5 replies to this topic

[Hicks]

I've been considering a new mount for a number of years now, sat on the fence over the CEM60 long enough that they stopped making it and the CEM70 came along and it too has now matured   I've finally spent a good amount of time researching recent mounts including the strain wave options but keep coming back to the CEM70 and have decided to take the plunge. 

 

I thought after that it'd be easy, just buy the pier for it and be done. Yet I'm unsure, tri-pier or tri-pier 360? The 360 looked more solid and more convenient to setup/take down, but the iOptron page has the following caution for none CEM120 mounts:

 

 

* Due to the larger top plate size, the telescope may hit the pier for a mount other than CEM120.

 

Which part is it that is likely to impact the plate? Is it the counter weight(s), OTA, imaging train? At which orientation would it be an issue?

 

I've never owned/used a EQ/CEM style mount before, so I'm really struggling to visualize a configuration where the plate could be a problem. Unlike legs with a longer refractor or image train when pointing near the zenith. If it helps, my current setup is a soon to be de-forked 8" SCT with Moonlite focuser, filter wheel, ccd, OAG.

 

I've scoured youtube for anyone using a similar setup but as yet not found anything, nor any videos mentioning plate impact concerns/issues to at least see how it might occur. Anyone shed any light on this?

Edited by Hicks, 15 March 2025 - 05:56 AM.

[ScotiaAstro]

Hi mate,

 

I'm using the CEM70 with the iOptron Tri-pier and have had no issues at all with a variety of scopes on it...most recently a 10 inch Newtonian.  The connection between the tri-pier and CEM70 are seamless and once the counterweight bar if off, I can move it in and out of my outbuilding where I keep all of my gear.

 

I actually have two of the iOptron Tri-piers and they are rock solid...the other is being used with my Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 GT Pro mount, so I highly recommend them...you can also adjust the height of the tri-pier, in case you were worried about any potential collisions, but I don't really see an issue if you're plonking an 8 inch SCT on it? Think you should be ok.

 

I uploaded a video on my YouTube Channel recently showing the set-up, if you wanted to see it for yourself before you buy: https://youtu.be/ooZ...oRumrKd6U4Mpi4S

 

Hope that helps, but any other questions, just fire them over!

 

Best wishes from Scotland,

Steve

[Hicks]

Hi Steve, I watched your video last night whilst trying to figure this out

 

It looks like you have the tri-pier and not the tri-pier 360. From what I'd read the tri-pier will be fine, but I'm less sure about the tri-pier 360 as it mentions potential issues due to the larger plate? Reason I'm interested in the 360 is it looks a little more convenient to setup each night.

[ScotiaAstro]

You beat me to it then!

 

Yes, I can see the appeal of the 360 version...I just picked up the 'standard' tri-piers because they were cheaper and I knew that I was going to buy two of them! Lol! 

 

Good luck with your new set-up anyway and let us know how you get on. 

 

Have a great weekend! 

[Notdarkenough]

I, too, have the Tri-Pier with my CEM70. I put an iOptron mini-pier between the Tri-Pier and the mount and it is excellent. The whole rig lives outside 24/7 365 under Telegizmos 365 covers. It is very stable and rock solid. I read the same info regarding scope strikes, but the mini-pier makes that impossible. I don't know if it was going to be a problem at all, but the mini-pier gives me height without sacrificing stability and I went that way from the start.

[Hicks]

Searched all over and haven't been able to find anything to confirm this so I emailed iOptron to query it. They confirmed that the CEM70 should be fine on the tri-pier 360 with an 8" SCT.

 

I guess I'll find out for sure once I've bought one