Jump to content

  •  

CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.

Photo

Takahashi EM Who?

equipment mount
  • Please log in to reply
67 replies to this topic

#26 PJ Anway

PJ Anway

    Double-Star Observer

  • *****
  • Posts: 3,628
  • Joined: 04 Jun 2003
  • Loc: North Coast of the UP

Posted 14 April 2019 - 09:15 PM

a friend machined them for me from SS


  • tim53 likes this

#27 rolo

rolo

    Cosmos

  • *****
  • Posts: 9,486
  • Joined: 14 Jan 2007
  • Loc: GA

Posted 14 April 2019 - 10:05 PM

Does anyone know how much weight the old EM-90S can hold? I have been using the FC-100DL with it and it's amazing. It's between the EM-10 and the EM-200 in size. 

Never heard of it, post a picture


  • tim53 likes this

#28 tim53

tim53

    James Webb Space Telescope

  • *****
  • Posts: 17,322
  • Joined: 17 Dec 2004
  • Loc: Highland Park, CA

Posted 15 April 2019 - 10:20 AM

Never heard of it, post a picture

Me neither.  I find most of my Tak history info here:  http://astrosurf.com.../takahashi.html . and it's not on there.


  • rolo and ratnamaravind like this

#29 Steve_M_M

Steve_M_M

    Soyuz

  • *****
  • Posts: 3,676
  • Joined: 09 Jun 2004
  • Loc: Granbury, TX

Posted 15 April 2019 - 11:10 AM

It is not an EM series mount, it is just the 90s. 

 

Here is a thread with some nice pictures..

 

https://stargazerslo...uatorial-mount/


  • tim53, payner, Lentini and 2 others like this

#30 tim53

tim53

    James Webb Space Telescope

  • *****
  • Posts: 17,322
  • Joined: 17 Dec 2004
  • Loc: Highland Park, CA

Posted 15 April 2019 - 11:39 AM

very nice!



#31 rolo

rolo

    Cosmos

  • *****
  • Posts: 9,486
  • Joined: 14 Jan 2007
  • Loc: GA

Posted 15 April 2019 - 03:17 PM

That mount came with a TS 90 package, the first fluorite Tak in 1977.


  • payner and Bomber Bob like this

#32 CHASLX200

CHASLX200

    ISS

  • *****
  • Posts: 42,939
  • Joined: 29 Sep 2007
  • Loc: Tampa area Florida

Posted 15 April 2019 - 05:56 PM

That mount came with a TS 90 package, the first fluorite Tak in 1977.

It is a rare bird i would kill for. I love all them pre 1988 Tak mounts.



#33 Stewc14

Stewc14

    Ranger 4

  • *****
  • Posts: 312
  • Joined: 10 Jan 2019
  • Loc: Pueblo West colorado

Posted 21 November 2019 - 10:37 AM

Stilllooking for an em500 temma2 and pier but have only seen one. The price was up there. I think they can be found cheaper. Have watch my retirement dollars.

#34 tim53

tim53

    James Webb Space Telescope

  • *****
  • Posts: 17,322
  • Joined: 17 Dec 2004
  • Loc: Highland Park, CA

Posted 21 November 2019 - 11:07 AM

I bought my EM-500 for $4000 about 10 yeas ago.  Pre-goto, but I added a Sitech servo kit to it for a few years.  That works very well and isn't expensive.  TN quotd me $4000 to add Temma 2 to it.

 

-Tim.


  • Bomber Bob and Defenderslideguitar like this

#35 donadani

donadani

    Surveyor 1

  • *****
  • Posts: 1,590
  • Joined: 20 Jul 2015
  • Loc: arrived

Posted 22 November 2019 - 02:02 PM

FS-78 on EM-2S

 

 

 

 


  • tim53, payner, astro140 and 2 others like this

#36 DaveTinning

DaveTinning

    Ranger 4

  • *****
  • Posts: 348
  • Joined: 03 Jan 2009
  • Loc: Eastern England

Posted 06 August 2020 - 03:11 AM

Just came across this thread.

 

This is my EM2S from 1998 carrying my FS128 from 1999. It was sold new as this combination by the then main UK Tak dealer, Tru-Tek.

 

It originally came with the Tak tripod, first pic, but I had a more robust home built wooden fixed height tripod which is more stable with the FS128, so I sold the tripod and have used this one since.

 

I'm visual only, and this setup works great for me. It has just single RA electric drive (4xD Cells, last for ages). It just works.

 

The only downside to this mount is that the adjustment only goes up to 50 degrees, I am 53 degrees north. For visual alignment the natural slight slope of my back garden gets me almost exactly centred on my polar scope with Polaris, so no issue at all! (I have seen one other UK EM2 based mount which has been modified to go to 55deg north).

 

A wonderful mount, think Vixen GPDX mass/load with even better engineering.

 

Clear skies,

Dave

Attached Thumbnails

  • IMG_20170430_182531104_HDR.thumb.jpg.2d1460260944d4c3c55f4802e74acba4.jpg
  • IMG_20170804_185433668-416x234.jpg

  • tim53, Eric P, Alterf and 9 others like this

#37 Tom Graham

Tom Graham

    Messenger

  • *****
  • Posts: 424
  • Joined: 11 Feb 2020
  • Loc: Oklahoma City, OK

Posted 22 June 2021 - 12:41 PM

Old thread, but right topic: 

 

l’ve very recently picked up an EM-10 with Temma 2 Jr (on the other site.) I’d love to learn more about these specific mounts than what I’ve been able to find online so far.

 

Can we determine approximate year of manufacture from the model and serial number (3xxx) even if only a range?

 

 

Attached Thumbnails

  • 94B75AC4-B9FA-4C71-AA6C-5439ADE39521.jpeg

  • deSitter, tim53, payner and 4 others like this

#38 starman876

starman876

    Nihon Seiko

  • *****
  • Vendors
  • Posts: 26,531
  • Joined: 28 Apr 2008
  • Loc: VA

Posted 22 June 2021 - 03:56 PM

Like the EM 10 I still have.  Great mount.



#39 kit.kenneth

kit.kenneth

    Explorer 1

  • *****
  • Posts: 66
  • Joined: 29 Jul 2021
  • Loc: Southern California

Posted 05 August 2022 - 12:26 PM

Reviving an old thread; I just received a Takahashi EM1 and baffled by this logo; is the polarity central negative or central positive?

 

IMG_4408.JPG

 

It comes with a battery pack that runs on 4x D-batteries (6V?).  I am hoping to eventually move to a powerbank but want to seek out some advice before accidentally frying the circuit inside.


  • LU1AR likes this

#40 Eric P

Eric P

    Apollo

  • *****
  • Posts: 1,053
  • Joined: 04 Apr 2005
  • Loc: PA

Posted 05 August 2022 - 02:08 PM

Center negative.
  • tim53 likes this

#41 DAVIDG

DAVIDG

    Hubble

  • *****
  • Posts: 12,972
  • Joined: 02 Dec 2004
  • Loc: Hockessin, De

Posted 05 August 2022 - 02:59 PM

Reviving an old thread; I just received a Takahashi EM1 and baffled by this logo; is the polarity central negative or central positive?

 

attachicon.gifIMG_4408.JPG

 

It comes with a battery pack that runs on 4x D-batteries (6V?).  I am hoping to eventually move to a powerbank but want to seek out some advice before accidentally frying the circuit inside.

 That is correct the center pin is negative. It is common for equipment made in Japan. I have repaired a number of telescope electronics were someone used the wrong polarity include Tak's. The easiest way to power one  with a negative center pin, it get one with  a positive center pin ,and  with the correct voltage ,  and current rating and the plug that fits the socket on the scope.  Next cut the plug off leaving a few inches of wire, then wire the plug back on by reversing the wires between  the two cut ends.  Now the center pin is negative. Test the polarity with the voltmeter just to be sure. 

 

                            - Dave 


  • tim53 and Dave Trott like this

#42 DaveTinning

DaveTinning

    Ranger 4

  • *****
  • Posts: 348
  • Joined: 03 Jan 2009
  • Loc: Eastern England

Posted 08 March 2023 - 02:46 PM

I just came across this thread.. interesting.

 

I have an EM2s mount which came new with my FS128 back in 1999. This combo was recommended (for visual) by the then main UK Takahashi distributor.

 

I bought it in 2017 as my dream scope,in mint, little used condition. The scope is a 1999 build, the mount 1998.

 

The EM2 is a wonderful mount. So are the Vixen GPDX and GP mounts, but I prefer the Tak..it just works and gets out of the way.

 

The weak link in my original setup was the tripod. It looks nice but is lightweight and not up to carrying the FS128 and EM2s mount. The OTA only weighs 7.5kg but is a big tube.

 

The tripod is supposed to be Mahogany but I have electric guitars made with mahogany, and the Tak tripod is not proper hardwood in my opinion, it scratches far too easily and doesn't seem as dense or weighty.

 

Once I put the FS128/EM2s mount on a home built (not by me) proper fixed height hardwood tripod, I had a nice solid setup for visual. I bought an adjustable astro chair to allow for observing higher or lower placed objects.

 

I love the big clamshell on the Tak tube too, much easier to manipulate than a pair of rings.

 

The simple RA drive holds an object in the centre of the field for 30-60 minutes with just a simple line of sight alignment, and the D Cell batteries last me 12 months unless we get a lot of very cold weather.

 

The stated load capacity for the EM2 is 9 kg but as with most Tak specs they are conservative.

 

Just make sure to get a decent heavy duty tripod - and of course, take the time to properly balance the OTA, according to the weight you are loading onto the mount..a properly balanced OTA can be moved literally with two fingers 👍😊.

 

Some photos for interest 😉..

 

Clear skies,

 

Dave

 

Attached Thumbnails

  • IMG_20200822_122320581_copy_750x1000.jpg
  • IMG_20200606_102106645_PORTRAIT_copy_750x1000.jpg
  • IMG_20200606_102033048_PORTRAIT_copy_750x1000.jpg

  • tim53, Alterf, payner and 6 others like this

#43 deSitter

deSitter

    Still in Old School

  • *****
  • Posts: 20,889
  • Joined: 09 Dec 2004

Posted 08 March 2023 - 02:54 PM

Old thread, but right topic: 

 

l’ve very recently picked up an EM-10 with Temma 2 Jr (on the other site.) I’d love to learn more about these specific mounts than what I’ve been able to find online so far.

 

Can we determine approximate year of manufacture from the model and serial number (3xxx) even if only a range?

That might be the most beautiful scope I've ever seen! Wow! And it performs I'm sure!

 

-drl


  • Tom Graham likes this

#44 photoracer18

photoracer18

    Fly Me to the Moon

  • *****
  • Posts: 6,134
  • Joined: 02 Sep 2013
  • Loc: Martinsburg, WV

Posted 08 March 2023 - 06:29 PM

I just came across this thread.. interesting.

 

I have an EM2s mount which came new with my FS128 back in 1999. This combo was recommended (for visual) by the then main UK Takahashi distributor.

 

I bought it in 2017 as my dream scope,in mint, little used condition. The scope is a 1999 build, the mount 1998.

 

The EM2 is a wonderful mount. So are the Vixen GPDX and GP mounts, but I prefer the Tak..it just works and gets out of the way.

 

The weak link in my original setup was the tripod. It looks nice but is lightweight and not up to carrying the FS128 and EM2s mount. The OTA only weighs 7.5kg but is a big tube.

 

The tripod is supposed to be Mahogany but I have electric guitars made with mahogany, and the Tak tripod is not proper hardwood in my opinion, it scratches far too easily and doesn't seem as dense or weighty.

 

Once I put the FS128/EM2s mount on a home built (not by me) proper fixed height hardwood tripod, I had a nice solid setup for visual. I bought an adjustable astro chair to allow for observing higher or lower placed objects.

 

I love the big clamshell on the Tak tube too, much easier to manipulate than a pair of rings.

 

The simple RA drive holds an object in the centre of the field for 30-60 minutes with just a simple line of sight alignment, and the D Cell batteries last me 12 months unless we get a lot of very cold weather.

 

The stated load capacity for the EM2 is 9 kg but as with most Tak specs they are conservative.

 

Just make sure to get a decent heavy duty tripod - and of course, take the time to properly balance the OTA, according to the weight you are loading onto the mount..a properly balanced OTA can be moved literally with two fingers .

 

Some photos for interest ..

 

Clear skies,

 

Dave

I was actually looking for a LW tripod for my EM-2. I ended up with the same wooden one that was under the EM-200 Temma 2 I had about 20 years ago. I traded for it during my trip into PA to pickup the EM-2 as it was all I could find at the time. I did buy an adapter recently from Hutech that would allow me to mount it on the AM5 tripod or one with that Gitzo center opening.



#45 nammoozz

nammoozz

    Lift Off

  • *****
  • Posts: 21
  • Joined: 30 Nov 2007

Posted 26 January 2024 - 01:14 AM

Yes, I’ve owned an EM1 for quite a while. It carries an At125 semi apo quite well at 18 pounds. 22 works but you have to add 4 more lbs in counter weight to it and it’s not as stable. At 17 pounds load capacity it doesn’t know it. So smooth, buttery dec and alt knobs. Great mount!

#46 Defenderslideguitar

Defenderslideguitar

    Skylab

  • *****
  • Posts: 4,473
  • Joined: 05 Oct 2016
  • Loc: Sol 3

Posted 26 January 2024 - 09:36 AM

Like this old thread 

I still have my EM -10    see post 20 in this thread.   I had sold the old FC -100   but bought it back a year later.....

Still like the EM 10  now it is on a EM 200 tripod with sold legs

 I have not used  the EM 10 in quite a while, but last time I did I seem to recall that the tracking was working and you can hear it but it did not seem to be responding to the hand controller.  Have to test it out     wonder if I am doing something wrong


Edited by Defenderslideguitar, 27 January 2024 - 08:15 AM.

  • tim53, payner and Terra Nova like this

#47 tim53

tim53

    James Webb Space Telescope

  • *****
  • Posts: 17,322
  • Joined: 17 Dec 2004
  • Loc: Highland Park, CA

Posted 26 January 2024 - 11:35 AM

Like this old thread 

I still have my EM -10    see post 20 in this thread.   I had sold the old FC -1`00   but bought it back a year later.....

Still like the EM 10  now it is on a EM 200 tripod with sold legs

 I have not used  the EM 10 in quite a while, but last time I did I seem to recall that the tracking was working and you can hear it but it did not seem to be responding to the hand controller.  Have to test it out     wonder if I am doing something wrong

My EM-10 has this problem, but probably for a very different reason.  Many years ago, I loaned it to Carinasoft (owned by Mathis Instruments) to see if they could write drivers for Tak mounts for Voyager.  They damaged the mount by leaving it running overnight with the RA lock on, which stripped the teeth off the spur gears.  They paid to have Texas Nautical repair it.  TN replaced the spur gears, but didn't tighten the set screws so it wouldn't track when I got it back.  I had to figure out what was wrong and tighten them and set the backlash myself.  When i finally got it tracking, I noticed that the hand controller wasn't controlling the mount, but the software connection from the computer worked fine.  Upon further inspection, it appears that, while Mathis was testing the mount, they used voltmeter probes that were too big for the sockets on the Temma control board on the mount, so the controller pins weren't making good contact.  I probably should have sent thee mount back to TN first thing, but I hadn't found the connection problem until some time later, as I had been using my NJP mount for most of my observing while the EM-10 was away.

 

-Tim.


  • Defenderslideguitar likes this

#48 Defenderslideguitar

Defenderslideguitar

    Skylab

  • *****
  • Posts: 4,473
  • Joined: 05 Oct 2016
  • Loc: Sol 3

Posted 26 January 2024 - 01:32 PM

I had wondered if the hand controller is defunct    need to try it again I guess  Thanks



#49 Nick Will

Nick Will

    Messenger

  • *****
  • Posts: 403
  • Joined: 19 Feb 2013
  • Loc: Wildwood Florida

Posted 26 January 2024 - 01:55 PM

Here’s my fc-100 on my em-100

 

IMG_2023-08-02-192250.jpeg


  • tim53, Alterf, payner and 4 others like this

#50 photoracer18

photoracer18

    Fly Me to the Moon

  • *****
  • Posts: 6,134
  • Joined: 02 Sep 2013
  • Loc: Martinsburg, WV

Posted 26 January 2024 - 02:51 PM

I think i will make my own plate for the Newts and use whatever dovetail holder works best for the fracts.

The 12" Casady is now on my AP900QMD


  • Defenderslideguitar likes this


CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.


Recent Topics





Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: equipment, mount



Cloudy Nights LLC
Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics