RE: [APML] dovetail systems, help!

["Scott Hammonds" <shammonds@creatorsview.com>]

Roland,
I have no experience with the GM8, others can comment here, but when I had
the AP400GTO I imaged with very good results at the max load. Balance was
extremely critical, but it worked very well. Stuart gave you a rule of
thumb, but you need to test your own system. 

I use the Mini Borg 60mm for a guide scope, it weighs maybe a lb soaking
wet. Results have been excellent using the Mini Borg scope.
http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/miniborg/index.htm 
It attaches easily via a 1/4 20 thread but I use two of the Losmandy 90mm
rings. If you'd like a picture let me know.

Scott 

-----Original Message-----
From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org [mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org] On
Behalf Of Roland Roberts
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2005 8:24 AM
To: APML
Subject: Re: [APML] dovetail systems, help!

>>>>> "Stuart" == Stuart Heggie <Stuart.J.Heggie@sympatico.ca> writes:

    Stuart> Roland, sounds like you've done a lot of thinking on this
    Stuart> already. I wonder if the GM-8 is able to carry all this
    Stuart> tuff. Imaging limit for a mount should be half its rated
    Stuart> capacity. That means for a GM-8 you can't exceed 15 pounds.

    Stuart> The scope, Pentax 67, 300mm lens etc surely weigh in above
    Stuart> 15 pounds.

You're right, it may be too much.  I also have an old 60mm refractor which I
may use for guiding---I've used it in the past for manual guiding, and it
will cut down the weight.  The 300mm lens is the longest focal length I've
used, and both it's weight and focal length are probably going to be the
limiting factors.  I've put the 60mm refractor,
2 35mm cameras and two Yashicamats on a CG-5 with satisfactory results for
exposures up to about 40 minutes.  Constellation portraits are easy....

What I'm mostly confused about is the dovetails, what connects to what.
I don't suppose anyone has some nice pictures and descriptions of their
equipment that I can look over to get a better feel for what I am going to
need?

Thanks,

roland
-- 
                       PGP Key ID: 66 BC 3B CD
Roland B. Roberts, PhD                             RL Enterprises
roland@rlenter.com                            6818 Madeline Court
roland@astrofoto.org                           Brooklyn, NY 11220
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