Re: [APML]: Astrophysics 600 Mount vs 900 Mount

[Wil Milan <wmilan@airdigital.com>]

mwcook@concentric.net wrote:

>    I've been debating the merits of two AP Goto mounts;
> the 600EGTO vs 900EGTO.  Currently I have the older
> AP600 mount (non E), AP 130mm F/6 scope with 80x900
> guidescope and ST-4 autoguider.  I have a fairly dark
> site so portability is not a big issue.
>
>   - Does anyone think that the 900 mount would be
>     worth the additional $1500?
>
>   - Any idea on the resell value for the the older
>     AP600 mount with pier? (upgraded for ST-4 interface
>     and checked and aligned by AP)

The AP 5" f/6 OTA is very compact and fairly light, certainly the AP600
can handle it very well. I'm not sure what you would gain by going to a
900 mount unless you're planning to move to a substantially larger
scope.

One thought: On an AP900 the counterweight shaft alone weighs about 10
lbs and may come close to counterbalancing the 5" f/6 all by itself,
i.e., with no counterweights at all. That indicates to me that for that
scope the AP900 is really overkill. The AP900 is so hefty and the 5" f/6
is so small that it would look like you brought your finder but forgot
the main scope. :-)

Re resale value: A friend of mine recently sold a late-model 600 mount
in pristine condition for $3200. That included encoders, polar scope,
ST-4 interface, and a few other goodies.

Wil M.
--
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which You have set in place,
what is Man that you are mindful of him,
or the son of Man that you care for him?"  -- Psalm 8