Okay, with the dollar doing so well it's time to consider a mount upgrade (higher capacity, for that future OTA upgrade, and robotic). I need to sell something first though to appease the financial controller, so my much loved Takahashi EM-400 is up for sale.
It will carry a 38kg payload without difficulty and there can be no doubt that it performs flawlessly - see
http://www.pbase.com/gailmarc/photography for images I've taken with it over the last nearly 4 years.
- Mint condition Takahashi EM-400 mount with 3 counterweights (i.e. 1 extra weight). This mount was completely overhauled at the factory in July 2010 after the RA encoder failed plus I had the new polar reticle installed (good to 2050). This mount is practically new!!!
- Takahashi Accessory L-Plate (the large plate that the scope rings are attached to)
- Takahashi Hand controller (original type - never used - eliminates need for PC)
- Takahashi Heavy Duty metal tripod (one mother of a tripod!)
- Takahashi EM-400 pier adaptor
- Original cables, software, tools and manual (such as it is)
To buy all this new would cost around $AU16,000 (including GST and shipping). I paid nearly $AU19,000 in 2006
I'll sell the lot for $10,000
firm. Remember, the mount is practically new and has 7 months of factory warranty left on it from the overhaul!
I really don't want to ship this baby (about 75kg worth in at least 3 boxes) so be prepared to come and pick up. Best that way too because you can see it in it's native habitat and functioning before you take it away.
No, not interested in breaking up the set either, so it's all or nothing I'm afraid. And no, my TOA is not for sale!
Cheers, Marcus
