Re: [APML] EQ6 Mount

[Alen Koebel <alen_koebel@yahoo.ca>]

> Go for quality even if it can't carry a big load, 
> better a weight limited fine instrument than a beast
> that can't do the job at any weight. Also, don't buy
> a mount (like the EQ6) that won't accept an
> autoguider. This by the way rules out the GP and 
> GP-DX unless you upgrade to a wopping expensive
> controller which I think costs more than the GP
> mount does.

Sound advice, but some comments:

1) The Vixen dual-axis controller is apparently 
fairly easy to modify for autoguider input. (Norbert
Tackman in Ventura CA does it commercially.)

2) The "whopping expensive controller" is the
SkySensor 2000-PC. It is much more expensive than 
Vixen's dual-axis controller (plus motors) because it
provides GoTo (it's roughly the same price as a GP-DX,
which I'd recommend over the GP for AP). That may 
seem expensive, relatively speaking, but it is not 
out of line for a retrofittable GoTo system (e.g.,
Losmandy's Gemini). If GoTo isn't desired, see 
comment 1) above.

3) The payload capacity of the GP-DX is much improved
if mounted on a surveyor's tripod (or portable pier).
Rick Krejci (http://www.ricksastro.com/) has done
great CCD work with a GP-DX on a surveyor's tripod
loaded with 26 lbs. of equipment.


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