Review: T-Rex Heavy Duty Alt / Az Mount

iceman (Mike) · #1 14-01-2011, 06:57 AM

Hi all

Peter (Waxing_Gibbous) has kindly written a review of the T-Rex Heavy Duty Alt / Az Mount.

You can read the review from the IceInSpace Reviews page, or directly by clicking on the link below:

T-Rex Heavy Duty Alt / Az Mount

Thanks to Peter for writing the review. If you'd like to contribute an article or review to IceInSpace, we'd love to hear from you. Check out Write for IceInSpace for the details.

Cheers

iceman (Mike) · #2 14-01-2011, 08:15 AM

Review uploaded.

gb_astro · #3 14-01-2011, 09:11 PM

Peter great review.

Assume for the moment that the T-Rex did not have any slow motion controls.
How would it then compare to the DM6 so far as just pushing it around to track objects?

Also is the EQ6 tripod tall enough when using the TOA 130
I mean do you sometimes find yourself sitting on the grass?

Thanks,
gb.

Waxing_Gibbous (Peter) · #4 15-01-2011, 12:33 AM

Thanks GB.
In push/pull mode (tension 1/2 turn to full off) the two mounts are pretty well the same. Both are smooth but I found the Rex to be a bit 'quicker' on full off.
Depending on your preference this can be good or not-so-good. Its easy to move the OTA but perhaps a tad too easy if its windy or it gets knocked.

The tripod is tall enough to observe from a seated position, with long scopes - say .85 to 1.3 metres - which I favour for long sessions or sketching. If you wanted to be up and about, I would recommend an extension pier. They're available specifically for the mount, but any EQ6 compatible unit would do.

Hope this helps.

Peter

gb_astro · #5 15-01-2011, 10:51 PM

Thanks Peter.

I think having an Australian distributor is going to be a mixed blessing.

On the one hand getting stuff back through Japanese customs red tape for repair/service is apparently a bit of challenge for the individual.

On the other AEC quoted me $2600 for the T-Rex without the "Super Navigator", tripod or delivery charges.

That's a lot for something that makes you do all the work.,

,
and makes your Japanese price look pretty good.

gb.

casstony · #6 16-01-2011, 12:56 PM

Nice review Peter

. Made up your mind yet gb?

Some thoughts:
If I was buying new and given that both mounts are currently the same price (sky commander works with T-rex encoders) I'd get the T-Rex. If I could have a used DM-6 at 70% of new price I'd get the DM-6.

For most users the T-Rex is the better mount due to it's slow motion controls, though there are niche applications where the Discmount is better: the DM-6 can be balanced thus it can handle a C14; a pipe mount can be added to the DM-6 allowing two scopes to be mounted at once (photos coming soon

) and the scope can be mounted on either side of the DM-6 allowing a cassegrain focuser to be at the bottom of the ota.

All things considered I'd say just grab a T-Rex while the exchange rate is good and if you don't like it you'll be able to sell it easily.

gb_astro · #7 16-01-2011, 07:12 PM

Hi Tony.

Well I did make a decision six months ago..... and bought a GM8.
Now I not so sure.
It's a great mount but I just don't think I am a EQ type of person.
I just bought some binoviewers for the EON and watching them turn
upside down on the GM8 is pretty scary.

gb.