4 replies to this topic

[GTom]

In an older topic I found some reference, using the AZ GTi with the Skymax 150. Can someone confirm that this is possible (with a counterweight)? The Skymax 150+finder+ diagonal+ eyepiece combo is well over the rated payload of the mount, obviously no dso astrophotography, just visual and planetary is planned.

 

This is not the MAK but probably even more bizzare :

https://www.cloudyni...mit/?p=12273860

 

I have an SA GTi, but I don't consider that a "throveaway mount" in case something breaks/wears off thanks to the huge load, even when balanced properly. I'd risk a second hand AZ Gti for this purpose...

Edited by GTom, 04 December 2024 - 09:23 AM.

[Starlancer]

Strangely I at one time had the exact same combo.  I used it at a Star party in Alt-Az mode with a CW and it worked surprisingly OK, the mount had no issues slewing the scope, it was of course a bit shaky but as long as I didn't fuss with the scope the view of Jupiter was nice, granted there was no wind either.

[GTom]

Just OK is perfectly fine for this, until ultralight harmonics ($$$, sorry, $$$$$) get more refined and even lighter. I just need something that moves around the scope a bit better than a ball head. I have a solid 40mm leg carbon tripod that I can load with locally sourced rocks for stability and it can borrow the counterweights, even iirc the cw shaft(!) of my sa gti .

 

What sort of magnifications did you reach with the combo? For fairness, I'd aim for 200x-ish (Mars)...

Edited by GTom, 04 December 2024 - 10:38 AM.

[Starlancer]

Can't say I really remember, I'd guess about 160-170 ish, not sure I pushed to 200 or not.

[sevenofnine]

I use the standard AZ-GTi with a 10 lbs. AT80ED/2"diagonal/2"eyepiece/2 finders all the time. It is my grab-n-go set-up. I've also used my 5" Mak converted to 2" diagonal occasionally with this mount. Since the mount is controlled with either an app. on your phone or a hand controller, I think vibrations are kept to a minimum. I usually keep the magnifications well below 200x but in my sheltered viewing area I have no problems. Many members put the mount on a heavy duty carbon fiber tripod if they want a more solid rig. The reports are good. Best of luck to you! 

 

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Edited by sevenofnine, 04 December 2024 - 03:33 PM.