13 replies to this topic

[kevinbreen]

C11 with focuser and whatnot would be about 1.5 times the recommended payload capacity of a Skywatcher EQ5 Pro goto mount. I'm wondering though if this wouldn't be a problem for planetary imaging if the mount was balanced. Not looking for pixel-precision autoguiding as you all know, just max 5-min bursts using Firecapture and its cutout feature which forgives drift very nicely if you ask me.
Has anyone had planetary imaging success using a telescope way bigger than the mount on which it sits is rated for?

Thanks folks

Edited by kevinbreen, 18 September 2023 - 04:33 PM.

[gstrumol]

I think the general opinion from 'the wise ones' is that you shouldn't put on the mount more than 1/2-3/4 of the stated load capacity if you expect to be free from vibration issues, particularly for high power planetary viewing, and especially imaging. Balancing isn't the issue. It's every little touch or breeze will make the image dance.

[haleakala]

I tried my C11 on my Sirius EQ-G (HEQ5 clone) and it was too much for it most of the time. It strained quite a bit slewing. However, once in position, it did track reasonably well, but not for long exposure. For planetary, you can probably get away with it if you balance it out well. You will want to go to something bigger when you can. I have been happy with the CEM70 for the C11.

[kevinbreen]

I tried my C11 on my Sirius EQ-G (HEQ5 clone) and it was too much for it most of the time. It strained quite a bit slewing. However, once in position, it did track reasonably well, but not for long exposure. For planetary, you can probably get away with it if you balance it out well. You will want to go to something bigger when you can. I have been happy with the CEM70 for the C11.

That's the answer I was looking for!

[JMP]

Hi Kevin, I used an older CG-5 with my C11. The CG-5 looks like it might have beefier legs, otherwise similar to the EQ-5. It worked but it was shaky. When I could I got a second hand G11, the early made for Celestron version. The second hand G11 was a huge improvement. I did get some nice images using the CG-5 though.     Jeff

[yock1960]

Kevin,

I use an EQ5. You'll need an extention to the counter balance arm and additional weights. Is it ideal? No, but it works. Granted, it will probably cause faster wear. Mine is getting a bit 'backlashy', but I've been using it for the C11 for 5 years or so, now.

[RedLionNJ]

Don't expect slewing to be pretty. You might hear a few straining noises. And gotos might not be deadly accurate.  But once you're aligned on the target, I see no reason a well-balanced load shouldn't track pretty well. Just be really, really careful with the balance. Up to 10 arcsec or so of "wiggle" is quite acceptable for planetary imaging - the frame rate is still going to beat that, unless you're doing CH4.

 

I say go for it.

[kevinbreen]

Thanks all.
Steve, that's great to hear! I'm looking into a possible Italian base and my first concern is the seeing. How long an extension rod and how heavy an extra weight works for you?
Grant, yes that's what I was thinking alright. Once balanced, it's in equilibrium.

[yock1960]

Thanks all.
Steve, that's great to hear! I'm looking into a possible Italian base and my first concern is the seeing. How long an extension rod and how heavy an extra weight works for you?
Grant, yes that's what I was thinking alright. Once balanced, it's in equilibrium.

  Well, that's a good question Kevin, how's your Italian by the way?   Umm, I believe the extension is 6"....that's 182.88 centimeters to almost (all?) the rest of the world. I looked for it on the website of the place that I think I purchased it from (Scopestuff), but I didn't see it. As for the weight...if I recall...the extra 7.5 pound...or 3.401942775 kilos to you guys, that I bought, wasn't quite enough and I managed to find a small chunk of rusty steel stock at work...when that was a thing I did...and got a friend to drill a clearance hole and put a locking thread hole into it. I think maybe another kilo or so.

 

Steve

[kevinbreen]

Well, that's a good question Kevin, how's your Italian by the way? Umm, I believe the extension is 6"....that's 182.88 centimeters to almost (all?) the rest of the world. I looked for it on the website of the place that I think I purchased it from (Scopestuff), but I didn't see it. As for the weight...if I recall...the extra 7.5 pound...or 3.401942775 kilos to you guys, that I bought, wasn't quite enough and I managed to find a small chunk of rusty steel stock at work...when that was a thing I did...and got a friend to drill a clearance hole and put a locking thread hole into it. I think maybe another kilo or so.

Steve

MEGALOLZ. Thanks Steve. What's wrong with the metric system? Still clinging on to the old world imperial system when you live in the ahem, new world!

Unfortunately the cheap-cheap EQ5 I had my eyes on is no longer available.

Love your latest images by the way mate!

[yock1960]

MEGALOLZ. Thanks Steve. What's wrong with the metric system? Still clinging on to the old world imperial system when you live in the ahem, new world!

Unfortunately the cheap-cheap EQ5 I had my eyes on is no longer available.

Love your latest images by the way mate!

Nothing wrong with the metric system...unfortunately, the same can't be said of certain...erm...controlling interests, shall we say...

Sorry, you missed out, but save your...Euros up for a more suitable mount...probably best anyway.

Thanks for the likes!

Steve

[RedLionNJ]

Umm, I believe the extension is 6"....that's 182.88 centimeters to almost (all?) the rest of the world. 

Steve

I've lived in both types of country (imperial and metric) and I can assure you six inches is not 182.88 centimeters!  I believe it's more like 15.2 centimeters

[yock1960]

I've lived in both types of country (imperial and metric) and I can assure you six inches is not 182.88 centimeters! I believe it's more like 15.2 centimeters

Which is ample reason that we should all be metric! Conversion is prone to errors, even with calculators. 'We have met the enemy...he is us!'.

[Great Attractor]

I put my ~14 kg DIY Newtonian on a HEQ5 (with a CW shaft extension) and it's fine when there's no wind.  @PiotrM used to mount a C14 on a NEQ6.