AP1100 GTO mount with encoders as an option

[gregbradley]

AP have released a new mount to replace the AP900. The AP1100GTO with accurate encoders as an option (the option is not available until next year though).

http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=830017

And the AP website here:

http://www.astro-physics.com/

I think this may be a hot mount. See the AP website for examples of 10 minute unguided images with perfect round pinpoint stars.

I wonder if SB will offer encoders as an option for PMX/PME.

It seems the way the mount industry is going that these will become more common and preferable to the ancient technique/black art known as autoguiding!

Greg.

[DavidTrap]

The encoders, unfortunately, don't come cheaply - $6K.

Nonetheless, there is a significant increase in capacity of this mount over the 900.

DT

[cventer]

Paramount website says they will offer encoders on me II at end of this year. Need to be factory installed though. Not sure about PMX

[RickS]

I was on the waiting list for the AP1100 and got my email yesterday. Now I have to decide if I can afford the encoders...

[niharika]

Gear meshing is something you dont do often but will have to do at some stage. The way they implemented gear meshing in the new design is totally repeatable and will give you the optimum mesh every time.

[RickS]

No more hammer and a block of wood?

[cventer]

Someone is making a killing on these. Surely they cannot cost that much to manufacture ? Anyone know what a wholesale cost of these type encoders are ?

[niharika]

That's right. Wood and hammer thing was for the very early models. Later mounts didn't need any wood and hammer but you still had to rely on your feeling of whether the mesh was too tight or loose and then try it under the sky to be sure. Very last design eliminates that process as well. User only needs to loosen 3 screw and tighten them back.

[Paul Haese]

Certainly something worth considering though despite the price. I would be quite happy to get these installed on my PME. Anything to remove another thing that can go wrong is a good thing I think.

[gregbradley]

Absolutely. Imagine the freedom of setup without having to worry about differential flexure, autoguiding issues, the weight and complexity of adapters and idiosyncrasies of guide cameras and connections.

If I could get a 15 minute round star exposure at 3 metres focal length it would be fabulous.

Greg.

[cventer]

hhhmmnnnnn fortune teller looks into crystal ball and sees ME II with encoders in my future.....

Ascension 200HR also has encoders but is $23k US . Not sure what price of ME II with encoders will be.

[RickS]

I'm tempted to go that route on the AP1100 ;)

[cventer]

If you're happy to wait till dec 2016 with typical AP waiting list then not a bad option :)

[RickS]

They start shipping in November 2013. I'm already on the waiting list. It's only the scopes that ship in geological timeframes :lol:

[bert]

Funnily enough I installed high resolution renishaw axis encoders to my mount today as well,I ran out of light before they were finished.

That said, when I had my ap mount, it didn't need secondary encoders. It tracked beautifully, and just worked the way it should. Just like every mount should, but usually doesn't!

[cventer]

On which mount Brett?

[bert]

Iott 393.

It's the precursor to the Planewave ascension. It's the same size.

[DavidTrap]

I like the way you think Brett!

DT