What Mount for a PST?

[sheeny]

I'm half considering getting a small EQ mount for the PST.

At present I'm using my Saxon heavy duty binocular tripod and Scopestuff binocular cradle which allows a really smooth push-to movement, but it does mean its a 2 handed job to focus or adjust the Ha filter 'cause you need one hand to steady the scope while you do it (so you don't push it off target).

I guess if I was to get an EQ mount for the PST I would probably lean towards an EQ3... should be robust enough for a small scope like the PST and maybe for other small/medium instruments in future.

What are other people using for their PSTs, and what would you recommend?

Al.

[casstony]

I'm using the Orion precision slow motion adapter https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm (page 7, telescope accessories) on a camera tripod - makes for an easy grab-and-go setup.

If you get one of the lightweight equatorial tripods look for one with a full hinge between the legs so they can fold easily. I have one of the $200 EQ3C mounts from Andrews and the accessory tray holds the legs in place - the legs can't be folded without dismantling the tripod.

[casstony]

Thinking about that equatorial mount, having one that would accept a vixen style dovetail plate would be handy, along with the dovetail plate attached to the PST. Screwing the PST onto the Orion slow motion adapter gets a little tedious.

[sheeny]

Thanks Tony, good points there. I know what you mean about tedious... sharing the same mount between my 20x80s and the PST means lots of change overs. Its part of why I'm considering a dedicated mount/tripod for the PST.

Al.

[DaveM]

I have a Skywatcher AZ3 altazimuth mount that I use for my Coronado Helios 1 (not too different from a PST in its use). I find that since I am using relatively low power, an equatorial mount is a bit of overkill. The mount has fine scale controls which only have to be adjusted every now and then using a relatively wide field EP.

David

[iceman]

Al I expect you'll want to do some imaging with your PST at some stage?

So make sure you get an EQ mount with enough load carrying capacity for your PST + whatever imaging gear you want to hang off the back (DSLR, or barlow + webcam).

[sheeny]

Yeah Mike, it's definitely a consideration. At the moment I find that I struggle with focus (and possibly seeing???:shrug: ), and getting the exposure/constrast right when trying to iamge with the PST. No doubt having the sun drift pretty quickly across the FOV doesn't help! Nor does the scope moving when trying to make focus adjustments...:rolleyes:

So while the setup I have is good I think for casual observing especially at low powers, I think I need something more serious to get a handle on imaging with it.

Al.

[seeker372011]

While I havent imaged for months and months I did use the CG5 -problem is the PST is too light for the standard counterweights!

Solved that by piggybacking the PST on my 8 inch Newt which I have now sold so need to figure something else out-maybe I can buy lighter counterweights somewhere

But it keeps the image in view for hours without a problem

[sheeny]

Yes, that is always an option. If I lived somewhere where I can leave my scope set up (hopefully I will one day in the not too different future) it would make that an easier option.

Al.

[CoombellKid]

Since doberising my Newt. I have my EQ5 mount available for my PST. It
works a treat!! if you have one handy or can pick one up cheap. Should be
good for imaging too!. Although I havn't gotten around to trying, but cant
see there would be any differences from my planetary experiences with it.

regards,CS sunny days

Rob