I thought some might be interested to know that the T-Rex comfortably carries a 12" Meade SCT when used with a CW shaft. I've used it on two nights so far and the mount behaves normally, though there's a bit of vibration coming from the tripod (soon the be replaced with a Losmandy HD). I don't know that there's a more portable mount for the carrying capacity; it's quick to set up and aligning the Sky Commander is just a matter of switching it on and pointing at two stars (no levelling, pointing north, entering time, etc is needed).
Thanks for your report. I have been impressed by the specs for this mount and have it in mind as my next upgrade step. However, I have not seen one in action, so it was good to get your feedback.
Hi Steve, the only downside is that they cost an arm and a leg, although having partly disassembled this mount the internals are top quality.
From experience I can say that the CW is not needed with a 10" SCT but it definitely is needed with the 12". A C11 is right on the borderline. Most refractors wouldn't need a CW since their centre of gravity is closer to the mount.
Thanks Brian - 'T-Rex' would be a nice addition to that signature of yours
The 12" Meade weighs in at about 38 lbs for the ota with dovetail, about 44 lbs kitted out for observing. The CW shaft is an aftermarket add on - I don't think KK are supplying one yet.
Hi Steve, the only downside is that they cost an arm and a leg, although having partly disassembled this mount the internals are top quality.
From experience I can say that the CW is not needed with a 10" SCT but it definitely is needed with the 12". A C11 is right on the borderline. Most refractors wouldn't need a CW since their centre of gravity is closer to the mount.
I'm sure a used one sold for around $1500 on this forum in the last year or two. At the time I wished I had the money to buy it.
This is that mount Morton, although I already owned the Sky Commander. While it's easily portable it's not exactly grab and go, so I'm looking to add a SkyTee 2.
I'm getting a Losmandy HD tripod for the T-Rex, the T-Rex tripod will be adapted to my non-goto HEQ5 and the HEQ5 tripod will go to the Skytee.
I think I have the ideal combination on my T-Rex which is a C9.25" and Argo Navis, the latter plugs straight into the standard T-Rex encoders. If you want a strong quick and easy visual set up, this is the way to go.
Please !!!! dont go planting a seed like that .....
GRRRR !!!! fighting it ...
Would be nice tho , anyone know if a Aussie dealer will pick these up ?
Brian.
Quote:
Originally Posted by casstony
Thanks Brian - 'T-Rex' would be a nice addition to that signature of yours
The 12" Meade weighs in at about 38 lbs for the ota with dovetail, about 44 lbs kitted out for observing. The CW shaft is an aftermarket add on - I don't think KK are supplying one yet.
Please !!!! dont go planting a seed like that .....
Brian.
It's only fair after you showed how nice that IEQ45 is and how easy it is to set up
I don't know if there's an Aussie T-Rex dealer but you can order direct from Barry Gooley at Kokusai Kohki; he's very good for after sales service too.
Woaw! great bit of gear , here . 
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Please !!!! dont go planting a seed like that ....
.
