6 replies to this topic

[nof]

Hello, 

I have a home observatory with a C14 riding on an AP Mach1 that is permanently mounted (too heavy to take anywhere) and a 10" dobsonian solid tube that goes with me to darker sites. The C14 was an amazing bargain that replaced a Meade 8" LX50.

 

Now I am considering a goto mount, as light and small as possible, for the Meade 8" to take with me when there's not enough room in the car for the 10" tube. So I ask you folks, what would you recommend? My interest is visual, though I may someday consider doing some EAA with a small camera and short exposures. I have a super sturdy photo tripod that I could use to support the mount.

 

If I can't afford a mount for the 8" right now, I might make do with a smaller mount for a Borg 76mm 500mm that I once used as a guide scope for a larger refractor. So I'm asking also for recommendations for this scope

Thanks!

Nof

[donniesoprano]

I don't think this will support the 8" SCT (I've seen people pop C5's on them, but maybe someone has put an 8" on it), but I don't think you can do much better than this for small, light, and affordable:

- https://astronomics....28f87002a&_ss=r

 

If you don't need /want the dual encoders (https://www.cloudyni...-will-i-notice/), then this package may suit you at an even better price:

- https://starizona.co...avel-102-az-gte

 

I bought the latter because I don't care to have 'push-to'...'go-to' is enough for me.  The 102mm f/5 achro is just an extra bonus.  Both of those mounts come with the tripod and use the same app to control them.

 

ds

[wrvond]

I mounted a Celestron C8 on a Celestron ASGT (CG-5 class) and it worked wonderfully well. I don't know how much the LX80 8" weighs.

[nof]

I think the 8" OTA weighs 13 lbs = 6 kg. Thanks for your comment!

I mounted a Celestron C8 on a Celestron ASGT (CG-5 class) and it worked wonderfully well. I don't know how much the LX80 8" weighs.

[dnrmilspec]

AVX might be a good choice.  It is robust and 8" rides it quite well. It should be small enough to fit into the trunk on most cars.

 

Skywatchers EQM-35 says it can handle up to 22 pounds and is less money than the AVX.  Astronomics has them on sale right now.  The heaviest part of it when disassembled  is 12.5 pounds which is attractive.  I have had good luck with my Skywatcher mounts.

[ayadai]

One advantage of the AVX ATM is that there are several currently available in the CN classifieds for ridiculously low prices.

[davidgmd]

Celestron AVX worked very well for my Edge 8 and my NP101.

Used it for visual only, no AP.
Alt and az knobs for polar alignment don’t scream precision but they worked well.
GoTo accuracy and tracking were fine. Slewing is LOUD.

I had no issues with hand controller, motor software, firmware updates like you sometimes see.

Eventually sold it as ultimately GEMs weren’t my jam for visual (eyepiece position, meridian flips).