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jusher02
super member
Reged: 02/05/07
Posts: 133
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I'd love to get some advice on the best reflector for my Skywatcher EQ6 Pro mount (same as Orion Atlas) for the purpose of imaging the moon and planets. I already have a Televue NP127is so I'm not worried about using the scope for wide field/long exposure imaging - the Televue will do nicely for that.
I also have a Skywatcher 12" auto-tracking Dob, which I've used to generate quite detailed images of Jupiter. The only problem with that scope is that the mount has a lot of free play in both axes, which can lead to the planet wandering around (or off) the FOV, and the problem is especially acute if there's even the slightest breath of wind.
I guess, bubbling up my questions, they are:
- Is it reasonable to try mounting the 12" Dob tube I already have on the EQ6 Pro mount, or is that a bit much for the mount?
- Assuming it would be a bit much for the mount, would I get better results using either a 10" Newtonian on the EQ6 Pro mount, or a C9.25 on the mount? Which would give the better results, do you think?
Thanks for any advice!
Jonathan
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Ron359
member
Reged: 04/21/08
Posts: 16
Loc: Evergreen, CO. USA
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The 12 inch would definitely be too much for the EQ-6. The 10 inch would be at or over the limit, particularly if its long f.l. for planetary means a long tube. A 9.25 is easily handled - I use one on an Atlas. You could even 'team it up with your NP scope. The diff in diameter won't be noticed. You could argue all day about newt v. SCT for perfection of planetary images, but the SCT planetary images of Chris Go and Damien Peach speak for themselves. So I'd go with the 9.25. You also get more f.l. with less stacking of barlows and the like to get the f ratio up for imaging planets too + easily portable in a car. HTH. Ron
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Cosmic Rock Observatory
12.5" f/6 homebuilt Newt (Tycho) w/1968 vintage Cave mirror
9.25" SCT w/Atlas Mount, ED80mm
Macbook Pro, Canon XTi (no mod), DSI-Pro (for guiding mostly)
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Patrick
Postmaster
Reged: 05/16/03
Posts: 7810
Loc: Franklin, Ohio
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I agree with Ron that a 12" is definitely too big for an Atlas. I've played with a 10" f/5 on a CG5 and it was fine visually. Since the Atlas is a lot beefier than the CG5, I think you would be fine.
However, you might want to consider a C11 for planetary imaging...longer focal length and an easier carry on the Atlas, plus the ergonomics of the C11 are a LOT better than a 10" EQ mounted Newtonian.
Patrick
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10" f/6 Truss Tube Newtonian
Celestron C6S-GT SCT
AT66ED Refractor
Oberwerk Ultra 15x70 Binocular
475B Geared Tripod & 501HDV Head
Celestron Regal 8x42 Binocular
Canon XSi; Meade DSI;SPC900-NC
Vixen GP2 Photo Guider Mount
My Astronomy Pages
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cdndob
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/28/06
Posts: 662
Loc: The Great White North
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Quote:
- Is it reasonable to try mounting the 12" Dob tube I already have on the EQ6 Pro mount, or is that a bit much for the mount?
Is it reasonable ...probably not but I've had my 12" dob on the EQ6 twice. 
For visual it worked out quite well but balance is fairly critical and I wouldn't try it in any sort of wind other than very light to none. I will be trying it again but I need to fix the rings I made due to a mistake during their construction.
For a 12" newt imagining for planets I'd check out iceman's setup -> http://www.mikesalway.com.au/equipment
Steve
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