16 replies to this topic

[ZigZagZebraz]

Hi All,

Been here as a non-member for a while and as a registered member for about a year. I apologize for asking the questions, which have been answered before in various ways. But, more I read, more indecisive I am.

I am in the North East USA. I have a beginner AP set up, weighing about 10 lbs.
SV48P 90/500 Achromat and player one Uranus C (uncooled) camera, SV231 color correction filter
60/240mm guide scope and SV905C camera
Gemini auto focuser

My current mount (sub $500 EQ mount) is not up to par, poor performance and electronics failures.

I was considering EQ6R Pro in the classifieds. But, now I am not sure if I can handle the weight of the mount (assembly and disassembly) as I have to bring the set up inside as there are no safe storage in the backyard. Non-homeowner means I cannot build anything to that effect.

Also, I am on the otherside of the 50's. So, weight of the setup will be a concern in a few years time.

I have an Omegon stainless steel tripod. EQ5 equivalent with an incorporated AZ pin dowel (non-removable). I am not familiar with the Skywatcher ecosystem (hardware or software).

From my armchair research, Az-Eq5 seems to fit on the tripod. The head is available on B&H for $1200. Buy the 11lb weights from Skywatcher on Amazon, as the mount seems to have an retractable counterweight bar. Approximate estimate is around $1300.


Other option is to Strainwave path.

1. Wave 100i ($1600÷)
2. UMi 17 series ($1400 to 1600)
3. Clear sky 17 series ($1400 to 1600)

Wave 100i and UMi need some sort of adapter to fit on the Omegon tripod.

The clear sky has a notch in the base that would fit seamlessly on the AZ dowel.

Of all the three strainwave mounts above, Skywatcher customer service can be reached through dealers in the USA. UMi through discord and the clear sky is through email.

After the experience with the current mount I have, I am apprehensive about catastrophic failures and the resultant headaches dealing with customer service.

My question is, are strainwave mounts beginners friendly? I have experience with NINA, PHD2, albeit with poor guiding with my current set up.

The 100i can be in my hands next week. Same with the Az-Eq5. The rest two will be 10 to 20 days to arrive.

From a customer service perspective, it pushes towards Skywatcher. Longevity of support is also better with Skywatcher with other GEM models. They do not discontinue models that quickly. Clear sky is very young, Proxisky has already discontinued models. So, if they also stop driver updates, longevity of usage might be an issue.

The Az-Eq5 is time tested.

There are more input on 150i here than the 100i. Have not come across failures with UMi on their discord channel that much.

Would it make more sense to go the strainwave path?

Sorry, this is how I think and get confused to no end. I will be extremely grateful for any feedback.

[PIEJr]

Welcome to Cloudy Nights!

 

Such a dilemma!

Personally, I went the way of the heavyweight. For AP you want stability. That said, I figure my entire mount/telescope is at 150 pounds now. +/-

That said, there is a lot to be attracted by with the latest strain wave mounts, particularly for weight and portability considerations. I don't have one, most likely never will. But they are a chin scratcher.

I'd imagine you could add stone bags, or water buckets such as I did with my first mount to get more stability and weight dampening.

 

But for me and my buck, I went with my Losmandy and the GM811G HD was my pick. I knew I would be sticking with DSO, Nebula specifically (Although lately I'm poking the Galaxies, but disappointed in my present results.)

It's unfortunate you can't entertain something you could setup and keep setup. That's what I do and have for quite a while. Just cover well and forced ventilate to keep my gear dry when not in use.

 

We all choose our own way, mounts, telescopes, cameras, and targets. I advise you choose what you would like to work on. Then get your equipment to take you there within your budget comforts, and situation.

The long term desires will steer you toward how involved you will want to get. I did fine for 10 years with my first telescope, an 80mm Triplet. Last year I decided to upgrage to my AT130EDL, also a triplet, and a jump from 3.12" to over 5" in aperture. Really happy with the upgrades I did. Cameras, Guide Scope, and doing remote operation that also allows me to sleep while the equipment is sucking the light down from the nights choice of victims. (And to get my CPAP score for the night.  )

 

So, there is some homework for you. Decide which direction you want to go from here. Then talk to different folks here who do what you are interested in. Different directions want different telescopes and such.

It's not a bad delemma to be in. But the task can be daunting at times.

 

Welcome to the Black Hole! Just throw your wallet in and jump after it.    

Edited by PIEJr, 21 March 2025 - 10:05 AM.

[bobzeq25]

Hi All,

Been here as a non-member for a while and as a registered member for about a year. I apologize for asking the questions, which have been answered before in various ways. But, more I read, more indecisive I am.

I am in the North East USA. I have a beginner AP set up, weighing about 10 lbs.
SV48P 90/500 Achromat and player one Uranus C (uncooled) camera, SV231 color correction filter
60/240mm guide scope and SV905C camera
Gemini auto focuser

My current mount (sub $500 EQ mount) is not up to par, poor performance and electronics failures.

I was considering EQ6R Pro in the classifieds. But, now I am not sure if I can handle the weight of the mount (assembly and disassembly) as I have to bring the set up inside as there are no safe storage in the backyard. Non-homeowner means I cannot build anything to that effect.

Also, I am on the otherside of the 50's. So, weight of the setup will be a concern in a few years time.

I have an Omegon stainless steel tripod. EQ5 equivalent with an incorporated AZ pin dowel (non-removable). I am not familiar with the Skywatcher ecosystem (hardware or software).

From my armchair research, Az-Eq5 seems to fit on the tripod. The head is available on B&H for $1200. Buy the 11lb weights from Skywatcher on Amazon, as the mount seems to have an retractable counterweight bar. Approximate estimate is around $1300.


Other option is to Strainwave path.

1. Wave 100i ($1600÷)
2. UMi 17 series ($1400 to 1600)
3. Clear sky 17 series ($1400 to 1600)

Wave 100i and UMi need some sort of adapter to fit on the Omegon tripod.

The clear sky has a notch in the base that would fit seamlessly on the AZ dowel.

Of all the three strainwave mounts above, Skywatcher customer service can be reached through dealers in the USA. UMi through discord and the clear sky is through email.

After the experience with the current mount I have, I am apprehensive about catastrophic failures and the resultant headaches dealing with customer service.

My question is, are strainwave mounts beginners friendly? I have experience with NINA, PHD2, albeit with poor guiding with my current set up.

The 100i can be in my hands next week. Same with the Az-Eq5. The rest two will be 10 to 20 days to arrive.

From a customer service perspective, it pushes towards Skywatcher. Longevity of support is also better with Skywatcher with other GEM models. They do not discontinue models that quickly. Clear sky is very young, Proxisky has already discontinued models. So, if they also stop driver updates, longevity of usage might be an issue.

The Az-Eq5 is time tested.

There are more input on 150i here than the 100i. Have not come across failures with UMi on their discord channel that much.

Would it make more sense to go the strainwave path?

Sorry, this is how I think and get confused to no end. I will be extremely grateful for any feedback.

Feedback.

You're in the right ballpark for price.

Skywatcher mounts _tend_ to have good software.

Strainwave mounts are quite beginner friendly, but they may need different PhD2 settings. Often that involves shorter exposures. Those used for a 150i could be an excellent starting point.

Bottom line. Of those mounts, I'd recommend (for you) the 100i.

Edited by bobzeq25, 21 March 2025 - 10:01 AM.

[scanner97]

Yes, welcome.  I have an AM5n so will answer generally.

 

If you're already familiar with NINA and phd2, a strainwave will be a no brainer for you.  My mount head weighs ~12 lbs and I'm using the (5 lb) Zwo cf tripod with the pier extension.  It's rock solid with ~ 11lbs total imaging payload and the whole rig, assembled, weighs maybe 30 lbs.  I keep it in one piece in my study and can have it outside in a couple minutes. PA is another 5 minutes and I'm imaging.   

 

There are some differences between the 100i and 150i, so you might want to check that thread to get specifics.  Not sure about the other two.  There are a lot of small difference between different strainwave mounts.  Whether any of those matter to you is a personal question.  In general they're a great option for portability with a light to medium rig.  The main reasons I bought the AM5 were (1) looking for something with plenty of users here for support, although no problems so far, and (2) the Sky-Watchers were not available yet so couldn't even consider them.

 

Have fun with your decision.

[Celerondon]

Yes, strain wave mounts are beginner-friendly, especially for astrophotographers.  The portability factor is also friendly to another, more experienced demographic group.  Whenever someone mentions 11lbs for just one of those mandatory GEM counterweights, I always remember that the entire AM5 mount head barely weighs 12lbs compared to 60lbs for am EQ6-R Pro with two toe-busting counterweights.  
 

In addition to providing tripod clearance and extra height, the PE200 pier extension serves as a versatile pier and tripod adapter. With a PE200 underneath, ZWO mounts can fit almost anything. 
 

I’m very pleased with the quality and performance of my ZWO mount, but there are plenty of other excellent strain wave mounts available. A model in the AM3 or Wave 100i range should be perfect for your needs.  If SkyWatcher doesn’t make an adapter for your tripod then the PE200 may also work for the Wave 100i and Wave 150i.  

 

You shouldn’t have any trouble pairing a mount in this category with your tripod. However, you probably shouldn’t wait too long to decide—predicted price increases may already be taking effect. Fortunately, discounts like the one from our hosts at Astronomics can help offset some of the cost. 

 

Don

 

 

 

[ZigZagZebraz]

Thanks for the welcome and the advice, PIEJr, bobzeq25, Scanner97 and Celerondon.


PIEJr., when I grow up and still can handle heavy stuff, my be an AP. I have drooled over them. Window shopping is soul refreshing. :-) May be also sell blood plasma for mount money too.


Thanks bobzeq25, I got the emphasis of the underscores.


Thanks Scanner97 and Celerondon for the clarification regarding the beginners friendliness of the mounts. I still have to learn EQmod or GSS or if it can be done simply install ascom driver and handle through Nina.


Celerondon, million thanks for the PE200 info. I see it has a provision for the AZ dowel. Yes, I saw elsewhere, ZWO mount, don't remember the model, went up by $500.

Edited by ZigZagZebraz, 21 March 2025 - 11:21 AM.

[Darkblade48]

Thanks Scanner97 and Celerondon for the clarification regarding the beginners friendliness of the mounts. I still have to learn EQmod or GSS or if it can be done simply install ascom driver and handle through Nina.
 

EQMOD and GSS are pretty easy to learn. In fact, you don't really need to learn them, unless you need to change options. If you install the ASCOM driver, then you can use NINA to control everything.

[ZigZagZebraz]

Thanks, Darkblade48.

Have to read up on them, considering the 100i is coming in next week.

[bobzeq25]

Thanks, Darkblade48.

Have to read up on them, considering the 100i is coming in next week.

I recommend using the more general ASCOM based software to control the mount (instead of the Skywatcher specific EQMOD). Sharpcap Pro is simple, does a decent job. Many people like NINA. Some of us, Voyager.

ASCOM is pretty universal, almost all software operates with it, the old EQMOD is Skywatcher specific.

I believe the ASCOM driver you need is the first one here.

"This ASCOM driver allows ASCOM clients to connect to SynScan App running on Windows, Android or iOS. After installation, choose "SynScan App Driver" as your telescope in the ASCOM client's ASCOM Telescope Chooser. SynScan App version 1.00 or above is required."

https://www.skywatch...e/ascom-driver/

Edited by bobzeq25, 21 March 2025 - 01:35 PM.

[ZigZagZebraz]

Thanks again bobzeq25.

I am more familiar with ASCOM driver than using other utilities. I have been using TPPA in NINA for polar alignment. With the current mount (before it failed) was able to get 0.8 arcsec polar alignment error.

I could not figure out PA in SharpCap or PHD2. Guess NINA is more idiot proof.

[PIEJr]

Thanks for the welcome and the advice, PIEJr, bobzeq25, Scanner97 and Celerondon.


PIEJr., when I grow up and still can handle heavy stuff, my be an AP. I have drooled over them. Window shopping is soul refreshing. :-) May be also sell blood plasma for mount money too.


Thanks bobzeq25, I got the emphasis of the underscores.


Thanks Scanner97 and Celerondon for the clarification regarding the beginners friendliness of the mounts. I still have to learn EQmod or GSS or if it can be done simply install ascom driver and handle through Nina.


Celerondon, million thanks for the PE200 info. I see it has a provision for the AZ dowel. Yes, I saw elsewhere, ZWO mount, don't remember the model, went up by $500.

When I say "AP", I mean Astrophotography. Not that expensive AP stuff.  

Happy hunting!

[Cliff Hipsher]

I have an 80mm refractor on an AM3 and it works just fine.  I also have the 90mm Sv48P on a Meade LXD75/OnStep mount.

 

The AM3 will work with ASCOM and Kstars systems.

[ZigZagZebraz]

Thanks  Cliff Hipsher.

 

Ordered a Wave 100i, should be here on or before Wednesday.

 

Have a great week ahead.

[Darkskyaz]

Unless you think you might want to get into astro-photography, I would recommend the iOptron HAZ 46 strain wave mount. In addition to not needing a counterweight, the mount head itself weights just over 12 pounds. Two other features that are very helpful are the built in battery, and the ability to top mount your telescope, which is inherently safer than the side mounted saddles. If at some point in the future you suffer a bout of Aperture Fever, you could put a C-11 on it. I would recommend ordering the mount from Oberwerk along with one of their wooden tripods for maximum stability. 

Edited by Darkskyaz, 23 March 2025 - 10:49 PM.

[bobzeq25]

Unless you think you might want to get into astro-photography, I would recommend the iOptron HAZ 46 strain wave mount.

As stated in the title, this is for astrophotography.

Edited by bobzeq25, 24 March 2025 - 12:19 AM.

[ZigZagZebraz]

Thanks for the suggestion, DarkskyAZ. As bobzeq25 clarified, I am looking for astrophotography use.

[ZigZagZebraz]

Thanks everyone for your invaluable help. Got the Wave 100i. Tested with tablet and station mode. Managed to install the mount using the leftover parts from my now defunct mount. A temporary solution until I buy the PE200. Tomorrow is PC connection, firmware update and testing with NINA. Attached a photo. Thanks again

Attached Thumbnails

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