· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Equipment Discussions >> Mounts Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 Emanuele Lord of the Ring Reged: 11/19/03 Loc: Brescia-Italy, and Iowa-US GPDX / EM10       #4244042 - 12/12/10 11:38 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi all. Just wondering if a GPDX or EM10 could carry an FSQ85 + FLI ML8300 + CFW2-7 + accessories. I think it is almost 30lbs of payload. Would one of those two mounts be enough for AP with the FSQ? Thank you, E. Post Extras:       jsiska professor emeritus Reged: 07/12/06 Loc: NW Ohio Re: GPDX / EM10 [Re: Emanuele]       #4245031 - 12/12/10 08:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   In my 2003 Vixen catalog the maximum loading weight (OTA + camera equipment) for the GP-DX is 10kg = 22.046 pounds. The required counter weights for operating the GP-DX was not counted as a factor in the max loading weight. Newer catalogs may have stated a much higher maximum loading weight; however, as I understand it this higher max loading weight includes the counterweights. From: http://web.archive.org/web/20070708140731/http://www.newastro.com/wodaski/review_GP_DX.htm#adjust_backlash Notice that for unguided astrophotography Ron Wodaski author of THE NEW CCD ASTRONOMY was able to get 90 to 120 seconds without star trails to 6 arcseconds without PEC. To accomplish that Ron had a 7.711kg = 17 pound load on the mount. Jim ---------------------- GPDX-C102F with Moonlite Motorized focuser + Skysensor 2000PC version 2.06 with version 2.10 chip. Meade 880, 8” f/6 RG Newtonian. Meade 10" f/4.5 Starfinder dob. Tasco 7TE, 60mm, f = 910mm, 1962 60mm, f/11.7 Tasco 9TE with custom visual back & remounted on a GEM. Edited by jsiska (12/12/10 09:12 PM) Post Extras:       Gary.McK member Reged: 01/29/09 Re: GPDX / EM10 [Re: Emanuele]       #4245084 - 12/12/10 09:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have a Vixen GPD2, which tracks beautifully, but I do not think that it would carry the weight you want to. It is rated at 10kg (about 22Lbs). Mine is currently carrying 11.5 kg (about 25 Lbs) I think this is too much for imaging and I intend to move to a lower weight by re building my OTA in carbon fibre. I would think that for rock solid imaging about 8 or so kg (17-18 LBS) would be nice. Mind you my rms tracking errors with the above heavy system are limited by my local seeing. I get better than .2 pixels rms with a 200mm guidescope and qhy5 camera. I just feel like the mount would be doing things easier with a lower weight..... fwiw Gary Post Extras:       bardo scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 09/13/09 Loc: US Re: GPDX / EM10 [Re: Gary.McK]       #4245149 - 12/12/10 10:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   my GPDX could handle about 20lbs imaging at 1300mm just fine. Post Extras:       Panotaker super member Reged: 09/12/03 Loc: Austin, Texas Re: GPDX / EM10 [Re: bardo]       #4245220 - 12/12/10 11:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have imaged with my GPDX carrying a AP-130f/6 on a windless night with no problem. A slight breeze would have made it impossible. I can image with it carrying my TV85 with no problems. I use a converted finder as my guide scope. I would think it should handle a 4" refractor since that is what Wodasky used. I believe he used an AP Traveler. Post Extras:       Emanuele Lord of the Ring Reged: 11/19/03 Loc: Brescia-Italy, and Iowa-US Re: GPDX / EM10 [Re: Panotaker]       #4245561 - 12/13/10 06:18 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thank you guys for the feedback. Judging from your replies, I think the GP-DX and Em10 are not going to be able to hold the FSQ and CCD. Ot least not when a slight breeze is present. The mount market needs a slightly higher capacity mount, comparable to those two... E. Post Extras:       Rat8bug Carpal Tunnel Reged: 01/07/05 Loc: Michigan Re: GPDX / EM10 [Re: Emanuele]       #4271993 - 12/26/10 12:44 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The GP-DX load limit of 22 pounds has always been conservative. This Vixen will easily handle about 28 lbs, using proper counterweights and tripod imo. http://www.barrie-tao.com/wotriplet.html Ciao...Barry Post Extras:       Gianluca67 sage Reged: 11/26/08 Loc: Italy Re: GPDX / EM10 [Re: Rat8bug]       #4291821 - 01/04/11 05:09 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I agree. I use the GP DX for CCD imaging and can get unguided single exposures up to 2 min at 800 mm fl with 28.5 lbs (13 kgs.) on it as well as 12 Kgs. of counteweights. No issue at all. About wind I have found that if it is more than breeze the GP DX does not work optimally regardless of the load. Ciao Gianluca Post Extras:       SPACEMAN sage Reged: 01/30/05 Loc: grömme,Belgium Re: GPDX / EM10 [Re: Gianluca67]       #4441695 - 03/11/11 05:31 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   thanks everybody for this topic, i also have an Vixen GP DX, and i have a M100B from lichtenknecker Optics. For the M100B The heavy weight 35cm(14") tube will go on that mount. For imaging with the 20cm telescope, i want to buy paralax rings. But they are heavy: 7lbs, Total weight wil be around 12kg also, so if read this, i will be good with mine old green version gp dx Edited by SPACEMAN (03/11/11 05:33 AM) Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 9 registered and 24 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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