RE: [APML] AP1200 questions

["Loke Tan" <tan@cox.net>]

Mike,

 Setting up doesn't take that long, especialy the polar alignment part.
Polar alignment is no different functionally for this scope vs. other GEMs.
So if you are exceptionally critical with polar alignment that it takes you
half a night, then you will also have the same issue with other GEMs. It
takes me about 15 mins to do it. The whole setup probably takes 30-40 mins
depending if I take my time doing it or not. And I am usually late getting
to a dark site where most of my setup is around dusk so I am fumbling in the
dark a bit. IMHO the AP1200 is the most portable large mount for remote
imaging.

Loke


-----Original Message-----
From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org
[mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org]On Behalf Of Mike Unsold
Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2003 5:14 AM
To: Discussion of Film Astrophotography
Subject: Re: [APML] AP1200 questions


Loke,

I use an AP 1200 but it is permanently mounted. It took me awhile to polar
align the 1200
without a polar scope. How long does it take to setup and polar align the
1200 at a dark site
using the AP polar alignment scope so that an STV will autoguide long
exposures. The 1200
is easily moved by one person but I fear it takes half a night to polar
align.

Mike


----- Original Message -----
From: "Loke Tan" <tan@cox.net>
To: "Discussion of Film Astrophotography" <astro-photo@seds.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2003 4:23 PM
Subject: RE: [APML] AP1200 questions


> Shekhar,
>
>  Yes it is. It breaks into two manageable pieces. With the AP1200, I can
> carry one piece at a time with both hands. The AP900 is even lighter. I
can
> carry each piece on each hand, or both at the same time. The AP piers
works
> well. The only issue is height. For photography and better tolerance of
> wind, I suggest a shorter pier even though it might not be convenient to
> view thru. I believe I have the 48" pier and it works great for a
refractor
> for both visual and photography. Sometimes however, I wished it was
shorter
> when windy. If you are imaging with a Newt, you can definately make it
even
> shorter.
>
> Loke
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org
> [mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org]On Behalf Of Shekhar Borde
> Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2003 11:53 AM
> To: APML
> Subject: [APML] AP1200 questions
>
>
> Dear AP1200 owners:
>
> Is this mount actually field portable?  I intend to transport it
> in the back of a van or truck and set it up and tear it down by
> myself.  I am 6'1", 200 lbs.
>
> Also, what size portable pier would be appropriate for astrophoto-
> graphy with this mount (for someone my size)?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Shekhar
>
>
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