Re: [APML] Mount for C-14 at a University

[Gene Horr <genehorr@texas.net>]

Gil Shillcutt wrote:

  The C-14 has been mounted on the standard fork mount (I don't know the scope's
> vintage).  He would like to mount it on a pier and GEM, with the express purpose of
> performing photometry and astrophotography.  I suspect that his astrophotography may be
> CCD-based, but let's assume film.
> 
> He's proposing using Losmandy's new HGM Titan, info here:
> http://www.losmandy.com/hgm-titan.html
> 
> The mount looks like a great new mount for amateurs, but I wonder if it will be
> sufficient in a university setting.  Does anyone have thoughts on this?

IMO a lot depends on whether he will be using it by himself.  From past 
experience with Losmandy products the only way that they can get anywhere 
near the spec'ed PE is with careful PE training - which had to be done 
after every slew.  At the FLs he/they will be working with tracking is
very important.

Personally I would try to steer him towards more higher end products 
that will give him better tracking and are designed to last for decades
and take a lot of abuse from careless users.  AP & Takahashi both make
products that IMO would better fit his needs.

Gene Horr
genehorr@texas.net

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