Quote:
Originally Posted by Wavytone
Hi Justin, I have an AZEQ6GT on a Berlebach Planet tripod (better than the SW one).
The Skywatcher, iOptron and Celestron mounts are a compromise between price and functionality, with cast alloy components and a cheap paint job compared to what say Losmandy, Mesu or AP produce.
In essence expect 10 years use before either (a) something fails and aren't economically repairable, or (b) the technology moves on to such an extent you realise its time to replace it anyway even if it is still working.
The most likely bits to fail are cables, connectors and electronics, and its evident that fairly soon the cables will be ditched for WiFi/Bluetooth (long overdue IMHO). At present the wireless solutions available are somewhat half-assed (dongles hanging on pigtails) though it won't be long before a decent solution is sorted out and old-school handsets are abandoned - superseded by smartphone apps.
OTOH an AP mount will probably last you a lifetime.
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Thanks for your reply Wavytone, id be happy with 10 years. i did read somewhere about the tripod being under engineered for this mount and the payload limit.On that note what is the most weight you use on your mount connected to your pier mate?