40 replies to this topic

[asaint]

Astro-Tech

[Tom T]

Nice review Jason!

[Jason B]

Thank you!

[JimMo]

Hi Jason,

Great review. I was tempted to write a review myself on the Voyager I've had for about a year and I agree that it's an awesome grab and go set up. As for the height, I opted to use a CG5 tripod which gets the scope up far enough for me to stand while observing. I just need to bend over a little bit to see to the zenith.

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[57steve]

Very good informative review Jason. Ideal G&G mount. I plan to own one someday.

[Robo-bob]

Would this be a good mount for a 4" F6 refractor? I have tried a bunch of alt.az. mounts only to be disappointed by the
motions and the vibrations. I really want something that will be reasonably stable and still keep vibrations under 1 second with a sharp rap to the tube. What do you all think?
I could also put the mount head on a beefier tripod if that would give me the desired result.

Rob

[TONGKW]

I occasionally mount my TSA102 (102 mm f/8) on the Voyager for a quick look. The set up is usable but unfortunately as the center line of the refractor OTA is offset to one side I am a bit scared of the stability problem so I always stand by the side for fear of tipping over in case some enthusiastic viewer might give it an accidental nudge.

K W TONG
----------------
C8 + CG-5GT, TSA102 + HEQ5 PRO, MK67 + Voyager Mount, WO ZS 80FD + Kenko NES, NexStar 6SE, WO Megrez 72 + Mizar K Mount, Mini Borg 50, C5, PST

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[TONGKW]

The Voyager is actually more stable for mounting short length OTA such as the C8

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[Jason B]

Thanks guys! This is my first "real" review so I appreciate the feedback.

[Jason B]

Would this be a good mount for a 4" F6 refractor? I have tried a bunch of alt.az. mounts only to be disappointed by the
motions and the vibrations. I really want something that will be reasonably stable and still keep vibrations under 1 second with a sharp rap to the tube. What do you all think?
I could also put the mount head on a beefier tripod if that would give me the desired result.

Rob

Depends on what 4" F6 it is. My 3" F8 is about the same length. I would guess the slight weight difference wouldn't be much. If it's a smaller, lighter OTA like the Orion 100mm F6, it should be fine in the 1-2 second range. A heavier triplett APO might be slightly worse but not much. With my 6" F5, it is still 1-2 seconds on the grass so I can't imagine it would be any worse than that.

Thanks!

[dvb]

An excellent review.

The movements aren't buttery smooth like an EZTouch, but that means that balance is not as critical, which helps. The slo-mos are also a plus.

I bought mine to mount a C6, but last time had the ED100 f/9 on it. The mount worked well with both -- but the tripod is too short!

I have considered the available extender, but will probably look for a CG-5 or a wood compatible tripod.

[DLB242]

Ditto to the nice review. I usually observe seated even for grab and go. Right now I am using a Stellarvue M1 mount on a home made wooden tripod with my 80mm scopes. But 80mm is about the upper limit for this mount so I am looking for an Alt Az for my 102mm f/8.7 SV102BV. Doesn't sound encouraging so far.

[Jason B]

Thanks guys!

[paul hart]

Jason,
Thank you also. I was on the fence about getting a Voyager, and after reading your review, I ordered one.

[Astronomics]

It will most certainly take more then an 80mm scope. No worries.

[Chris Schroeder]

Great review Jason

[Chris Schroeder]

Hi David, I used my 102ED F7 on this mount and felt the mount the could handle the weight, changing the tripod legs to wood ones would increase the stabilty for a heavy scope such as yours.

[Jason B]

Thanks Chris and Paul!

I agree with Mike on the assertion of taking more than an 80mm scope. My 6" F5 rides very nice on this mount. The only thing I would worry about is if it was a really long scope, such as an F10 4". The moment arm might lengthen the time the vibrations dampen out by a second or so. Some wouldn't mind it, some might. YMMV as they say.

I will try it one of these nights if it ever clears in mid-Michigan with one of my larger refractors. I'd do it tonight but I have a new MX7C to try out and it's actually clear!

[Jason B]

Paul,
It will be a great match for the 127mm Starmax if that is the scope you intend to use it for!

[paul hart]

Paul,
It will be a great match for the 127mm Starmax if that is the scope you intend to use it for!

Yes that it will be used for primarily. It's going to fly with me to New Mexico in June. Plus I have a small car and want to take it to my brother's place in northern Michigan.

[DCS357]

An excellent review.
Do you think I would have any problems with my Celestron 120 Omni f/8.3. It is 40" long and 12.5 lbs. I am thinking of getting this if it will support my scope. Also, will the mount work with my tripod (CG-4), i heard it will work with the CG-5)

thanks
don c

[csa/montana]

Jason, Wonderful review! I have the AT Voyager, & love it; selling my PortaMount & keeping the AT.

Thanks for the great photos accompanying your review, also!

[Jason B]

Paul,
It will be a great match for the 127mm Starmax if that is the scope you intend to use it for!

Yes that it will be used for primarily. It's going to fly with me to New Mexico in June. Plus I have a small car and want to take it to my brother's place in northern Michigan.

You'll have to try and come in September some time, during the Great Lakes Star Gaze. Nice star party in North-Central Michigan.

[Jason B]

An excellent review.
Do you think I would have any problems with my Celestron 120 Omni f/8.3. It is 40" long and 12.5 lbs. I am thinking of getting this if it will support my scope. Also, will the mount work with my tripod (CG-4), i heard it will work with the CG-5)

thanks
don c

Thanks Don. The mount would have no trouble holding the weight but the length could be a problem with focusing gitters. I think it would be alright but everybody is little different when it comes to mount tolerances so, if you can, give it try before you buy.

I am unfamiliar with the CG4 tripod so I can't help you there.

[Jason B]

Thanks for the kind words Carol.