30 replies to this topic

[Itz marcus]

Hi,

I'm looking for an alt az mount for my C 9.25. I can't break the bank. I have limited funds!!

I have a 2 inch tripod. I don't need goto but I would like it to have tracking. Even if it doesn't come with tracking if I could add it later by myself that would be ok. I have added tracking to eq mounts but I don't know much about doing so on alt az mounts. 

Current equipment is a C 9.25, a 2 inch  prism diag. and regular 1.25 inch ep's

Clear Skies

Itz

[ABQJeff]

How big is your bank? 

 

This is what I would recommend:  https://www.teleskop...-79/20330-18430

[terrypaula]

Celestron makes a pretty good one in the Evolution mount. I have a friend doing astrophotography from one with the same scope and mount.

[Jethro7]

Hello its Marcus,

Besides the Alt/AZ mount I would recommend using a sliding counterweight used on the scopes dovetail in order to mount the scope better. These SCT's are very rear heavy. With that being said. I believe in being over mounted and a sturdy tripod like a Berlebach Planet, Losmandy Heavy Duty, Avalon T POD or the like.

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

 

Suitable Alt/Az mounts 

Look for a used DiscMount DM6, they come up for sale from time to time on CN and the AM Classifieds. These mounts are one of the best ever.

 

SuperMount W Master 

http://www.supermoun...S=8&GC=GD000101

 

Rowan Engineering AZ100 (Can be Moded for tracking)

https://rowanenginee...00-alt-az-mount

 

Desert Sky Astro DSV-3 ( Can be modded for Push To)

https://www.desertsk....com/DSV-3.html

 

Sliding counterweight. I use 5 Lbs. You will want one of these, no matter the mount.

https://www.bhphotov..._stainless.html

 

https://www.bhphotov...weight_for.html

 

Disregard the AZ 8 mount. I would NEVER, EVER recommend one of these mounts.

Edited by Jethro7, 10 February 2025 - 10:12 PM.

[bengreen]

"Suitable Alt/Az mounts

Look for a used DiscMount DM6, they come up for sale from time to time on CN and the AM Classifieds. These mounts are one of the best ever."

 

Perfect timing. There's one just arrived on AstroMart. I think it was $1600 with encoders.

 

Update: Sold. That didn't take long.

Edited by bengreen, 10 February 2025 - 10:37 PM.

[Itz marcus]

Hi,

Thanx for the replies.

My funds would be up to about $650.

I don't mind going the used route and as I said it doesn't need tracking. If it is upgradable to tracking at a later date that is fine too.

I was looking at the Berlebach Omega Tilt Head for Spica Mount

https://agenaastro.c...orGUk_I75tjO6SD 

but not sure if tracking can be added.

Clear Skies

Itz

[Traveler]

I use the Giro alt. az. mount with my C9 on one side, and a refractor on the other side. It works great. The Giro isnt on the market it seems. This one however is even more study:

 

https://www.teleskop...p-to-18-kg-4202

 

I think its the most cost effective alt. az. mount one can choose new.

[25585]

How big is your bank? 

 

This is what I would recommend:  https://www.teleskop...-79/20330-18430

That seems similar to a Celestron Evolution mount.

[ABQJeff]

That seems similar to a Celestron Evolution mount.

Yes similar but has dual encoders to allow manual movement (and uses Synscan controller software vs Celestron).

 

Funny because both made by Synta.

[Doug Culbertson]

How big is your bank? 

 

This is what I would recommend:  https://www.teleskop...-79/20330-18430

Is this yet another SkyWatcher mount that will only be sold overseas, like the AZ-GTiX? 

[ABQJeff]

Is this yet another SkyWatcher mount that will only be sold overseas, like the AZ-GTiX?

Yep, but like the AzGtiX one can still buy it and have it shipped (which I have done with AzGtiX, Altair Wave scopes, TS 23x110s, APM 16x70s, Berlebach Planet and Report tripods, APM 2” diagonals, etc.) While inconvenient, shipping across the “Pond” isn’t terrible or extremely expensive (heck all the stuff originates in China anyway).

[Doug Culbertson]

Yeah, I’ve ordered a lot of stuff from FLO and TS but since I couldn’t find that mount at any US dealer I figured that it was one of those that SW US decided wouldn’t sell well over here. I do like the look of that Fusion 1201i. 

 

This thread is timely as I am thinking about a C9.25 and wondering about mounting it on my SkyTee, but tracking would be nice. 

[balcon3]

Hi,

I'm looking for an alt az mount for my C 9.25. I can't break the bank. I have limited funds!!

I have a 2 inch tripod. I don't need goto but I would like it to have tracking. Even if it doesn't come with tracking if I could add it later by myself that would be ok. I have added tracking to eq mounts but I don't know much about doing so on alt az mounts. 

Current equipment is a C 9.25, a 2 inch  prism diag. and regular 1.25 inch ep's

Clear Skies

Itz

I think one thing is useful to keep in mind. For an AltAz mount, it doesn't really make sense to have tracking without GoTo. On an EQ mount, you can simply put a motor on the RA axis and it will track without knowing where it is. However, an AltAz mount needs to move in two axes at varying rates depending on where you are in the sky, so you need two motors and a computer to build a sky map and coordinate the motor movements. So if you have tracking on an AltAz mount, you already have GoTo. Since tracking is simpler on an EQ mount, a tracking solution is also cheaper. I don't know of any tracking AltAz mounts, including those mentioned above, that are within your budget and that will hold a C9.25. Even non-tracking mounts that can be upgraded to tracking later, like the Rowan 100, are well over your budget. Maybe on the used market you will be able to find one of the options mentioned above, but I am not sure. I think you many have to choose between: getting a non-tracking AltAz mount, getting an EQ mount, or increasing your budget.

Edited by balcon3, 11 February 2025 - 03:19 PM.

[tturtle]

This is how I mounted my 9.25. Vintage heavy duty aluminum tripod and a vintage O’Connor 50d fluid head with a custom wood wedge. Some diy required but works like a dream for visual and especially suited to binoviewing. Hands down the lightest way to mount this biggish SCT. 

Attached Thumbnails

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[Oldfracguy]

Hi,

I'm looking for an alt az mount for my C 9.25. I can't break the bank. I have limited funds!!

I have a 2 inch tripod. I don't need goto but I would like it to have tracking. Even if it doesn't come with tracking if I could add it later by myself that would be ok. I have added tracking to eq mounts but I don't know much about doing so on alt az mounts. 

Current equipment is a C 9.25, a 2 inch  prism diag. and regular 1.25 inch ep's

Clear Skies

Itz

I have an 8" Classical Cassegrain that weighs 20 lbs. with a 9x50 RACI, 2" diagonal and typical 1.25" eyepiece on a Stellarvue M002C mount on a column on a tripod with 2" tubular stainless steel legs:

 

 

 

It's a manually-positioned Alt-Az mount.  With a little practice you will be able to track targets at 300x.  It helps to have a handle.  Stellarvue sells a nice handle for the M002C (see photo above), but you can also make one yourself from a length of 1/2" copper pipe that attaches to the bottom of the mount's saddle using two 1/4"-20 screws:

 

 

 

These Stellarvue M002C mounts come up for sale in the CN Classifieds every so often, and are reasonably priced.

Edited by Oldfracguy, 13 February 2025 - 04:09 PM.

[Kefka1138]

 

Disregard the AZ 8 mount. I would NEVER, EVER recommend one of these mounts.

Care to elucidate, Jethro? Genuinely curious what drawbacks/issues you experienced with the AZ8. 

[Jethro7]

Care to elucidate, Jethro? Genuinely curious what drawbacks/issues you experienced with the AZ8. 

Hello Kefkq1138,

The AZ8 has three basic issues and the first one is easily delt with. The AZ8 tripod is not strong enough for the AZ8's ample payload capacity. I fixed that problem by mounting the AZ8 on a Berlebach Planet tripod. The AZ8 tripod is perfect for my Stellarvue M002C mount. The remaining two problems with the AZ8 both rest on the worm drive design and cannot be addressed to a satisfactory degree. The worm drives are the same worm drive system that are used on Losmandy's excellent EQ mounts, however do to being of a floating design these worms do not work very well on the AZ8. "Floating Worms" this means, the worms engage the drive only when under motion but when the mount is at rest, the worms are disengaged, this causes a good bit of backlash in both the Altitude and Azmuth that can not be tuned out. This same backlash can also be noticed on my G11 when the mount is turned off. However when the mount is turned on and the motors are running, the worms are constantly engaged and continue to stay engaged as long as the motors are running eliminating the backlash. This does not happen with the AZ8. The Azmuth backlash is very annoying and causes you to reaquire your target with the slightest bump. The Altitude backlash feels like a car with a flat tire if your scopes are not perfectly balanced. The AZ8 is very sensitive to even minor imbalances and your center of gravity does change as you raise and lower your scopes during a viewing session. Which means, either you have to stop and rebalance your scopes or just deal with the backlash.This balance issue have caused some AZ8 users to design and build elaborate counter weight systems to alleviate the Altitude backlash but the Azmuth backlash will remain as is. The final issue is, the slowmotion controls. Losmandy, put the Azmuth worm and slowmotion contol on the mount shaft extention instead of placing both the Azmuth and Altitude worms and slowmotion contols on the rotating part of the mount head. (????) This causes you to have to periodically pick up the entire mount and move it around to keep the Azmuth slowmotion control from eventually hitting your scope. ( This really is a big problem if you are using the setting circles) All of these issues together make the AZ8 a real PITA to use. You don't have any of these issues with a Rowan AZ100 or Desert Sky Astro DSV-3. I purchased a used AZ8  pretty cheap and I know why. The previous owner grew tired of the AZ8 just like me. 

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

Edited by Jethro7, 14 February 2025 - 06:55 PM.

[Kefka1138]

Thanks the detailed response, Jethro.

 

While I haven't experienced the tripod payload issue with my setup, I completely agree with the finicky worms and balance complaints.

 

To be honest, I don't have a ton of experience with comparable mounts (ignorance is bliss in this case), and really enjoy the AZ8 for my application. However, I'm sure my mind would be blown if I had a chance to test a Rowan AZ100. Thankfully, my AZ8 is second hand, so buyers remorse is somewhat blunted.

Edited by Kefka1138, 15 February 2025 - 07:23 PM.

[Terra Nova]

How about a used Quick-Set Gibraltar or Hercules mount and tripod or pier (like used in TV studios)?

 

https://www.ebay.com...:Bk9SR9TfudSiZQ

My brother uses a Gibraltar for his C9.25 and it works great with it’s built-in alt-az gearing and crank-up elevator post. They are quite heavy but very capable.

[Wildetelescope]

I would argue the back lash issue is a question of technique and balance. I simply engage the worm slowly when I reverse direction and it does not seem to be an issue. Balancing load on both axis also helps. Largest load I would put on it is my c8. That is what the GM8 Was optimized for. A larger cat will likely not be optimal. For sure you can purchase better if you want, but you will pay for it. The AZ8 is by no means perfect, but it does what I need it to do and I like it a lot. YMMV as always.

JMD

Hello Kefkq1138,
The AZ8 has three basic issues and the first one is easily delt with. The AZ8 tripod is not strong enough for the AZ8's ample payload capacity. I fixed that problem by mounting the AZ8 on a Berlebach Planet tripod. The AZ8 tripod is perfect for my Stellarvue M002C mount. The remaining two problems with the AZ8 both rest on the worm drive design and cannot be addressed to a satisfactory degree. The worm drives are the same worm drive system that are used on Losmandy's excellent EQ mounts, however do to being of a floating design these worms do not work very well on the AZ8. "Floating Worms" this means, the worms engage the drive only when under motion but when the mount is at rest, the worms are disengaged, this causes a good bit of backlash in both the Altitude and Azmuth that can not be tuned out. This same backlash can also be noticed on my G11 when the mount is turned off. However when the mount is turned on and the motors are running, the worms are constantly engaged and continue to stay engaged as long as the motors are running eliminating the backlash. This does not happen with the AZ8. The Azmuth backlash is very annoying and causes you to reaquire your target with the slightest bump. The Altitude backlash feels like a car with a flat tire if your scopes are not perfectly balanced. The AZ8 is very sensitive to even minor imbalances and your center of gravity does change as you raise and lower your scopes during a viewing session. Which means, either you have to stop and rebalance your scopes or just deal with the backlash.This balance issue have caused some AZ8 users to design and build elaborate counter weight systems to alleviate the Altitude backlash but the Azmuth backlash will remain as is. The final issue is, the slowmotion controls. Losmandy, put the Azmuth worm and slowmotion contol on the mount shaft extention instead of placing both the Azmuth and Altitude worms and slowmotion contols on the rotating part of the mount head. (????) This causes you to have to periodically pick up the entire mount and move it around to keep the Azmuth slowmotion control from eventually hitting your scope. ( This really is a big problem if you are using the setting circles) All of these issues together make the AZ8 a real PITA to use. You don't have any of these issues with a Rowan AZ100 or Desert Sky Astro DSV-3. I purchased a used AZ8 pretty cheap and I know why. The previous owner grew tired of the AZ8 just like me.

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

[Dave Novoselsky]

Hi,

Thanx for the replies.

My funds would be up to about $650.

I don't mind going the used route and as I said it doesn't need tracking. If it is upgradable to tracking at a later date that is fine too.

I was looking at the Berlebach Omega Tilt Head for Spica Mount

https://agenaastro.c...orGUk_I75tjO6SD

but not sure if tracking can be added.

Clear Skies

Itz

I have the Omega and you can see it described and pictured in a thread I started here a few days ago.  So far I am very pleased but it is strictly manual and cannot be upgraded as you ask

[Dave Novoselsky]

How about a used Quick-Set Gibraltar or Hercules mount and tripod or pier (like used in TV studios)?

 

https://www.ebay.com...:Bk9SR9TfudSiZQ

My brother uses a Gibraltar for his C9.25 and it works great with it’s built-in alt-az gearing and crank-up elevator post. They are quite heavy but very capable.

If you want to go the fork route for your 9.25 my recommendation would be to consider the Telescope Express UFork mount which less costly than the equivalent TV HD 4 or HD5, has a higher load capacity and has locking knobs that work well to keep the altitude fixed even at the zenith.

 

The locking knobs are an outstanding upgrade IMHO to the older style of fork mount that require a lot of fiddling around with scope placement for balance and can be a pain as you shift altitude.  With this one, I get the scope set up balanced properly in the saddle and then moving it up a down in altitude just tighten to two knobs one at a time to fix the position.  You can keep it pretty well set by just adjusting the tension as you move up and down without cracking down all the way.  I’m just the nervous type and do so.

 

Azmith can be controlled the same way with the large knurled knob on the base as the mount itself rotates on a very thick and sturdy teflon(?) sleeve inside the vertical tube.

 

The whole thing is built like a tank, surprising given its weight and of course like all things built in der Vaterland excellent fit and finish.

 

I can see my setup right now looking out the window to our enclosed porch where my 9.25 sits on that mount on to of one of my Berlebach tripods.  It worked fine last night briefly.  But briefly on because it was single digits here last night and I couldn’t stay out that long  No photos today as it’s 5 degrees outside.

 

Here are the basic stats from the TE website:

 

Mount type: Alt-azimuthal fork mount
Payload: 15 kg
Material: High strength aluminum alloy
Bearings: Plain bearing
Connection at the base: D=60 mm seating with female 3/8" thread
Clear width: 29.5 cm
Weight: 4.6 kg
External dimensions: 300 x 445 x 300 mm (L x W x H)

Edited by Dave Novoselsky, 17 February 2025 - 05:26 PM.

[Oldfracguy]

If you want to go the fork route for your 9.25 my recommendation would be to consider the Telescope Express UFork mount which less costly than the equivalent TV HD 4 or HD5, has a higher load capacity and has locking knobs that work well to keep the altitude fixed even at the zenith.

 

I checked on that as I have always thought some type of fork mount might be a better alternative than a side mount for these larger SCTs, Maks and Classical Cassegrains.  Here is the Teleskop Service UFork:

 

https://www.teleskop...elescopes-11130

 

My question is if that is a standard Vixen-style saddle underneath the plate for mounting large binoculars shown in the photos?

Edited by Oldfracguy, 17 February 2025 - 05:57 PM.

[Dave Novoselsky]

It’s I believe a Losmandy/CGE (or whatever goofy title Celestron uses) but my C9.25 dropped right in.  However, as I bought it on the secondary market and the seller never had a dovetail mounted and said he would bolt it on when he shipped I really don’t know.  I have an ADM Losmandy to Vixen dovetail coming so I certainly hope so.

 

To be sure, send an email to TE. I have found that they are very responsive to technical questions, usually very accurate, and their English is a whole lot better than my German, which is passable at best.

 

I’m pretty impressed with his mouth, particularly since I grew up using a Gibraltar.

[Dave Novoselsky]

Hold the presses.  Just checked it by removing my 9.25 and dropping in a Vixen dovetail coming.  It’s a Vixen for sure.Guess I should switch the one on my 9.25 as it is clearly’under dovetailed’.

 

Of course switching to a dual mount shouldn’t be an issue.

Edited by Dave Novoselsky, 17 February 2025 - 06:20 PM.