Telescope Reviews: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85

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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85
#3101456 - 05/12/09 11:16 PM

Looking at one or the other based on grab and go.

Thanks!

Sean

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Psyire
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/24/07

Loc: 55* North

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3101469 - 05/12/09 11:22 PM

My vote: AstroTech Voyager w/ Celestron CG5 tripod (2") & a couple of Manny Myles' mods. (works very good)

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Mike Sandy
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 08/29/03

Loc: SF Bay Area, CA

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Psyire]
#3101513 - 05/12/09 11:50 PM

There are several threads discussing the Half Hitch mount right now. It may be the prefect G&G for the 3-4" class scopes. Check out the other threads.

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Al Canarelli
Post Laureate

Reged: 12/06/07

Loc: Central New Jersey

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Mike Sandy]
#3101935 - 05/13/09 08:28 AM

If you want grab and go, you want something that sets up easily and is compact and easy to move around. There is nothing that fits the bill better than an Ioptron Mini Tower. I just bought one of these and I love it! I also own a Celestron CG5 Advanced GT, which is considerably heavier than the Mini Mount...and this is why the Mini Mount excels in the grab and go department!

By the way, if you should buy a Mini Mount, consider buying it from Trapezium Telescope, as these people actually test the mount for hours before selling to you...for FREE!

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Al Canarelli]
#3101993 - 05/13/09 09:20 AM

The Half Hitch looks nice, but it almost as much as the scope. Don't think I can afford that now.

The mini looks nice too. I assume it follows the goto object allowing more freedom in viewing?

Thanks,

Sean

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antilles72
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/06/07

Loc: Rhode Island

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3102017 - 05/13/09 09:36 AM

I love my WO EZ Touch. I am sure it will handle either. The TV102 is longer than my ED80, but the weight is similar.

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wsuriano
super member

Reged: 11/13/07

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: antilles72]
#3102107 - 05/13/09 10:33 AM

The iOptron MiniTower is designed for portability. Everything except the tripod comes in metal case. You grab the case, grab the tripod and your scope and you're good to go. It is a go-to mount and its go-tos and tracking are spot on. Plus, the mount can handle 2 scopes simultaneously. I concur with the advice of buying from Trapezium.

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JimWaterford
member

Reged: 01/20/09

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: wsuriano]
#3102131 - 05/13/09 10:45 AM

I agree on the MiniTower as being a good grab and go mount for a 102mm refractor. Using the internal 8 AA batteries for power the mount operates quite long (8ish hours?). TV telescopes are a class act. Regards, Jim

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SkyscraperJim
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 07/29/07

Loc: Providence, RI

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3102169 - 05/13/09 11:01 AM

Quote:

The Half Hitch looks nice, but it almost as much as the scope. Don't think I can afford that now.

The mini looks nice too. I assume it follows the goto object allowing more freedom in viewing?

Thanks,

Sean

I also recommend the Half Hitch. If you don't think you can swing it, consider possibly going down a size on the Tele Vue by getting the TV-76, then upgrade to the -85 or -102 later on.

The Half Hitch is made right in your town, maybe you can get a hands-on look at one and try before you buy?

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: SkyscraperJim]
#3102250 - 05/13/09 11:40 AM

Yeah,

Not too far from me.

Just afraid to go see it as I might like it too much!

I like that the Mini will goto and track.

My other scope is also a tracking mount.

Is it a pain to have to keep manually tracking at high mags?

What is the control box on the half hitch?

Sean

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3102266 - 05/13/09 11:48 AM Attachment (25 downloads)

Quote:

Looking at one or the other based on grab and go.

Thanks!

Sean

I use the Portamount that I replaced the aluminum legs with wooden ones. When used with the TV-85, it's a marriage made in heaven:

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3102273 - 05/13/09 11:51 AM Attachment (33 downloads)

If you can live without slow motion controls, then consider the Orion Skyview AZ mount. Extremely stable. Once a scope (or scopes) is perfectly balanced, just a light push on the diagonal and the scope slews with ease.

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3102867 - 05/13/09 04:17 PM

I like the Orion Skyview AZ mount but would also want the slow mo controls.

Sean

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zjc26138
Loved By All

Reged: 02/24/05

Loc: Mingo Junction, Ohio

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3102877 - 05/13/09 04:21 PM

I owned one of the earlier version on the Skyview AZ mount and found that I didn't need slow-mo controls. It was very easy following objects at higher powers with my AR5 mounted on it.

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Deep13
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/25/05

Loc: NE Ohio

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: zjc26138]
#3102932 - 05/13/09 04:41 PM

Good mounts are pricey and I would not skimp. I have a TV101 and it is heavier than it looks. I have a SV Nighthawk 80mm I put on a really big camera tripod, but the 101 is just too heavy. I have a TV Gibraltar for that.

Having said that, I do not recommend the Gibraltar, at least with the TV pan head. While it tracks easily in azimuth, it is a pain to track in altitude. The alt. bearings are small and rely on adjustible friction. So either the scope will be hard to balance or else it will be too jerky to move smoothly because of the tension.

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Deep13]
#3102952 - 05/13/09 04:49 PM

Recommendations then for a TV85?

Trying to keep costs at about $500

Sean

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3103113 - 05/13/09 06:05 PM

Either the Portamount (with wooden legs) or the Orion Skyview AZ.

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zjc26138
Loved By All

Reged: 02/24/05

Loc: Mingo Junction, Ohio

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3103114 - 05/13/09 06:05 PM

With that budget in mind I would go for:

1. Astro-tech Voyager- Easily will handle the TV and if you want you can get some wooden legs from Hands on Optics. Cost: 300 for mount + 75 for new legs(if you think you need them) 375.00 with money left over to spend on whatever. Plus it has slo-mo controls

2.Orion Skyview Alt-Az. Doesn't have slo-mo controls but can handle a big scope(easily handled my AR5 fully loaded), in case you ever upgrade to a bigger apo. Its very smooth and therefore, I think, doesn't need the slo-mo cables. Price is 420.00

Hope this helps.

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: zjc26138]
#3103127 - 05/13/09 06:12 PM

I like the Astro-tech Voyager.

Thanks guys!

Sean

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Jim7728
Postmaster

Reged: 04/10/05

Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3103198 - 05/13/09 06:44 PM Attachment (24 downloads)

Quote:

Recommendations then for a TV85?

Trying to keep costs at about $500

Sean

Telepod head on a Oberwerk wooden tripod or heavy duty Bogan tripod 3026,ect.

Edited by Jim7728 (05/13/09 06:53 PM)

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Phil Frederick
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 12/19/05

Loc: Seattle, WA & La Paz MX

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3103879 - 05/14/09 01:05 AM

Quote:

Recommendations then for a TV85?

Trying to keep costs at about $500

Well, I've tried a number of alt-az mounts including the Portamount, the Voyager and the WO EZT and (ON A GOOD TRIPOD) they're ok. However, I've settled on the Tak Teegul (Lapides)--far superior and I've used these for years. They're expecially excellent on a Tak or TV Gibraltar tripod. I've used an M603 along with other larger scopes on the Teegul and it is excellent, extremely smooth and stable. The TV85 (which I now have on a Teegul) is great.

Yup, they're expensive. the only other alternatives that I can think of are the DM4/6 or the HalfHitch--REALLY expensive.

And please everyone, I'm NOT denegrating these other mounts, they're just not as good as the Teegul IMO.

Edited by Phil Frederick (05/14/09 01:08 AM)

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Phil Frederick]
#3103892 - 05/14/09 01:17 AM Attachment (44 downloads)

You should try the Orion Skyview now that they addressed the tension issue. It's an excellent mount. Very stable. It looks even better in person. It easily handles two scopes at the same time. Once I balance a scope (or scopes), just a slight push on the diagonal slews to where I wish to go. When I take my hand away, it remains there. I've just got to get used to not using slow motion controls. But I am getting pretty adept at keeping an object centered. It just takes a little practice.

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Phil Frederick
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 12/19/05

Loc: Seattle, WA & La Paz MX

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3104479 - 05/14/09 11:30 AM

Starlighter,

I've thought about getting another dual scope mount and have been considering the Giro III. I looked at the Skyview AZ at a dealer awhile back and completely nixed the idea because of the tension issue. You couldn't lock it down and you couldn't get the tension properly adjusted so you could smoothly slew and at the same time change EPs without having the scope flop.

Sounds like they've corrected this??? If so, I'd think this could be a very nice mount as it's quite stable and aesthetically it looks great. Wish they'd sell just the mount as I'd like to try it on my Gibraltar tripod.

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Phil Frederick]
#3104519 - 05/14/09 11:54 AM

Seems like a good idea as you don't have to search for the controllers in the dark.

But how much "push" ?

If you push too much at high mag yoy may keep pushing out the object.

Also, do you have the "drop" problem as mentioned above?

Sean

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3104538 - 05/14/09 12:05 PM

How about this:

iOptron CubePro GoTo Alt-Azimuth Mount

http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=439-277-12390&tb=8

Sean

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Psyire]
#3104714 - 05/14/09 01:31 PM

Quote:

My vote: AstroTech Voyager w/ Celestron CG5 tripod (2") & a couple of Manny Myles' mods. (works very good)

Can I just keep the tripod that comes with it?

Sean

Post Extras:

Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Phil Frederick]
#3104723 - 05/14/09 01:37 PM

Quote:

Starlighter,

I've thought about getting another dual scope mount and have been considering the Giro III. I looked at the Skyview AZ at a dealer awhile back and completely nixed the idea because of the tension issue. You couldn't lock it down and you couldn't get the tension properly adjusted so you could smoothly slew and at the same time change EPs without having the scope flop.

Sounds like they've corrected this??? If so, I'd think this could be a very nice mount as it's quite stable and aesthetically it looks great. Wish they'd sell just the mount as I'd like to try it on my Gibraltar tripod.

They fixed it.

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3104817 - 05/14/09 02:21 PM

So once its ballanced it will work even with going to different size EPs?

Sean

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3104856 - 05/14/09 02:40 PM

If you mean with the Porta, the answer is yes.

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mypontiac
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/06/07

Loc: Austin, Tx.

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: Starlighter]
#3104908 - 05/14/09 03:12 PM

How about the Skyview AZ ?

Sean

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Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3105042 - 05/14/09 04:16 PM Attachment (32 downloads)

For my ED80 which is much lighter than your TV85 I was considering the Portamount, Mini Porta, and AT Voyager. I did not consider any other grab and go mounts because I wanted the slow motion controls, turns out that was the right decision too, for me anyway. I finally got the AT Voyager mainly because it was on sale for $250 at the time, but also because it allows you to move the arm up to a vertical position that is much better for daytime viewing and the Portas did not allow that. I am very happy with the AT Voyager, its "push-to" performance in up/down direction is a bit jumpy but after using it a while I realized that is not important at all. I don't use Manny's Mods on mine but they look like great additions to the mount and might be more useful with a heavier scope than mine to balance out the weight better.

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Starlighter
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/03/07

Loc: Sunny California

Re: Please recommend mount for TV102 or TV85 new

[Re: mypontiac]
#3105292 - 05/14/09 06:57 PM Attachment (32 downloads)

Quote:

How about the Skyview AZ ?

Sean

Like I suggested earlier in this thread, it's a good, solid mount. Orion fixed the lack of proper tension problem. When I use it with the TV-85, I hardly notice any vibration. Those 1.75" tubular steel legs eat the flimsy aluminum ones. Both the Vixen Porta and the AT Voyager should chuck them in favor of these legs. The SkyWatcher AZ4 uses them and that mount is not at all expensive. It lists for $250 so I'm sure both Vixen and AT could include them and not charge extra.

By the way, I just added a bubble level to my Skyview.

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