I bought an used ETX-80 about two years ago. And i loved it. It is really a nice little scope but I am getting tired with its design flaws especially the constant "Motor unit failures" (I already cleaned the encoders, soldered wires that used to be crimped, using external battery e.t.c) and the annoying sound from the motors in tracking mode. That sound drives me crazy What is really bad i noticed one of the plastic gears in Az motor drive has already started to split. It still works but not for long i guess.
I am not sure what to get next. C6 or C8 would be nice but I am a bit scared of it's tiny FOV. I think i would get lost easily and wouldnt appreciate high magnification and small FOV. I am thinking about something similar to ETX80. But this time i want something better made that will work hassle free in next 20 years or so. Something without cheap plastic parts that will fall apart in couple of years. I really want something solid that will work trouble free.
I came with this list of requirements:
-a wide field refractor, ideally 80 - 100mm aperture, 400-600 focal length
-i am not too bothered about chromatic abberation - didnt notice it much in ETX80
-OTA must be possible to mount on different mounts if i decide to upgrade in the future (unlike ETX where OTA cannot be easily fitted to third party mount)
-Goto mount would be nice but i think a sturdy EQ mount would be just fine.
-if not Goto mount the EQ should have possibility to upgrade with electric motor drive (at least in RA axis).
-If Goto it must be robustly built!! Ideally with clutches in both axis that would allow for manual movement.
I intend to use this setup for visual observation only.
I am just wondering if you could point me what scopes should i look at? Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks