Vixen GPD2 or HEQ5

[Larryp]

Upgrading to a better mount to do some astrophotography. My scope and imaging gear will weigh about 6Kg all up.
I am tossing up between an HEQ5 and a Vixen GPD2, and would like opinions on which one I should choose.
Thanks

[Profiler]

Laurie

I think you are making a comparison somewhat akin to apples and oranges with these two mounts. The Vixen GP is more akin to the HEQ5 in terms of manufacturing and precision of the crafted components. The GPD2 (previously knonwn as the GPDX) is quite a different beast with brass and stainless steel components and manufactured tolerances much more precise than the GP.

[Steffen]

The HEQ5Pro has brass and stainless steel components, too. Specifically, the worms are stainless steel and all other gears are brass. There are three ball bearings and a conus bearing on each of the axes, and two ball bearings on each of the worms.

No idea about the tolerances, though. It does seem like a tight fit (or adjustable) where it counts, all I had to do to mine was replace the lubricant, tighten the transfer gears and adjust the worms.

Cheers
Steffen.

[Larryp]

Hi Profiler, I am not wanting to compare a Vixen GP to an HEQ5.
The Vixen GP would be more like my current EQ3 Pro-about the same 7Kg load capacity. So I am interested only in the GPD2 with 10 Kg capacity or the HEQ5 Pro with 14Kg capacity. Not a lot of difference in the weight of both mounts-8.5Kg v 10Kg, I know a lot of people here use the HEQ5, and would like opinions on whether the GPD2 is worth the extra money over the HEQ5 Pro.:)

[Larryp]

Thanks for that information Steffen. Do you know if the GPD2 has any ball bearings, or is it plain bushings? I cannot find out from Vixen's website.

[brian nordstrom]

:) Hi Laurie , the Vixen sure does have all ball and tapered roller bearings thru out , real 'teflon' bushings very good quality Japanese 'Nito's' if the memory serves , where the HEQ5 uses the generic 'Chineese' made bearings and the quality of these is just pot luck at the best with 'Nylon' bushings .

If it was my money it would be the Vixen as its useble straight out of the box where the HEQ5 might be ? if you are lucky and if not you are in for a return or total strip down , de-burr , clean , re-grease etc etc , there is that Quality thing again :shrug: .

My older Vixen SP is a way better mount than my old EQ5 and its rated at a less carring weight . Smoother and much better made in every way .

Oh yes I have a HEQ5 that I super charged ( its a fun job , I enjoyed doing it , but some can't ) under my 150mm f8 refractor in NZ and it ok for visual .
Brian.

[Larryp]

Thanks Brian:thumbsup:

[Steffen]

I could be wrong but I don't remember any bushings at all in my HEQ5Pro, Nylon or otherwise. It was all ball or roller bearings. The only moving parts that didn't have bearings were two of the transfer gears that were just brass on a stainless steel axle.

Cheers
Steffen.

[Larryp]

Thanks Steffen

[Profiler]

Laurie

In case you haven't noticed there is a GPD2 in the classified for $1k

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=104431

[Larryp]

Yes, saw that one, thanks:)

[Loupy31]

Hi Guys,

I have an Vixen GPD2 with the skysensor 2000pc and i can say that it can handle up to about 12~13 kgs no problem, the accuracy of this set up is way better than most mounts in its class.

The build quality is way better than any EQ5HD/EQ6

Loupy31 :thumbsup:

[raymo]

Don't think that because your mount is a Vixen it will automatically be
of very good quality. I bought a Vixen SP new when they were considered
the best thing since sliced bread. The RA gear was so inaccurately
mounted that if you adjusted the backlash at one point, and then rotated the scope 180 degrees, it almost jammed up solid. The end result of the
compromise adjustment was very poor tracking. Having made the mistake
of importing it from the U.K. [$1400]. I was stuck with it. The cost of
shipping it both ways was prohibitive.
raymo

[Profiler]

I would be curious to know whether your apparent lemon of a Polaris mount was purchased in the past 5 or so years - basically was it under the new white paint or the original green

[hotspur]

I have the GPD2,and it works very nicely,I had a chap visit and he had a EQ6,he is very gifted in pulling things apart and tuning up,he took apart his EQ6,and tuned it up as much as he could,he had a look inside the GDP2,and said the difference in quality of all the parts of the GPD2 compared to the EQ6 was vast,and the GPD2 was pages ahead of the EQ6.Well worth the money getting the GPD2,and the finish is so much better too.

[Larryp]

I finally bought a second hand GPD2-very happy with it:thumbsup:

[LewisM]

I have had the GPD2 apart today to prepare myself for the GOTO mod.

Comparing the innards of a GPD2 to an NEQ 6 is like comparing a Ferrari to a Datsun 180Y! The precision in the GPD2 is STUNNING. The tolerances on the wheels is not even CLOSE on the NEQ6 to this "lessor" mount. The only thing I think that is lessor is they carry less weight, but considering my entire imaging rig weighs 8kg - a full 2 kg under the design max - it is not even an issue in the least.

I believe I DEFINITELY made the right choice for MY needs. The NEQ6 is very utilitarian and works, to a pretty good accuracy. The GPD2 is classy and VERY ACCURATE. I just hope the EQ5 GOTO system is accurate enough for it, otherwise I am going back to setting circles with the Vixen MT motors :)

Anyone want to sell a Skysensor 2000???

[Profiler]

The reason I asked about the colour of the Polaris mount is that I have heard rumours that Vixen had shifted production of its Polaris range to mainland China and thereafter was merely QCing them afterwards in their own facilities. This is akin to their 'f' range of refractors which are mainland China manufactured and then QC'd by them. I have heard some recent complaints of the Polaris before but it was clearly in the context of their current production. Thus - any of the Polaris mounts in Vixens classic and original green are 100% made in Japan.

Having stated this I want to emphasise that this is merely something in the context of rumour and not something I have been able to ascertain for myself. Vixen has in the past shifted production of some of their refractors to China such as their big achro NA140 but have recently resumed production entirely themselves due to manufacturing difficulties (and the end results of what they were getting) so I am wondering whether the same may have happened with the Polaris range. Certainly, all of the Polaris in green were 100% Japan and held an impeccable reputation but, sadly, this isn't the first time I have heard someone in a comparatively recent context not entirely happy with a Polaris:(. Hence I would like to know whether it was green or white.

[LewisM]

I went over my GPD2 thoroughly. It is a NEW model, white paint with the translucent blue plastic coverings. I bought it "First and a half" hand - I daren't call it 2nd hand as it is SO new - it had been used 3 times, and I think it is less than 3 months since original purchase

I can assure you it is Japanese mainland made - the word JAPAN is clearly cast into several of the head forgings. I would suggest the rumour is merely that - RUMOUR. I am happy to oblige with photos of the JAPAN casting if anyone wishes to see it.

Even if it WAS Chinese, I have to say it would be EXCEPTIONAL work to Vixen standards of QC

[Larryp]

Mine has the translucent blue plastic covers and is painted white. Like Lewis', it is stamped "Japan"

[anj026]

I have a GPD2 I bought new about 3 or 4 years ago. It is made in Japan and I am very pleased with. I only use it manually hand tracking with the slow motion knobs for visual with a 4 inch refractor.

I have thought about upgrading it to go-to and would like to know more about the Skywatcher synscan upgrade. That seems to be the most economical way to get go-to. Is it fast to set-up and align. I know it is available from Europe for a good price.

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p415_Skywatcher-SynScan-GoTo-upgrade-kit-for-GP---EQ-mounts.html

I will not be doing astrophotography but may do some outreach occasionally and that would be much more convenient with tracking and go-to functions. Plus I think it would be fun for me and the kids.

Are there any strings attached? What are the pros and cons? :question:

[Larryp]

Mine came with Synscan already installed, Andy, but I believe it is a simple bolt-on conversion. You can buy an EQ5 Synscan kit from local dealers like Astro-Shop.:)

[LewisM]

It is a simple bolt on - no alterations required (OK, SMALL alteration to one cover).
Sirius in Brisbane sold it to me CHEAPER than importing it, so I went that option. Plus, Steve Massey (myastroshop.com.au) sells it for $595 if Sirius does not have it.

Other retailers here in Australia have it at OUTRAGEOUS prices - lowest I saw beyond Steve or Sirius was $698, with OzTelescopes at $721 (!!!) and the WORST from another vendor at almost $800. Those are SIGNIFICANT mark ups from retail! Pretty much the reason only 2 shops in Australia get my money (Sirius and Steve Massey)

[raymo]

Hi Profiler, I bought the Super Polaris new from the U.K. in 1992, and it was, of course, hammertone green. It was a shame, because everything
else about the mount was great.
Incidentally, everybody seems to be knocking the quality of the HEQ5, EQ6 etc:
I've never had to open up my HEQ5 Go To, so I can only go by my operating
experience. The cable from mount to hand controller was faulty; it was replaced under warranty, and since then the mount has performed very well indeed. I also think the
comparison is a bit unfair, because you pays your money and takes your choice.
If the GD2 was scaled up a little in load capacity, I bet you would not get one for
anywhere near the price of the HEQ5 Pro Go To[ $1195 at B.T.O.W.]
raymo

[anj026]

Thanks for the feedback. Buying the synscan upgrade from TS in Europe works out to less than $450 AUD including UPS express.

I bought my GPD2 from Astro Shop and have used them for other things many times. I recommend them but in this case would go for the less expensive option.

Does the synscan retain basic data when shut down?
Do you have to input lots of local data every time you start it up?
Is the alignment procedure straight forward once learned the first time?
Is aligning the go-to faster and simpler than getting basic polar alignment for single axis drive?
These are the things that worry me. I wonder if I could manage with just the basic single axis RA drive. :shrug:

[LewisM]

Synscan will remember the lat and long, time, and date of the LAST time you used it. It WON'T tell you new settings. If you set up in the same place, all you have to change is the date and time.

GOTO alignment depends on alignment tar availability. Some you will need a star chart for, others most people know. I ALWAYS do a 3 star align, and I can get it done in about 5 minutes give or take.

Alignment is childs=play, so long as you correctly identify the star. IF you did a pretty accurate polar alignment, the star SHOULD be somewhere close. If your polar alignment is off, GOOD LUCK :)

The Synscan upgrade is covered by a 5 year unconditional warranty by Tasco IF you buy it in Australia. If you buy it overseas, it's up to the retailer if tey will honour any returns, warranty etc.

Good luck. I almost ordered mine from the UK, but reconsidered, as it was NOT much dearer here, andwith greater peace of mind.

[anj026]

Thanks Lewis, that does sound re-assuring.

[Profiler]

Thanks Raymo - I am sorry to hear of your own experience as typically I have heard nothing but praise for the venerable Polaris range until quite recently and then it was supposedly in the context of being blamed on changed manufacture standards etc.

[Kunama]

Andy if you're going to use it for visual and without EQMOD etc then you can also consider the iOptron GotoNova Kit #8400 with the GPS module from TS in Germany, apparently the alignment routines are much easier.

[LewisM]

Profiler, just assembled my GPD2 rig. The Made in Japan is cast into the Dec head, the bottom of the head body, and imprinted on the label on the side also.

[Kunama]

So post a picture already, I want to see what you just got conned into buying!!!!!

[LewisM]

:rofl::rofl::lol::lol:

Conned... Matt, ya kill me :) Yes, it was FORCED upon me by some uncouth bugger :)

[LewisM]

Here is my GPD2 that I was conned into buying :D My arms still hurt from being twisted so aggressively ;)

Not Made in China... it's JAPANESE.

SUPERLATIVE quality

[Profiler]

Hi Lewis

You don't need to take the old Polaris mounts apart (or at least the ones I have seen) as the Made in Japan is very prominently stamped on the top of the Dec mounting block so they presumably want to make sure everyone notice it everytime just before you attach your OTA:lol:.

[Profiler]

Lewis

You beat me to punch with the pics - exactly same thing with the old green Polaris as well

[Larryp]

Tried out my GPD2 with Synscan tonight. Works beautifully. Very smooth and quiet and ROCK SOLID! A delight to polar align, too. I am VERY happy with it.
I don't think I will be selling this one!:):):)

[LewisM]

Lucky you Laurie. Still solid crud up here.

[toc]

Looks just like my old EQ5 that I gave a paint job ;) Hope it works out well :)