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jeffweiss9
sage
Reged: 11/09/08
Loc: Sunnyvale, CA
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Advice Needed
#3115656 - 05/19/09 10:00 PM
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Howdy. I could use some advice on a GEM mount to replace the Meade fork mount and wedge I've been using for imaging (LX90GPS 8" plus widefield SVR90 or AT66ED imager). Since I image in the field, my motivation is to minimize my setup time to get going on imaging, which is considerable now with drift alignment, etc.
Here are my criteria:
1) polar alignment so good that drift alignment is not needed,
2) heavy enough to image in 15 mph wind (or at least >10mph that limits me now) and
3) is still light/compact enough to be easily portable for field setup.
Oh yes, no more than ~$3500 (I'd need a new OTA also) and if it went through meridion without a flip, that would be good too.
I've seen imagers meeting 1) and 2) with Losmondy G-11 or Tak EM-400 but I don't think those meet 3). Is there anything out there that would or am I asking the impossible? (I've read reviews here implying neither the Losmandy G-8 or Tak EM-200 would.)
Thanks,
Jeff
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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more
Reged: 04/30/03
Loc: NE Ohio
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Re: Advice Needed
[Re: jeffweiss9]
#3115669 - 05/19/09 10:08 PM
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Is there anything out there that would or am I asking the impossible? (I've read reviews here implying neither the Losmandy G-8 or Tak EM-200 would.)
Thanks,
Jeff
The EM-200 should be just fine. It'll handle an imaging load of close to 40 pounds.
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Chris Curran
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/14/05
Loc: Brandon, FL
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Re: Advice Needed
[Re: jeffweiss9]
#3115682 - 05/19/09 10:16 PM
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A Tak EM-200 would most certainly fit the bill. You'll never get a EM-400 for $3500. You might be able to find a EM-200 for $3500 used on AM.
The Tak polar scope (I presume that's what you meant in #1) is very good, one of the best in fact, but for imaging you're going to want to improve your polar alignment with some other routine - via software or manual drift.
The scope you're using has more to do with the effects of wind, but the EM-200 is a very stout mount. For example, there's a Mewlon 250 riding on a EM-200 near the center of this photo:
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