121 replies to this topic

[Rob Moore]

I just ordered the Losmandy HD folding tripod and adapter from AP. Should be a lot better than the AP wooden tripod.

[Rob Moore]

I will also have the AP 8” extension to go on top of the tripod so should give me enough height.

[Rob Moore]

I had the same mount setup, when I got my 160EDF it was overwhelmed. The old AP/Baader wood tripod is definitely the weakest link. A Berlebach Planet is much better, but you'll still be undermounted with it.

A Losmandy HD tripod is another good option, along with an 8" pier. That should clear up most of the shakes. Maybe with something like that you can get by. The 600 is such a great basic EQ mount, I miss mine although I need the Mach1's ability to break into 2 pieces. I miss the elegant simplicity of the 600.

If you think about it, the Askar is, at a minimum, like a traditional RFT scope with the CA cleared up. i.e., even without a perfectly precise lens it should be able to blow away older RFT's like those 7" and 8" achromats APM sold for a while. Those were supposed to be excellent. This scope has similar roots except upgraded with ED glass and a sturdier OTA.

[Rob Moore]

I do love the 600 mount also because it’s so clean on outside with all motors being internal. I just love the look of it. Sounds stupid I know.

[Rob Moore]

I received my new Losmandy HD folding tripod today. What a work of art. It is beautiful and I can’t believe how solid this thing is. Really glad I got this instead of the Tri pier.

[Joe G]

Rob, when you get a chance can you provide links and pics of the tripod, extension and the Askar mounted on it.

 

I have the iOptron tri-pier.  It works.  The paint job is not good and the connecting steel parts rust.  I had them replace those part after they got a new vendor.

 

Still rusted.

[Rob Moore]

I will as soon as I can. The upper legs are 3” in diameter and the bottom part that extends out is 2 1/2 “ in diameter. It has a 450lbs weight capacity. The tripod legs on my Nexstar c 11 are only 2” in diameter at the upper part that is the thickest. I was surprised at how nice it is. I actually called Losmandy and told them how thrilled I am with it.

[Rob Moore]

Here is the Losmandy HD folding tripod with the MA plate and 4” Astro-Physics pier extension. The MA plate is 4” so I have 8” total.  

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[CHASLX200]

I would just go back to my 7ft pier if i went 185 like i did on a top heavy 6" ED.

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[Rob Moore]

The 185 Askar is not real long so I will have plenty of height.

[Rob Moore]

It is 48” with dew shield extended

[CHASLX200]

Gotta be top heavy and hang low in the rings i would think.

[Joe G]

Here is the Askar beast on a Pegasus NYX-101 SWM attached to the Berlebach Planet tripod.  Check out the little counterweight.

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[Rob Moore]

Such a small mount for that scope. I haven’t used any of the new strain wave mounts. I would think the more mass the better.


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[Joe G]

Amazingly it is very stable.  Slews without effort.  Maybe takes a second to stop shaking while focusing.

[Psion]

Here is Askar 203 mm on the RST300.

 

[Joe G]

Even more impressive!

[CHASLX200]

Here is Askar 203 mm on the RST300.

 

Odd mounts these days.

[39.1N84.5W]

I'm surprised they shipped it with a vixen dovetail.

[Rob Moore]

Mine came with Losmandy dovetail.


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[CHASLX200]

I'm surprised they shipped it with a vixen dovetail.

Ouch that has to flex rex.

[PeterR280]

The dovetail is Losmandy