Re: [APML] M45

[Chris1011@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/23/2002 9:53:28 PM Central Standard Time, tan@cox.net writes:


>  I have to say that your 7" F/7 together with those monster rings which hold a 5" guidescope is quite a bit to handle for me <g>. I could not believe it but my AP1200 mount required four 18lb counterweights to balance this setup. This is two additional weights more than the 12.5" F/9 RC. When I get a chance to shoot 6x7 again, I will be using an OAG so as not to have to use the guidescope


Trent Kjell has a 7F7 EDF also, and he has it mounted in his observatory (http://www.bigcigarastronomy.com/) on a 1200 mount, and has been doing astrophotography for about a year with excellent results. My recommendation is to ditch the large guidescope, and use a lightweight 80mm F11 like the ones we sell, or equivalent. This goes a long way toward making the scope user and mount friendly.

Roland Christen