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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts
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Timber
professor emeritus


Reged: 11/08/08

Loc: SW foothills of Mt. St. Helens
Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to....
      #2982674 - 03/14/09 12:08 AM
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I need some education on comparing Parallax Instrument HD150C and HD200C mounts and other high end mounts like Astro-Physics 900 and 1200, Paramount ME, Takahashi EM400 and EM500.

What is the conventional wisdom on these mounts?

Do you happen to have one and what are your comments?

If you could have any of them what would be your choice and why?

TIA, Richard

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MDearingJaxFL
Astronomicus
*****

Reged: 08/28/04

Loc: Florida
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: Timber]
      #2982707 - 03/14/09 12:24 AM Attachment (73 downloads)
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I have a Parallax HD200C, and I love it. Same motors and goto system as the AP's but with Byer's Starmaster 11.4" RA and DEC gearing(the best!). My one dislike is that the knobs on the alt adjuster are too small. Not quite the fit and finish as an AP1200. Rock solid. Read the review of some Parallax models (150 and 250) on CN; note the excellent raw PE figures.

:>) mark

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Strgazr27

****

Reged: 10/04/04

Loc: StonyHill Observatory
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: MDearingJaxFL]
      #2982715 - 03/14/09 12:29 AM
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A work of art Mark!

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MDearingJaxFL
Astronomicus
*****

Reged: 08/28/04

Loc: Florida
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: MDearingJaxFL]
      #2982720 - 03/14/09 12:33 AM Attachment (67 downloads)
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another

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Dr Morbius
Post Laureate


Reged: 02/06/07

Loc: ManorvilleNY-but not for long
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: MDearingJaxFL]
      #2982725 - 03/14/09 12:36 AM
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I have the Parallax HD150C that's in his shop now getting checked out - it was used. This is solid as Gibraltar. And Joe at Parallax is great for answering any questions you might have.

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MDearingJaxFL
Astronomicus
*****

Reged: 08/28/04

Loc: Florida
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: Strgazr27]
      #2982729 - 03/14/09 12:38 AM
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she is real purdy, Bobby! Now if we can start building the roll-off up at the dark sky property.......

:>) mark

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Dr Morbius
Post Laureate


Reged: 02/06/07

Loc: ManorvilleNY-but not for long
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: Dr Morbius]
      #2982730 - 03/14/09 12:39 AM
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Oh, and he's also going to make a pier 8.5 feet tall for me also.

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MDearingJaxFL
Astronomicus
*****

Reged: 08/28/04

Loc: Florida
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: Dr Morbius]
      #2982731 - 03/14/09 12:40 AM
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Amen to your positive comment about Joe at parallax; he's been good to me with advice and fixing a minor problem with the mount.

:>) mark

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JWW
Pooh-Bah
*****

Reged: 12/12/05

Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: MDearingJaxFL]
      #2982787 - 03/14/09 01:20 AM Attachment (68 downloads)
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... you mileage may vary. Some have had different experiences. If you are indeed serious about a high-end mount, then as you know, YOU are about to make a huge investment in astro-gear. Do your homework thoroughly (note the thoroughly)! Make sure you speak with folks that have dealt with the manufacture specifically -and- not simply a friendly telephone chat or purchased a set of tube rings. Make sure they actually own the mount in question and have actually put it to use. As you know, purchasing tube rings is quite different than purchasing a $10,000+ mount. I have owned the HD-150 and currently the HD-200C. For a Lamborgini Countosh price, I would expect to get at least a Cadillac ... including cosmetically. If you purchase one used at a substantial savings, then that is a horse of a different color. Pictures can be very deceiving. Precision machining, fit/finish/paint, attention to detail, anodizing, power-coating or just paint, actual engineering, how the countershaft attaches, accuracy (as in periodic error) should all be considered in the final price.

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Timber
professor emeritus


Reged: 11/08/08

Loc: SW foothills of Mt. St. Helens
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: JWW]
      #2982830 - 03/14/09 02:05 AM
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Thanks all,

I'm sure glad I'm not thinking portable, those don't look very amenable for moving very far, even on wheeley bars.

Richard

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JWW
Pooh-Bah
*****

Reged: 12/12/05

Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: Timber]
      #2982843 - 03/14/09 02:14 AM
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Quote:

Thanks all,

I'm sure glad I'm not thinking portable, those don't look very amenable for moving very far, even on wheeley bars.




... you should try assembling the HD200C on top of a 60 inch tall pier by yourself and then install an 8 inch D&G. Oh and that isn't a 60 inch tall pier in the background either (see the image above). Did I mention that I am over 60 as well.

-JWW:

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Timber
professor emeritus


Reged: 11/08/08

Loc: SW foothills of Mt. St. Helens
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: JWW]
      #2983360 - 03/14/09 12:27 PM
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Hi James,

Youngster, I'm into my 81st.

I just got my permits to put a Dome on my rebuilt deck and I have to get a new (actually used would be better) mount. I have a Tak EM-200 and that 35# capacity gets used really quickly. All the mounts that will handle more weight are mucho dinero All the work around here is DIY so we will see how I'm able to manage all this.

By the way, that's a beautiful Astrola, you are a lucky young man

Richard

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Timber
professor emeritus


Reged: 11/08/08

Loc: SW foothills of Mt. St. Helens
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: Timber]
      #2983474 - 03/14/09 01:20 PM
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Just talked to Joe Nastasi and the 200-O parts weigh 120#, 60# and the pier another 150#, I may just have to enlist some help with this project.

Richard

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JWW
Pooh-Bah
*****

Reged: 12/12/05

Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... *DELETED* new [Re: Timber]
      #2983476 - 03/14/09 01:21 PM
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Post deleted by JWW

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DeanS
Carpal Tunnel
*****

Reged: 07/12/05

Loc: Central Kentucky
Re: Parallax Instrument Mounts, compared to.... new [Re: JWW]
      #2983720 - 03/14/09 03:32 PM
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I also looked at many the other mounts out there during my searches. Had an MI-250 which is also a fine mount.

Everyone always wants to compare the different mounts to AP or Paramounts. That told me something, that until I try an AP I would not understand, now I do.

I have talked to Joe, great guy btw, and have some of his rings, and his pier holding up my 1200. And I imagine his mounts are fine too.

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