Telescope Reviews: Skyscout impression and my mounting options search

I got a "used" Skyscout from a fella on Craigslist for $210 just before Celestron dropped its price to $199 (DOH!). I absolutely love it!

Right after I got it, I immediately installed the update software and updated both the software and the firmware. The next evening, I tried it out at a local park and drew attention of people at a party there. They were all really amazed at its functionalities. I was very impressed with its accuracy.

In any case, I read through the threads here, and thought I'd share some of my thoughts on mounting this on a scope as I am very interested in mounting my SS onto my TV-85.

I read about the ferrous metal inteference. The best way to check for it is to use a fridge magnet and try to if it sticks to any part of your scope. I tried it on my C8, TV-85, and Orion Intelliscope 10 and found that there were VERY few parts where there may be some bit of ferrous metal. For the TV-85, the mount handle is the primary culprit. However, the Skyscout did not complain (it will give you a warning on the screen) when I place it directly on top of the OTA and try to aim the scope. This lead me to believe that I can mount it on this fairly portable scope. I guess the point here is that try checking your scope out with a magnet before getting all worked up about it.

In my search, I found these:

1. TV Piggy-Cam - $65
2. Scope Scout - $79
3. Baader Witty Mount - ~$100, only available in Europe
4. Meade piggy-back ring for camera
5. Celestron Skyscout Scope

The TV Piggy-Cam looks like it may work though I am not sure if I can adjust the align the Skyscout with the scope. The Scope Scout needs a dovetail base, which I will have to get in addition to the mount, more spending. The Witty mount is also dovetail and I'll have to purchase from Europe, which I don't really want to do. The Meade ring is simply not adjustable and the ring may be to tight. One thing I really want to do is to see if Celestron will come out with a mount that work with existing scopes. I even considered buying the SS Scope, take the mount and re-sell the scope! I may ask my friend's grandfather to build something. It looks rediculously simple to build, yet no one seem to want to get into the market.

I guess there isn't an immediate solution, but I thought I'd share what I considered. I'd appreciate suggestions if you have any.

Al

PS: I also am planning on getting the Skyscout connect for my Nexstar 6 mount (where I mount my C8 OTA). It looks like it will be a GREAT way to add GPS functionality to it.