7 replies to this topic

[gstrumol]

Recently, I decided (after lying on the ground to view Jupiter in my Tal) to see ‘what many rave about’ in using an Alt-Az mount. I didn’t want to give up my slow motion controls, and I also wanted to be able to locate any object in the sky quickly and manually, and with reasonable accuracy (meaning it should be somewhere in the FOV at the end of my targeting). Not wanting to spend hundreds of dollars on another mount just to see if I’d like it, I thought of converting the smaller of my GEMs into an Alt-Az, effectively making the transition illustrated here

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[kgb]

Dude. Nicely done! I think I might do this with an old EQ5 I have laying about.

[John Kocijanski]

Great article.  Converted my CG-4 for my MAKS.  

[Jon Isaacs]

Nice write up. A good resource.

 

This is what some of us did back before mounts like the Vixen Portamount and SkyTee were available. Alt-az with slow motion controls is awesome.

 

The Vixen Polaris mount was designed so it can be used Alt-az without counterweights.

 

 

Jon

[Matt Looby]

Nice  concept, but may I suggest forgoing Apps, and just Star Hop to an Object?

 

 

Not lecturing, but it is easier to target a few DSOs  each session.

 

Thanks,

 

Matt

[gstrumol]

Nice  concept, but may I suggest forgoing Apps, and just Star Hop to an Object?

 

 

Not lecturing, but it is easier to target a few DSOs  each session.

 

Thanks,

 

Matt

An alternate idea if you can see enough stars to do that! But in a light polluted area there simply aren't enough stars to make that practical. Knowing and being able to closely hit the celestial coordinates is a sure fire way to succeed.

[Ed D]

Great article, Gary.  Converting a GEM to Alt-Az is an old concept, but I really like how you brought this up to date by showing the use of apps on your smart phone.  I live in Miami, Florida, and well understand the issues associated with severe light pollution.  Smartphone apps are a great aid for those living similar environments.

 

I'm sure many will benefit from your article.

 

Thanks,

Ed D

[Jon Isaacs]

Nice  concept, but may I suggest forgoing Apps, and just Star Hop to an Object?

 

 

Not lecturing, but it is easier to target a few DSOs  each session.

 

Thanks,

 

Matt

 

Apps like Sky Safari are great for star hopping... Bright skies as well as dark skies.

 

Jon