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This was posted before in another thread...

[url=http://trackthestars.com/]http://trackthestars.com/[/ur l]

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Oooh!

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I've used the Teegul for a long time also, if I was going to "ramp up" I'd go with the Discmount or T-Rex.

But I've found with my larger scope I'm using higher magnifications and get frustrated without tracking, and the larger alt-az mounts are almost as much hassle as setting up an equatorial.

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I've used the Teegul for a long time also, if I was going to "ramp up" I'd go with the Discmount or T-Rex.

But I've found with my larger scope I'm using higher magnifications and get frustrated without tracking, and the larger alt-az mounts are almost as much hassle as setting up an equatorial.

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Which Alt/Az mounts are you referring to? My experience is that the larger ones with encoders are pretty much drop it on the ground, attach the scope and go.

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I would say that my equatorial mount is also drop on the ground and go, after you lift several heavy components. When I look at any alt-az setup that can handle my 30 pound refractor, most of them save me only 1 heavy component that has to be set up.

When I say "set up" that means carry everything from my house to the car, then out of the car to observe, then back home again, etc. When I look at larger alt-az mounts, I'm generally saving 1 trip to the car on both ends, and maybe a minute or two in the field. Not enough time and energy saved to justify giving up tracking. I don't use encoders or goto on any of the mounts, so the equatorial is ready very quickly also.

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Beautiful. I love the Scandinavian design ethic. On the other hand, the Danes aren't known for their software engineering. How much cooler would that mount be if, instead of their own hand controller, they'd developed iOS and Android apps to allow control of the mount with a smartphone or tablet?

I just picked up two iPad Minis. One for my sister and another for my father, for Christmas. I think the Mini is the ultimate telescope mount control pad. I use an iPad 2, but the Mini is sized better and the retina display is simply jaw dropping. Heck, skip the software development altogether and do a deal with Southern Stars to support the mount in Sky Safari.

But I digress. For my alt-az mount, I specifically do NOT want the hassles of heavy power requirements and tracking. I want it to be akin to the low overhead experience of a push-to Dob. That said, I will keep an eye on the new Danish entry. It's lovely and would be a wonderful GOTO mount replacement.

- Jim

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Beautiful. I love the Scandinavian design ethic. On the other hand, the Danes aren't known for their software engineering. How much cooler would that mount be if, instead of their own hand controller, they'd developed iOS and Android apps to allow control of the mount with a smartphone or tablet?

I just picked up two iPad Minis. One for my sister and another for my father, for Christmas. I think the Mini is the ultimate telescope mount control pad. I use an iPad 2, but the Mini is sized better and the retina display is simply jaw dropping. Heck, skip the software development altogether and do a deal with Southern Stars to support the mount in Sky Safari.

But I digress. For my alt-az mount, I specifically do NOT want the hassles of heavy power requirements and tracking. I want it to be akin to the low overhead experience of a push-to Dob. That said, I will keep an eye on the new Danish entry. It's lovely and would be a wonderful GOTO mount replacement.

- Jim

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Perhaps get a DM 6 and be done?

Just a thought?

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+1
You won't find better than a DM6 with an Ipad/Sky safari connection to the Sky Commander.
I recommend getting two tripods, the stock wooden tripod for lighter scopes (grab and go), and a Losmandy HD tripod with 12" Losmandy extension for the 140 up.
Rex

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There's something about the DM aesthetic I just don't like. That coupled with a lack of slo mo controls kinda turns me off of 'em. How easy is it to put a DM head on a tripod other than the ones DM offers? I find their "fence board" tripods ghastly.

Also, has anyone put any of these higher end alt-az heads on a Rob Miller tripod?

- Jim

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Tammy:

How would you rate the T-Rex versus the DM-6?

Regards,

Jim

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As for liking the aesthetic? When I go from a Meade 7mm RG to a Ethos 13mm eyepiece and don't have to rebalance, I love the way it looks!
Rex

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Tammy's DM-6 on top of the Berlebach Planet tripod looks very aesthetically pleasing to me, as well as functional and is why I have one on order for my DM-6.

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As for liking the aesthetic? When I go from a Meade 7mm RG to a Ethos 13mm eyepiece and don't have to rebalance, I love the way it looks!
Rex

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Tammy's DM-6 on top of the Berlebach Planet tripod looks very aesthetically pleasing to me, as well as functional and is why I have one on order for my DM-6.

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You don't have to tell me, I like the way it looks, JBarnett the OP, is the one who said he disliked the looks, I was trying to make a point that the function of it matters more than how it looks.
Rex
PS I don't understand the value of the BerleBach over the Losmandy tripod? especially if one uses the Losmandy 12" extension. The Losmandy is strong and light, costs less, I think? when one considers shipping, and comes apart into four lightweight pieces to carry and fit into the car. and is made in the USA.
Rex

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