decision on a new mount

[Entropy]

Hey guys,

Really started to feel like my eq6 Isn't doing my fsq justice. So I have been saving for a while for a new mount. Bearing in mind that I may want something with a longer focal length eventually my decision was between the AP1100GTO and the PMX. Pmx having awesome software support but also some reported issues. The AP seemingly the opposite. Both are very expensive so I threw the losmandy titan in the mix with good PE for the price. However, with the release and early results of the eq8 am I just going too far over the top, will this mount suffice? Help me spend my money please :).

Current equipment
FSQ106EDXIII
Canon 60d (will upgrade to ccd and focuser later)
Orion short tube 80 with ssag

Would like to get a telescope with a longer fl maybe gso rc10 or something?

Thanks guys

[RickS]

If you want a no fuss mount that just works it's hard to go past Astro-Physics. I have an AP900 that is running well over it's rated capacity with 35+ Kg of gear and it doesn't struggle at all. I'm on the list for an AP1100 just in case I get a bigger scope one day ;) There will probably be a few secondhand AP900's for sale once the AP1100 is shipping, including mine, so that might be another option for you.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Logieberra]

Got any local astro guys with high-end mounts? I contacted AP snd they put me into contact with a local 900GTO and 1200GTO owner. I sourced a Mach1GTO user from this forum, and did the same for the MX.

Seeing the hardware and talking to a experienced user is a big help. Website photos just don't do these high-end mounts any justice. They are something to behold.

[Tandum]

Should be a few cheap losmandy mounts in the forum soon.

[Logieberra]

With any new mount, there are always teething issues. Gemini 2 comes to mind. I'm following the EQ8 thread and the guys have already identified things that could be improved. It's an iterative process.

The MX is no different. She's still relatively new. But, talk is cheap. Here is my recent corrected PE log on a night of average seeing. Suffice to say, I'm happy :)

[Tandum]

Logan, get some numbers from software not owned by bisque.

[Logieberra]

Hahaha

[Logieberra]

And Ray Gralak (Pempro) isn't lead software designer on APs payroll?
The Astro Physics Command Centre (APCC) is all his...

[Tandum]

the eqmod guys have one too

[Tandum]

Doesn't really worry me at my FL though.

[Logieberra]

OK. Will retest for you, with other, lesser software ;)

[Tandum]

remember to turn guiding off :)

[Logieberra]

Was at 0.83 that night of testing, with barlows etc. Normally, I'm at 1.23

[Logieberra]

Hahah! Love it :)

[Tandum]

Weather is clearing here. Been raining for days. Someone down south posted a pempro result for his eq8. 5 arc/sec p/p raw. I got about 4 from mine so they are pretty close. Applying a correction curve more than halves it. Again, imaging at a meter, it don;'t matter :)

[Logieberra]

Superb value mount. You could buy two for the price of one AP or SB!

[Tandum]

It's not an AP or a SB it's a SW. ie: no support. I'm currently hounding them for a worm adjustment procedure. They have never done this before, the users have always documented procedures.

Sorry Entropy, we seem to have hijacked your thread :)

[frolinmod]

I still like my three year old Paramount ME. It's been totally problem free with no issues of any sort to deal with. I'm holding back on any ME II upgrade until the dust settles on the ME II. Having owned Bisque mounts for the last 15 years, there's no way I'd ever settle for an A-P mount now.

[Paul Haese]

I am with Ernie about the PME. I bought mine second hand and some issues but all it working well now. It is a beautiful mount, provides great data, easy to work on and carries a big load. My recommendation is to keep and eye on Astromart or here for second hand PME's. It will be cheap and affordable, but working well too most likely. I would doubt anyone will have the trouble I had but if you do I can help. I know these mounts inside and out.

[Entropy]

Thanks for your help guys. Sorry for the delay in responding. I'm in the Navy and have been at sea. I'm starting to lean towards the higher end mount but just can't get out of my head that I may be going over the top with the mount and an eq8 will suffice. Still a while before I purchase so may have to try and see these things in the field.

Thanks again