Jim7728
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Reged: 04/10/05
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
#2865735 - 01/14/09 10:58 PM
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Currently on sale.
Orion TeleTrack GoTo Altazimuth
Might be a fun mount for my TV-60 and 76. The 15lb weight rating seems a bit optimistic, but it can be mounted on any tripod with a 3/8" threaded post. I don't think the TV-60 will give it any trouble, but the TV-76 can weigh over 10lbs depending on accessories. I'll have it mounted on a Oberwerk wooden tripod or Bogan 3026 as the tripod that comes with it looks a bit lightweight in build.
Anybody using this new goto offering and do you think it can handle a TV-76?
Thanks in advance! 
Bueller? ...Bueller?
Edited by Jim7728 (01/15/09 07:22 AM)
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Luigi
Postmaster
Reged: 07/03/07
Loc: MA
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Jim7728]
#2866214 - 01/15/09 08:50 AM Attachment (65 downloads)
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I got a Celestron 60SLT for $270, kept the mount and tossed the 60mm refractor. I believe these are superior to the Teletrack. Here'a pic of the SLT mount with my Lunt solar scope.
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Doug76
Long Achro Junkie
Reged: 12/05/07
Loc: Refractor Heaven
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Luigi]
#2866346 - 01/15/09 10:20 AM
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Actually it's about the same as the TeleTrack, but the curved form makes your Celestron mount better to use.
The TeleTrack will easily carry the 60mm, but as you think, not the 76mm. The 15lb rating is overblown. I had a 12" long AT66ED which, with accessories, weighed about 5lbs, and mine carried it fine. Tried to put a C5 variant (Omni XLT127) on it, at 8lbs with accessories, and it complained.
Maybe they beefed it up some when they converted it to GOTO, but somehow I doubt it.
And lastly, the supplied tripod is terrible. Very light and weak.
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m2434
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/01/09
Loc: on the road
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Doug76]
#2866367 - 01/15/09 10:32 AM
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The teletrack is limited to objects 60deg above the horizon. That seems somewhat useless IMO...
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Arctic_Eddie
Post Laureate
Reged: 12/30/07
Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: m2434]
#2866388 - 01/15/09 10:39 AM
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The mount is ok for light scopes, <6 lbs, but the tripod is really wiggly in azimuth. I replaced mine with a Berger surveyors tripod and now it's really nice. I have only the original mount so can't comment on the goto part. The tracking seems adequate though. I have a Celestron C90 spotting scope mounted.
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Doug76
Long Achro Junkie
Reged: 12/05/07
Loc: Refractor Heaven
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: m2434]
#2866405 - 01/15/09 10:49 AM
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Quote:
The teletrack is limited to objects 60deg above the horizon. That seems somewhat useless IMO...
That was for tracking, and that was the old non-GOTO version.
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Doug76
Long Achro Junkie
Reged: 12/05/07
Loc: Refractor Heaven
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Doug76]
#2866428 - 01/15/09 11:02 AM
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Ok, I just looked over the PDF manual for this new TeleTrack.
Weight limit is 9lbs. And it is still limited to -15deg to +60deg for tracking, although you can use it manually by push button above 60deg. Think I'd have to recommend the SLT mount over this one after all.
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m2434
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/01/09
Loc: on the road
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Doug76]
#2866449 - 01/15/09 11:15 AM
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hmm. in the manual it says "Altitude slew limits: +60° to -15° (default)".
it is not clear why it is a default or by how much if any it could be changed.
I remember I looked into the none go-to version and tech support warned that it could not go over 60deg. As far as I can tell, mechanically it doesn't look redesigned.
Are you saying that you have used this past 60deg without issue?
Also, as to the 15lb weight limit:
In the manual it says
"The TeleTrack AZ-G Altazimuth GoTo Mount is designed for small telescopes, spotting scopes and cameras. The weight of the instrument supported by the mount should not exceed 9 lbs. The mount will also
work best with short tube optical systems no longer than 15" (380mm)."
Then in the description in the link provided by the OP, it says:
"The affordable TeleTrack AZ-G is an ultra-portable GoTo mount designed for telescopes weighing less than 10 lbs."
Then in the product specs it says:
Weight rating: 15lbs
LOL again maybe I'm missing something here?
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m2434
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/01/09
Loc: on the road
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: m2434]
#2866450 - 01/15/09 11:16 AM
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oops, sorry, I was writing my post while you where posting...
Edited by m2434 (01/15/09 11:16 AM)
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Arctic_Eddie
Post Laureate
Reged: 12/30/07
Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: m2434]
#2866670 - 01/15/09 12:56 PM
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My TT1 will manual slew via the HC up to 90 deg and beyond. The auto tracking stops at 60 deg.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Loc: Sunny California
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: m2434]
#2866970 - 01/15/09 03:21 PM
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Just looking at the photo of it in the Orion catalogue, it doesn't appear to have enough bottom clearance to go past 60 degrees. I agree that it makes it pretty much useless.
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Jim7728
Postmaster
Reged: 04/10/05
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Starlighter]
#2867275 - 01/15/09 05:34 PM
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Thanks all! 
I think I'll pass on this offering as I cannot justify buying a mount suitable for only one of my scopes. 
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Michael Miles
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/11/05
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Starlighter]
#2867330 - 01/15/09 05:59 PM
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Quote:
Just looking at the photo of it in the Orion catalogue, it doesn't appear to have enough bottom clearance to go past 60 degrees. I agree that it makes it pretty much useless.
The unit will point higher than 60 degrees, but I don't know if it will track. All you have to do is turn the dovetail mount upside down ( a counterweight would help too). I've got a link with all the things I did to make the original (non-goto) unit more usable here:
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1763566/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1/vc/1
The 50mm finder with a digital slr is a nice combo with this mount. I also rigged a RA circle and use Astromist on my pocket PC to do push-to's.
All alt-az mounts have a hole near zenith due to near-infinite drive rates in azimuth, and I'm not sure how big the Celestron hole is.
Have fun,
Michael
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Doug76
Long Achro Junkie
Reged: 12/05/07
Loc: Refractor Heaven
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Arctic_Eddie]
#2867774 - 01/15/09 09:18 PM
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Quote:
My TT1 will manual slew via the HC up to 90 deg and beyond. The auto tracking stops at 60 deg.
Exactly what mine did.
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Doug76
Long Achro Junkie
Reged: 12/05/07
Loc: Refractor Heaven
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Starlighter]
#2867781 - 01/15/09 09:20 PM
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Quote:
Just looking at the photo of it in the Orion catalogue, it doesn't appear to have enough bottom clearance to go past 60 degrees. I agree that it makes it pretty much useless.
Nope, my AT66ED would clear it okay, if you used the L-bracket, and I suspect a 90mm Mak would too. Not much of anything else, though.
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Luigi
Postmaster
Reged: 07/03/07
Loc: MA
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Doug76]
#2868336 - 01/16/09 08:08 AM
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>>>Maybe they beefed it (SLT) up some when they converted it to GOTO, but somehow I doubt it. And lastly, the supplied tripod is terrible. Very light and weak.<<<
The mount itself if very solid and track very well with my 6+ lb Lunt solar scope. The arm and az hub are cast aluminum, use roler thrust bearings, and the main alt and az gears are 3" dia aluminum. I agree the tripod is the weak link. Set short, it works well enought but extended to full length it is too wobbly. Either way, I believe it to be superior to the Teletrack or Cube.
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Michael Miles
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/11/05
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Luigi]
#2868469 - 01/16/09 09:58 AM
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Hi Luigi:
I checked, and the Celestron has a dovetail mount, so it sounds like a better option (save the 60mm as a guidescope). Do you know if this mount can be used in equatorial mode? It looks like the drive unit fits into some sort of socket in the tripod, but there is a tightening screw in the center of the tripod. Do you know if the screw is a standard size (usually 3/8", or 10mm)? Do you think the mount could be used on another tripod with the proper attaching screw?
Michael
Edited by Michael Miles (01/16/09 10:25 AM)
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Luigi
Postmaster
Reged: 07/03/07
Loc: MA
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Michael Miles]
#2868940 - 01/16/09 12:49 PM Attachment (43 downloads)
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Yep, it takes a standard vixen style dovetail. The az body fits into the top of the tripod head and is held in with a screw. I imagine that with some ingenuity you could rig up a wedge to run it polar mode. The only reason I can think of for using it in polar alignment would be for long exposure AP, but this isn't really a mount suited to this use, except perhaps for standard camera photos. (equivalent to a 35-80mm lens on a 35mm camera). For short exposure solar system photos polar alignmnet isn't necessary.
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Michael Miles
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/11/05
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Luigi]
#2874843 - 01/19/09 10:07 AM
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Quote:
... I imagine that with some ingenuity you could rig up a wedge to run it polar mode..., but this isn't really a mount suited to this use...
After thinking about it, I agree with you for a variety of reasons. The combination of balance, clearance, and moment arm loading the ALT bearing would probably not make it suitable for polar setup. I was hoping to make it by the telescope store this weekend to look at one, but didn't have the time. Maybe next weekend...
Michael
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Michael Miles
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/11/05
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Luigi]
#2991049 - 03/18/09 04:34 PM
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Quote:
I got a Celestron 60SLT for $270, kept the mount and tossed the 60mm refractor. I believe these are superior to the Teletrack. ...
OK, I bought one, but it will be this weekend before I can try it out due to my film project.
We'll see how it does,
Michael
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mischief
super member
Reged: 04/26/08
Loc: Northern California
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Michael Miles]
#2991189 - 03/18/09 06:07 PM
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Well, I purchase the Orion TeleTrack GoTo but haven't tried it yet. Now i think I am sorry I did from all the comments here. I thought a GoTo mount would be nice to use where there is a lot of light pollution (which I have) but maybe not this one. Think I'll have to keep it tho unless I can sell it. I originally didn't want a GoTo mount, but then when I saw this in their catalog thought it might be nice. I know the non GoTo only slewed to 60º but I thought the GoTo model went higher. Oh, well. morale is always check the CN forums before buying anything. 
Dorothy
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Sardaan
member
Reged: 01/04/09
Loc: Orlando, FL
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: mischief]
#2992331 - 03/19/09 10:39 AM
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I just picked up a Stellarvue AT1010N, can the 60SLT mount be used for this scope? From what I can tell the 60SLT and 80SLT use the same mount, but I would like to verify before I order the cheaper of the two options.
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Luigi
Postmaster
Reged: 07/03/07
Loc: MA
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Sardaan]
#2992423 - 03/19/09 11:53 AM Attachment (40 downloads)
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I use a 60SLT mount for my Lunt solar scope. The mount has the standard vixen style saddle.
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astroN00B
sage
Reged: 10/21/06
Loc: Bakersfield, CA
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Luigi]
#2995403 - 03/21/09 12:51 AM Attachment (37 downloads)
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The 60SLT mount seems similar to the Meade DS-2000 mount, which I use with an ATM 100mm f/5. The glass and 2" synta focuser are the heaviest parts of the scope, and it measures 20" long without dew shield but diagonal attached and racked out to focus. The mount doesn't strain but I feel this is close to the limit of the DS-2000. No problems at azimuth. Added wood legs for dampening and have been very happy. I know this isn't the same equipment that has been discussed here, but I thought my experience could help... somehow... and DS-2000s are frequently for sale on AM.
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Jim7728
Postmaster
Reged: 04/10/05
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: mischief]
#2996176 - 03/21/09 12:42 PM
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Quote:
Well, I purchase the Orion TeleTrack GoTo but haven't tried it yet
Dorothy,
Now that you have it, might as well use it. May still be a nice mount for your Lunt scope. I thought there was a way around the 60 degree limit but forgot how and where I read it.
I'am still interested in that setup or something similar now that I have my TV-60 setup for Ha views and desire push free tracking. 
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Jim7728
Postmaster
Reged: 04/10/05
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Jim7728]
#2996220 - 03/21/09 01:00 PM
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Kinda liking this one for solar tracking.
Sky-Watcher MultiFunction Mount
Though goto would be nice, this is priced right for me and can be mounted on my Oberwerk wood tripod.
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mischief
super member
Reged: 04/26/08
Loc: Northern California
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Jim7728]
#2996967 - 03/21/09 07:28 PM
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Hi, Jim,
I will use the TeleTrack GoTo now that I have it. I don't know if I'll use it with the Lunt. The Voyager is so easy to move with the slow motion controls; I had no trouble keeping the sun in the eyepiece (focussing is something else, but that isn't the problem of the mount, just me). Since the sun is high in the sky now before I can get set up to observe, the 60 degree limit on the TeleTrack might be a problem, but as I said,the Voyager works fine. At least so far.
I should be able to use the TeleTrack with the Orion ST80 and probably the Vixen; the ST 80 is a little more than 3 lbs and the Vixen around 4+. I'll try them. The main reason I wanted a GoTo mount was to be able to find things when dealing with the amount of light pollution I have.
Do you have a filter for your H alpha viewing?
Luigi, I'm glad you have a rescue dog; I adopted a dog from a local shelter and she is great.
Dorothy  
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Jim7728
Postmaster
Reged: 04/10/05
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: mischief]
#2997078 - 03/21/09 08:32 PM
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Hi Dorothy
I did not not notice the AT Voyager in your signature .
Quote:
Do you have a filter for your H alpha viewing?
I'am using a PSM-40 leftover from when it used for doublestacking a PST. Works well with the 5mm blocking filter. Would like to get a 50 or 60mm Lunt setup someday.
Do let us know how the Orion Teletrack works out for you.
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mischief
super member
Reged: 04/26/08
Loc: Northern California
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Jim7728]
#3002770 - 03/24/09 07:13 PM
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Hi, Jim,
I do have the AT Voyager in my signature; maybe it wasn't there when you read my post; I just added some signature items.
As you can see, I have a Lunt 60T H alpha B600. There is a Yahoo forum for these scopes. Right now it seems as tho Lunt is coming out with or already has an improved etalon version which is more expensive but better. If you are serious about getting one, order now because there is about at least a 6 month delay. They have been working 7 days a week trying to get them out but orders are coming in fast and furious. The AT Voyager works well with the Lunt.
I am going to set the ST 80 up on the Teletrack soon; maybe tonight and mess around. Have to look to the east because trees block my vision in all the other directions. I think there are some double stars up in the east; don't know if the ST 80 can resolve them, but I'll try.
Thanks for your comments;
Dorothy 
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mischief
super member
Reged: 04/26/08
Loc: Northern California
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Re: Orion TeleTrack GoTo ?
[Re: Michael Miles]
#3008380 - 03/27/09 05:01 PM
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Concerning the altitude slew limit. I read the manual again more carefully. The +60º to -15º is the default setting. However you can adjust the slewing range to something else. The statement in the manual says that the slewing range depends on the length of the optical tube. The reason for slewing limit is so the OTA won't hit the tripod or mount or whatever. I think this is a fairly common restriction for all GoTo mounts.
I am going to try mine soon now; the weather is getting nice. I hope to have a report then.
Dorothy 
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