Dual scopes one mount Vs two mounts

[Gvarouha (George)]

Hi all, I need advice from those in the know.

I’ve come to a cross roads. I’m currently running an RC8 on a G11 and an Esprit 80ed on an AZEQ 6.

I’m thinking about migrating to an EQ8R and mounting both scopes on there.

I image with both scopes at the same time, generally the same target. There’s pros and cons to both From what I’ve read.

My goal is to simplify set up and tear down time.

Cheers

[dannat (Daniel)]

go the side by side setup, i would have thought the g11 could handle the weight of the rc8 and ed80, what mounting plates you using on either mount? eg losmandy or vixen dovetail?

[Gvarouha (George)]

It probably could handle the weight but will be right on the limit... both otas are on Losmandy plates

[LewisM]

Seriously on the limit? I would have thought max 20kg the lot, and that’s guessing mono cams with filter wheels.

G11 is a 27kg payload mount. RC8 steel tube scope 8kg, Esprit 80 about 4kg.

[Gvarouha (George)]

Originally Posted by LewisM

Seriously on the limit? I would have thought max 20kg the lot, and that’s guessing mono cams with filter wheels.

G11 is a 27kg payload mount. RC8 steel tube scope 8kg, Esprit 80 about 4kg.

With everything including mini pc it weighs in at 21kg. Add in the fact that’s it’s not going to balance perfectly, and it’s close.

[dannat (Daniel)]

why is the mini pc on the mount? can’t you place it on side, or u worried about cable tangle

[Gvarouha (George)]

Originally Posted by dannat

why is the mini pc on the mount? can’t you place it on side, or u worried about cable tangle

Yep cables are nice and neat up on top.

[tempestwizz (Brian)]

FWIW : To my mind, you would be better off setting up on two individual mounts. This is not because of any loading issue, but from simple practicalities. If you set up both imaging systems on one mount, you can’t image on one while playing around with the other imaging train.
Maybe it’s ok if everything is working perfectly, but in my experience, that has rarely been the case.

[Gvarouha (George)]

Originally Posted by tempestwizz

FWIW : To my mind, you would be better off setting up on two individual mounts. This is not because of any loading issue, but from simple practicalities. If you set up both imaging systems on one mount, you can’t image on one while playing around with the other imaging train.
Maybe it’s ok if everything is working perfectly, but in my experience, that has rarely been the case.

That’s a fair point. Two mount option is more flexible