[Spookyer (Brett)]

Hi all

I currently run a 925mm focal length refractor on an AP Mach1 mount and use an SBIG STT8300 CCD with built in guider in the filterwheel.

I consider this a mid range focal length rig. I would like to expand my range a bit to longer focal lengths to better capture some smaller targets. The real setup I want is over $40K and includes an AP1100 mount but I was thinking as a more affordable setup I could get a GSO RC10 (metal tube) and mount it on my existing Mach1 mount. At say 20kgs all up for the rig I think that should be doable.

That would give me 2000mm fl for about $1600 for the OTA and say $800 for a moonlite focuser with stepper motor. So about $2400 all up. Not sure if I would benefit from an AO on this rig as well?

Would appreciate comments on the suggested path to longer focal length imaging and the likely benefit of the AO unit (would be the AO-8T).

thanks
Brett