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Wei
journeyman
Reged: 10/05/09
Posts: 5
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I am considering getting one 2nd hand. I was looking for a light weight system that would be able to do astrophotography. The scope would probably be a 80-100mm refractor or a 6" newtonian.
I have seen quite a few negative for using the sphinx for astrophotography. Is it really that bad? I don't suppose it would out perform the heavier mounts but wonder if it is sufficient for my needs.
Has anyone tired the 2.1 firmware, did it improve the performance?
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adamsp123
sage
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 444
Loc: welshpool mid wales UK
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I have used a Sphinx SXW, unguided for AP using both a 120ED refractor and a 10" SNT which according to Vixen is too heavy but it handled the SNT fine.
With my 120ED I only need the small half size counterweight, the standard one is too heavy, so the mount can easily handle the OTAs you mention. I now use a finderscope guider with my 120ED when I use the Sphinx and it guides superbly.
top photo - http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-deep-sky/86375-so-strong-2-dumbbells.html
and this http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-deep-sky/86361-eagle-salisbury.html
The mount is really light and I love the starbook controller
Pete
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SkyWatcher 120ED PRO, GSO 200mm F4 Astrograph, Meade 10" SNT, WO 72ED & 66ED
Vixen Sphinx and Vixen Atlux with starbook,
QHY5 guider, Modded Canon 1000D, Baader MPCC.
WO Flattener III
Don't you wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence? There's one marked 'Brightness,' but it doesn't work."
TV is called a "medium" because it is neither rare nor well done.
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sctchun
sage
Reged: 03/26/06
Posts: 208
Loc: HI
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I would second Pete's opinion, I use my SXW with a 80mm refractor or my new 8" Newt.
Steven
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AT 8" IN
Meade 8" LX200-R (ACF)
Meade Series 5000 80mm
Vixen Sphinx SXW
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Wei
journeyman
Reged: 10/05/09
Posts: 5
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Hi Pete and Steven,
where you using the 2.1 firmware for the starbook? Any issue with autoguiding for more than 1mins?
wei
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adamsp123
sage
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 444
Loc: welshpool mid wales UK
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Quote:
Hi Pete and Steven,
where you using the 2.1 firmware for the starbook? Any issue with autoguiding for more than 1mins?
wei
I am using latest firmware and I have no issues guiding with the mount eg my eagle nebula pic was taken with a number of 2 min subs, and not well polar aligned.
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SkyWatcher 120ED PRO, GSO 200mm F4 Astrograph, Meade 10" SNT, WO 72ED & 66ED
Vixen Sphinx and Vixen Atlux with starbook,
QHY5 guider, Modded Canon 1000D, Baader MPCC.
WO Flattener III
Don't you wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence? There's one marked 'Brightness,' but it doesn't work."
TV is called a "medium" because it is neither rare nor well done.
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sctchun
sage
Reged: 03/26/06
Posts: 208
Loc: HI
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Hi Wei,
I haven't upgraded to 2.1 yet, I'm still using 2.0, but I'm able to get 10 min subs with 80mm as shown on the attached picture I took earlier this year of M42. I believe I should be able to do the same with my 8", have already made some decent 2 min subs unguided.
Steven
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AT 8" IN
Meade 8" LX200-R (ACF)
Meade Series 5000 80mm
Vixen Sphinx SXW
Edited by sctchun (10/06/09 09:19 PM)
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adamsp123
sage
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 444
Loc: welshpool mid wales UK
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very nice pic!
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SkyWatcher 120ED PRO, GSO 200mm F4 Astrograph, Meade 10" SNT, WO 72ED & 66ED
Vixen Sphinx and Vixen Atlux with starbook,
QHY5 guider, Modded Canon 1000D, Baader MPCC.
WO Flattener III
Don't you wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence? There's one marked 'Brightness,' but it doesn't work."
TV is called a "medium" because it is neither rare nor well done.
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 229
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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I just had my SXW rebuilt (new DEC Motor and tuning) by Mike Fowler at Vixen (lost a Dec motor which was weak when I bought it used). I think my Mewlon 250 is too heavy for it so I'm probably going to sell it and am looking for a heavier mount. I do not plan to put the Mewlon back on it even for check out lol ...
Lots of people love them. At a used price they're hard to beat. There's more info on this forum on the vixen sxw thread ...
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/3374521/page/1/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1
Regards,
Chuck
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