Regards to all.
What do you think of Celestron's CPC mounts?
Started by
FishInPercolator
, May 06 2013 09:16 PM
20 replies to this topic
#1
FishInPercolator
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 09:16 PM
I'm considering the CPC Deluxe 800 HD and was curious to know what your experiences have been like, specifically with regard to portability as I would like to potentially take this one around the city via mass transit.
Regards to all.
Regards to all.
#2
R L Harris
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 09:46 PM
have you ever looked at this in a scope shop or at star party!
Personally I thing it would be diffcult to transport that way!
But thats my opinion!LOL
Personally I thing it would be diffcult to transport that way!
But thats my opinion!LOL
#3
FishInPercolator
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 10:00 PM
Well.. 43 pounds in one hand and 27 in the other... bagged... it sounds conceivable...
#4
FishInPercolator
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 10:06 PM
Wait a sec, this site says the total telescope weight is 43 pounds - http://www.optcorp.c...cope-11007.html
#5
R L Harris
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 10:08 PM
Didn't say it could not be done!
But it will be bit bulky at my age i would not do it!LOL
But i live out in sticks on 3 acres with little obstruction so I don't have to!
But it will be bit bulky at my age i would not do it!LOL
But i live out in sticks on 3 acres with little obstruction so I don't have to!
#6
FishInPercolator
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 10:17 PM
Yeah I hear ya...
#7
FishInPercolator
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 10:34 PM
Okay, this states the fork is 43 pounds and mount/tripod is 27...
https://www.astronom...-to-sct-tele...
https://www.astronom...-to-sct-tele...
#8
Gregg Carter
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Posted 06 May 2013 - 11:19 PM
I assume you have settled on an 8" SCT for your needs. If so, have you considered a NexStar 8SE?
NexStar 8SE
33 lb total weight vs. 70 lb total weight for the CPC. Also, just over $1300 less.
And don't forget there will probably be more weight for eyepieces, accessories, cases, etc., as needed.
NexStar 8SE
33 lb total weight vs. 70 lb total weight for the CPC. Also, just over $1300 less.
And don't forget there will probably be more weight for eyepieces, accessories, cases, etc., as needed.
#9
Seiko4169
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Posted 07 May 2013 - 05:34 AM
I had the CPC 800 and coming from the Nexstar mount it was a big shock to the system. I eventually sold it as I didn't like the bulk, weight or slower slewing speeds compared with my previous Nexstar 8i especially as there was nothing between the two optically.
For portability and alt az convenience I don't think you can beat the 8SE or if you want Edge optics do what I did and get the mount and OTA separate. If you want rock solid stability then get the CPC. Twice the weight (it feels it at least) but precise. Note, a lot of this stability comes from the CPC tripod. Again, you could try and pick one of these up cheaply to go with the Nexstar mount but you're beginning to lose the price advantage then.
Btw,if it helps, I'm now waiting on a CPC 1100 deluxe so you can see when you put your mind to it the CPC size, bulk can be managed. I just don't plan to travel with this scope.
For portability and alt az convenience I don't think you can beat the 8SE or if you want Edge optics do what I did and get the mount and OTA separate. If you want rock solid stability then get the CPC. Twice the weight (it feels it at least) but precise. Note, a lot of this stability comes from the CPC tripod. Again, you could try and pick one of these up cheaply to go with the Nexstar mount but you're beginning to lose the price advantage then.
Btw,if it helps, I'm now waiting on a CPC 1100 deluxe so you can see when you put your mind to it the CPC size, bulk can be managed. I just don't plan to travel with this scope.
#10
CharlesW
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Posted 07 May 2013 - 06:57 PM
This is really not possible. The mount/scope is large and heavy and the tripod is large and heavy. Then there is the battery and eyepieces. I wish you luck but I had that scope and there is no way I'd attempt it on public mass.
#11
jrbarnett
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Posted 07 May 2013 - 09:45 PM
It's a big, heavy, bulky scope. The tripod too is good sized. Definitely *not* a mass-transit tag-along. You also need a big battery to power it, and then you have your accessories (dew control, eyepieces, diagonal, etc.).
You want a scope for the bus or train? You need to find a scope and mount that can be placed in/strapped onto a backpack. Like the new Takahashi FC-100D OTA plus a Desert Sky Astro DSV-1 manual alt-az mount.
Regards,
Jim
You want a scope for the bus or train? You need to find a scope and mount that can be placed in/strapped onto a backpack. Like the new Takahashi FC-100D OTA plus a Desert Sky Astro DSV-1 manual alt-az mount.
Regards,
Jim
#12
Patrick
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Posted 07 May 2013 - 10:08 PM
A C8 or C6 on an alt/az mount could possibly work. Here's my travel setup. 10-12 lbs for the C6/C8, 12 lbs for the Vixen HAL130 tripod, and 18-20 lbs for the alt/az mount (T-Rex in my case).
The C6/C8 and T-rex fit in smallish duffle bags. The tripod collapses compactly. You don't need to carry a battery with this setup. The mount has an object locator with an internal 9 volt battery. Otherwise, it's a manually driven scope. You would need a few other things like eyepieces, Telrad, diagonal, etc.
Patrick
The C6/C8 and T-rex fit in smallish duffle bags. The tripod collapses compactly. You don't need to carry a battery with this setup. The mount has an object locator with an internal 9 volt battery. Otherwise, it's a manually driven scope. You would need a few other things like eyepieces, Telrad, diagonal, etc.
Patrick
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#13
stevew
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Now I've done it
Posted 07 May 2013 - 10:30 PM
Patrick, that is one gorgeous rig!
Steve
Steve
#14
FishInPercolator
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Posted 08 May 2013 - 06:38 AM
Lookin' good... how are those vixens in terms of stability? I would like to do EQ/Goto on mine when in the mood too.
#15
Patrick
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Posted 10 May 2013 - 11:21 AM
It's a T-Rex mount sitting on a Vixen HAL130 tripod. It's a very stable setup! The T-Rex has a Sky Commander push-to object locator.
Patrick
Patrick
#16
FishInPercolator
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Posted 10 May 2013 - 03:40 PM
duly noted, thanks
#17
tim57064
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Posted 11 May 2013 - 09:25 AM
wow,that's a pricey mount in my book.Nice looking though.A C8 or C6 on an alt/az mount could possibly work. Here's my travel setup. 10-12 lbs for the C6/C8, 12 lbs for the Vixen HAL130 tripod, and 18-20 lbs for the alt/az mount (T-Rex in my case).
The C6/C8 and T-rex fit in smallish duffle bags. The tripod collapses compactly. You don't need to carry a battery with this setup. The mount has an object locator with an internal 9 volt battery. Otherwise, it's a manually driven scope. You would need a few other things like eyepieces, Telrad, diagonal, etc.
Patrick
#18
Patrick
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Posted 11 May 2013 - 08:06 PM
wow,that's a pricey mount in my book.Nice looking though.
It's not a mount for everyone, no doubt. A DM-6 is about the same price without slow motion controls. Plus it can hold a C11 or a 6" refractor, yet is extremely portable.
The point I was trying to make is that there are alternatives for the OP to consider besides a CPC mount...and not just a T-Rex. There's also a DSV 3 and others.
Patrick
#19
Starhawk
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Posted 11 May 2013 - 10:20 PM
You would find it considerably easier to take a dorm refrigerator with you via mass transit.
Something like the NexStar 6 SE is about as big as I would try to move that way, and that would still be real work.
-Rich
Something like the NexStar 6 SE is about as big as I would try to move that way, and that would still be real work.
-Rich
I'm considering the CPC Deluxe 800 HD and was curious to know what your experiences have been like, specifically with regard to portability as I would like to potentially take this one around the city via mass transit.
Regards to all.
#20
EFT
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Posted 11 May 2013 - 11:31 PM
I recently carried a C8HD by itself on a trip from Phoenix to NEAF and that was a pretty hefty load going through the airport even without a mount. Anything larger than a small refractor and a very portable push-to mount can be pretty difficult to transport via any kind of public transit.
#21
munchmeister
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Posted 14 May 2013 - 09:22 PM
Patrick, that is indeed a gorgeous setup. Great alt az. How well does the push-to Sky Commander work? Do you just take along an iPad or ipod touch or something to get the alt az coordinates?
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