Losmandy HGM Titan

[Harb]

Well , I'm thinking about putting my name on one........
I want to achieve the best mount stability I can within limits of course, and was thinking this mount would cover me.
I am looking at long exposure Deep space astrophotography with both film and digital SLR's and CCD cameras.
It would be mounted on a very deep and heavy, say 3 ton pier, with various OTA's
Anyone have any opinions on this mount.

cheers
John

[gbeal]

Can't fault getting the biggest and the best you can afford, it is a simple concept. Good move I say.
As an aside, my suggestion is to keep an eye out for a used one on Astromart, they come up now and then.
Another (and perhaps better) alternative is to find a used AP900 or AP1200 mount, similar money etc. Again, used, and on Astromart.
It (whatever you get) will be semi or permenantly mounted, correct? You have seen/lifted one?

[g__day]

How does it compare to the Vixen Atlux? Are Losmandy mounts still sensitive to motor burn outs as one forum member advised me when he switched to Vixen?

[bird]

Hi, I'm also planning to get one of these babies to permanently fit into my (soon to be built) observatory.

I've had a G-11 for about 7 years, nothing but good experiences with it, despite loading it up to the limit on many occasions with a large scope.

cheers, Bird

[iceman]

Anthony, I'll take your G-11 for $200 ;)

[Dennis]

Hi John

Have you considered the Paramount ME (http://www.bisque.com/Products/Paramount/)by Software Bisque? It looks like a superb mount-for-life.

Cheers

Dennis

[bird]

No Linux support tho :-(

[Harb]

Thanks for the coments everyone,
I have sort of decided to spend my money on a brand new mount such as the titan or paramount or maybe even something else with the hope that it is the last mount I have to buy......well in theory anyway!!
From what I have seen, the mount is the most inportant part of enjoyable astronomy and astrophotography.
I want to install a mount that can be a platform (excuse the pun) that I can build the rest of my systems to match over the years.
I sort of think it much more enjoyable to have a really great mount and then over the years upgrade the OTA to a higher level as time goes by.


cheers
John

[RB]

John, go with the Paramount ME, I don't think you'll be sorry.

:)

[Striker]

Paramount would be the way to go....Titans are good but dont really come close to the Paramount ME.

I wish I could afford one.

[Harb]

Yeah the price is the worst part, but in the past I have left astronomy because of the frustration of not getting the results I want, so this time round I want to buy the best I can organise and at least I won't be able to complain about that!!
Astrophotography has bitten , and the bank manager is hiding !!

[jase]

Indeed, if you have the funding you cant go past the mass production Paramount ME. The alternative is to get something custom made with Byer's gears, but the cost would be considerably more.

Ozzie plug - Not sure if you've seen the Ellesa GEM by Anssen Technologies (made in Sydney). http://www.anssentechnologies.com.au/Ellesa/ellesamain.html
This is a very capable mount. Their OTA's are equally impressive, in particular their spot diagrams which challenge the RC design.

For me, it came down to two mounts, the Tak NJP - Temma II or Losmandy Titan. Both have close carrying capacity and capabilities. I settled on the Titan because of the rapid development cycle of the Gemini software and the close alliance with Scott Losmandy. I've read reports that the Titan 50 (same as normal Titan, but different worm gearing) is a remarkable beast. I haven't gone the 50 upgrade yet, but may do so soon (waiting on the delivery of the SBIG STL11k before I commit further money). The major improvement I believe is with guiding. The servos that Losmandy now use are rather tolerant to load especially if you running 18vdc - so burn outs are not an issue. The amount of torque they generate is impressive. I wouldn't hesitate to run a load of 40-50kg on this mount. I've currently got a C11 mounted (approx. 12kg) which is a breeze for the Titan. The mount would handle a 12.5" (approx 25kg) or 14.5" (approx. 35kg) RC with accessories quite well.

The way I look at it, when you can actually afford a 14.5" Truss RC from RCOS costing A$35,000 for the OTA alone, you will not hesitate to upgrade to the Paramount ME. When you’re talking those figures, the ME is actually quite cheap. I do like the robotic features that the ME has, but these can quite easily be adopted to most mounts.

Don't think anyone has asked this but what do you intend to do? Astrophotography can be as broad and long as you want it to be. What will your typical focal length be? Most want to go long to image those distant galaxies, but will your location permit such steady skies? Long focal lengths require demanding tracking/guiding hence dictate mount capabilities.

Sure, a great mount will allow you to use both long and short focal lengths but how many times do you imagine you'll get to use longer than 2000mm (typical for an 8" SCT) on deep sky objects?

Go with your instincts, but be well informed.:thumbsup:

[g__day]

Great post Jase!

[Harb]

Just had a look at the 20" Allira Series setup..............
Looks really good, I would be keen to have a look at one in real life.
The price may seem high, but I have to tell you I have broadcast lenses that cost double that so the price is not such a shock to me.....
I am no real hurry anyway so I will keep looking for my "Final" scope.......bit of time yet until I retire (I'm only 43 :) ) so I have plenty of time to check them all out.
I would like to make a firm decision in the next 6 or 12 months though so I can start the buying and waiting process.......

[Harb]

Sorry Jase, to answer your question...............
I wish to do long exposures on deep sky objects etc...............
The location, well I have a couple of places, one being in the west with very very dark skys and another out of bathurst with average skys and here where I an now at the oaks with what I would call ordinary to average sky's.
I would ultimately like to be at the site , but if I am away (which I am with my bussiness interests quite often ) I would like to be able to observe remotely via the net etc etc...........
At the end of the day, I brought a boat that cost me the national debt, and that with the ongoing marina fees and the fact that I probly used it 3 or 4 times in the last 12 months is making me think I should invest in something that I will use and get some enjoyment out of..............so maybe out with the boat and in with the astro stuff !!
Anyone in the market for a bayliner!!
As said I am in no real hurry, but I am trying to find a firm direction I can head in.....:)

cheers
John

[jase]

John
No problems at all, I'm just giving you some thoughts for you to consider. Searching the net, you will find many resources and interesting information on mounts. Matching your OTA focal length and weight with a mounts capabilities is simply the beginning. No single focal length will cover all DSOs. Many astrophotographers will have a telescope for each desired focal length to match the object they wish to shoot. A cheaper alternative is to use a focal reducer or barlow, but purists will continue to have multiple telescopes. Perhaps you'd like a mount capable of operating two large OTAs and a guidescope.

Sounds like you might be moving around a bit to different locations. Portability and setup/teardown times could possibly be a major consideration.

Off-topic - If you do decide on a permanent setup at a remote location, verify broadband internet comms are readily available. Some remote locations with tin shed telephone exchanges are not broadband capable. Satellite maybe an option. I've tried remote focusing and imaging over a 56k line, and it’s near impossible, even when using remote terminal software such as ms term srv or vnc.

Many of the Paramount MEs in use today are for research programs. There are some exceptions. Take for instance Rob Gendler (http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/Nighthawk.html) and Russ Croman (http://www.rc-astro.com/equipment/observatory/index.htm), professional astrophotographers who obtained grants from RCOS and Bisque. I doubt much came from their individual pockets as they promote the manufactures through their sensational images. Those that have dug deep into their pockets such as Aussie Brad Moore (http://www.southern-astro.com.au/php/services/remote-imaging.php) have started a business in selling telescope time so they write the Paramount ME and other equipment off on tax. Many others in the US have done the same. While still privately owned, operating this as a business takes away the fun/hobby. If you are going to invest serious money, make sure it works for you.


I'm sad to say, that I haven't heard of a mount on the market that provides a "turn-key" solution. I'd be happy to be corrected. All mounts need some fine tuning, some more than others. Wouldn't surprise me if the Takahashi EM-3500 (http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?m=&pid=1744&display=images) valued at A$108,000 (US$82,000) required some tweaks to perform.


Let me know if you have any further questions regarding the Titan. I've been using the mount for approx 18 months.


Certainly, don't rush into anything...

[Harb]

Thanks heaps for your help Jase....:thumbsup:

I didn't even know about the rent a scope site.
I think I will buy a few points and try a few of the different setup's out.........it may give me some idea about the posiblities.

cheers
John

PS re the broadband conection, I have a 1.5 meg conection here and with the Hibis grants I can put broadband sat setups at the other venue's.
I would likely base the scope in the west, permanently, to get the best sky's and remotely operate it from here.

cheers