
#5744542 - 03/20/13 06:23 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
the Atlas also doesn't have the 8/3 gearbox harmonic of the CGEM.
|
RogerRZ
Whatta you lookin' at?
Reged: 01/09/06
Loc: West Collette, NB, Canada
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: orlyandico]
#5744551 - 03/20/13 06:43 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Quote:
the Atlas also doesn't have the 8/3 gearbox harmonic of the CGEM.
It also works very well with eqmod, if you don't mind being tethered to a PC...
|
tclehman1969
super member
Reged: 05/18/10
Loc: SF Bay Area, California
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: orlyandico]
#5744762 - 03/20/13 09:49 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Forgive me, 8/3 harmonics?
|
tclehman1969
super member
Reged: 05/18/10
Loc: SF Bay Area, California
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: RogerRZ]
#5744777 - 03/20/13 09:56 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
I read about EQMod, but when out in the field, I don't want to be tethered to a laptop. Looks like Celestron has a guider that runs without a laptop, curious if there are others that can, too. And if there are, what mounts will they work on?
|
Mkofski
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/19/11
Loc: Greenfield, Indiana, USA
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: tclehman1969]
#5744784 - 03/20/13 10:01 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
If portability is a requirement you May want to look at the ioptron's iEQ45 or maybe the 30.
|
jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more
Reged: 04/30/03
Loc: NE Ohio
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: tclehman1969]
#5744788 - 03/20/13 10:03 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Quote:
Looks like Celestron has a guider that runs without a laptop, curious if there are others that can, too. And if there are, what mounts will they work on?
There are others currently available (SBIG SG-4 is an example), and quite a few available only second hand (Meade 201XT, 208XT, 216XT, SBIG ST-4, STV). All are compatible with any mount having an autoguide port. That includes most available mounts.
|
orlyandico
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/10/09
Loc: Singapore
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: jrcrilly]
#5744792 - 03/20/13 10:06 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
the celestron nexguide can't do subpixel guiding though. you need an SBIG SG-4, Lacerta MGEN, or similar.
the 8/3 harmonic is an irrational (8/3 = 2.66666667) periodic error that can't be removed by periodic error correction.
|
jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more
Reged: 04/30/03
Loc: NE Ohio
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: orlyandico]
#5744797 - 03/20/13 10:11 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Quote:
the celestron nexguide can't do subpixel guiding though. you need an SBIG SG-4, Lacerta MGEN, or similar.
That's an important issue if guiding with a separate guidescope of short focal length. It's not, if using an off-axis guider. Personally, I wouldn't consider imaging through an SCT without an OAG for many reasons.
|
orlyandico
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/10/09
Loc: Singapore
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: jrcrilly]
#5744811 - 03/20/13 10:22 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
John, i know someone with a nexguide and OAG. the sensitivity of the chip is poor, it has trouble getting guide stars. with a CGEM or EQ6 class mount it might not be possible to use 4+ second guide exposures.
|
Ed Wiley
professor emeritus
Reged: 05/18/05
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: orlyandico]
#5744853 - 03/20/13 10:49 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Losmandy G11 works well for me. Transportable, stable, good tracking.
Ed
|
jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more
Reged: 04/30/03
Loc: NE Ohio
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: orlyandico]
#5744892 - 03/20/13 11:11 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Quote:
John, i know someone with a nexguide and OAG. the sensitivity of the chip is poor, it has trouble getting guide stars.
That would be a real problem with an OAG!
|
Wmacky
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/24/07
Loc: Florida
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: jrcrilly]
#5744927 - 03/20/13 11:33 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
My advice?
For astrophotography, I would recommend the Atlas EQ6. If your looking for better, and have more funds, the next mount you should consider is the AP Mach One. That's a big jump, but my current thinking eliminates all Mid range mounts as viable options. Anything more expensive than the EQ6 is to much risk unless getting AP quality.
Therefore -
Start with a EQ-6
Then
Start saving for a Mach One!
|
orlyandico
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/10/09
Loc: Singapore
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: Wmacky]
#5745039 - 03/20/13 12:22 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
+1 ^
I could have saved a lot of cash if I had followed the above advice.
There is a bit of upgrading you can do to an EQ6 - buy an Aeroquest worm for it, or if you are feeling flush, buy a matched Aeroquest worm and ring gear for the RA. Still under $500 additional.
|
Whichwayisnorth
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/04/11
Loc: Southern California
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: orlyandico]
#5745058 - 03/20/13 12:33 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Why does your ota weigh so much?
I'd go cheap. Get a focal reducer for you OTA. Get a orion mini autoguider package (doesn't weigh much at all) and get the Celestron advanced VX mount.
|
Lane
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/19/07
Loc: Frisco, Texas
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: Whichwayisnorth]
#5745941 - 03/20/13 06:50 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Here is what a Hypertuned Atlas can do.
|
shams42
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/05/09
Loc: Kingsport, TN
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: Lane]
#5746408 - 03/20/13 10:06 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Good advice but I would also add the Takahashi EM-200 or NJP if you can find either of those used. They are equal to the Mach 1 in quality, with the EM-200 having less capacity and the NJP having substantially more.
So yeah, I totally agree that your options are:
1) Atlas
or
2) Mach 1 / EM-200 / NJP
|
Raginar
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/19/10
Loc: Rapid CIty, SD
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: shams42]
#5746444 - 03/20/13 10:16 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
+1 G11.
|
andysea
sage
Reged: 09/03/10
Loc: Seattle, WA
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: shams42]
#5746467 - 03/20/13 10:24 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
I can't say bad things about my NJP, however it seems that Takahashi mounts are a little outdated when compared to what the more modern mounts can do. Of course there is something to be said about the simplicity and top notch craftsmanship of Takahashi products.
|
orlyandico
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/10/09
Loc: Singapore
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: andysea]
#5746626 - 03/20/13 11:42 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
-1 EM200
Used NJPs come very close to the price of used EM200's and frankly a new EM200 is a bad deal at close to the price of a Mach1, no GoTo from the handset, and no PEC.
The NJP doesn't really need PEC due to the sub-5" (often sub-3") periodic error. But the EM200 is only guaranteed to +- 7" I believe (so 15" p-p).
|
tclehman1969
super member
Reged: 05/18/10
Loc: SF Bay Area, California
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: orlyandico]
#5746695 - 03/21/13 12:23 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Out of curiosity, what is involved in hyper tuning a mount?
Seems like I'm leaning toward the Atlas mount based on comments here and other things I've seen online. So much to think about, particularly as it pertains to the guiding system.
|
FaronD
super member
Reged: 03/25/10
Loc: Richmond Hill, Ontario
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: orlyandico]
#5746743 - 03/21/13 01:07 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Yes there is room for upgrading the EQ6, especially with the tripod. I added a TPI spreader and battery tray to mine and it made the setup rock solid.
Faron
Quote:
+1 ^
I could have saved a lot of cash if I had followed the above advice.
There is a bit of upgrading you can do to an EQ6 - buy an Aeroquest worm for it, or if you are feeling flush, buy a matched Aeroquest worm and ring gear for the RA. Still under $500 additional.
|
FaronD
super member
Reged: 03/25/10
Loc: Richmond Hill, Ontario
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: tclehman1969]
#5746768 - 03/21/13 01:21 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Quote:
Out of curiosity, what is involved in hyper tuning a mount?
You don't necessarily have to hypertune the EQ6. My first one needed it, my second one was excellent out of the box. However, I did adjust the gears twice a year for the temp extremes. I did the same with my Mach 1 this winter, the procedure is quite simple and speedy with that mount. I'm sure many owners of the EQ6 don't make any adjustments at all and are quite happy with it.
Faron
|
neilson
sage
Reged: 08/22/10
Loc: outside Pleasanton, Texas
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: FaronD]
#5747975 - 03/21/13 04:22 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Hi,
Go with the EQ-6, Their pretty good right out of the box. Unless you want to spend big bucks then get the Mach-1.
Neilson
|
AZBleyle
member
Reged: 09/23/11
Loc: Avondale, Arizona
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: tclehman1969]
#5748376 - 03/21/13 07:33 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Quote:
Out of curiosity, what is involved in hyper tuning a mount?
I had some similar issues with my CG-5 couple years back. You can pretty much do it yourself if your inclined. Here's a link to a hypertuning site.
Basically, they rebuild your mount head bearings and replace grease, etc. If your so inclined you can do it yourself. On my old CG-5 I did it myself. What really helped was getting rid of all the sticky grease and replace with high grade synthetic grease. I also removed any metal burrs and cleaned up the gears/bearings. The big thing is the configuring of the worm gear meshing and backlash adjustments in RA and DEC. Once I did this, the mount tracked much better than when it was new.
|
Orionis91
sage
Reged: 03/01/10
Loc: Maryland USA
|
Re: Advice Requested -- What type mount to get
[Re: AZBleyle]
#5748433 - 03/21/13 08:09 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Get the AVX
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
