medium alt/az recomendations

[GrahamL]

I have used an AZ3 with diy counterweight for a while now for a small scope and was wondering what experiances others have with a few steps up from this .

I see now KK trex is no longer around , any other options that have that portability and load ?

happy to pay for something thats robust and available over having all the bells and whistles.

regards
graham

[Wavytone]

Skywatcher All-View is a much underrated mount - it is good for scopes up to 100mm refractor, 127mm Mak or 5" SCT - I had one and sold it last year when I upgraded. Buy from BHPhoto.com and save a bundle on local prices. Handset has full GOTO functionality and runs off batteries or can be connected to a car or mains etc. This offers all the software bells and whistles of the bigger AZ-EQ6 but in a much smaller package and at a fraction of the price. Only downside of this one is the tripod, which may be a bit flimsy depending on how big a scope you put on top.

Also there are the swiss AYO mounts, several to choose from...

Skywatcher http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-030K5

For all the bells and whistles:

Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 (I now have one), and
iOptron iEQ 45 Pro is available as altaz.

[Wilso]

I've spend hrs looking for another mount similar to the T-REX but to no avail.
Actually ordered the mount with Claude the same week the manufacturer passed away. :(

So after researching I ended up buying the DM6 mount from discmounts.
One beefy unit, in hind sight probably should have got the DM4, but I only use this at home so all is good. Different to use as it doesn't have slow motion controls, but very smooth and accurate, ordered with encoders.

For travel and a grab and go I use the Manfrotto video head. ( for Fsq85) on its weight limits for that scope but enjoyable to use.

Good luck!

[GrahamL]

thanks for the replys

do you know if anyone in aus stocks the DM products or who to order through O/S, I did a bit of looking round and cant really see to much that is similar.

[Wilso]

As far as I know you'll have to go direct to DISCMOUNTS, haven't seen any AU
suppliers.
So you'll have to import it. Tom Peters was good to deal with and will answer any questions you have. He's the manufacturer.
Plenty of options on his website.
Occasionally you'll see one in the for sale section but not too often!

Cheers

[GrahamL]

Are you thinkin of selling Darren:D

[Wavytone]

To buy a DiskMount buy direct from Tom Peters in the US and ask for FedEx shipping, chances are you’ll have it in 5 days as they deliver direct to your door here without using Aust Post.

I looked at one before buying my AZ8 from Losmandy last year. I really wanted a side-by-side setup which the diskmounts don’t support.

[nicosk]

Graham,

I have the AYO DIGI II for my Tak FS-128 and a Diskmounts DM-4 for my Tak FC-76.

I spoke extensively with Tom Peters and the DM-4 can handle a TSA120 fairly easy according to our discussions. It can also hold my FS-128 (did that once out of curiosity) but to change eyepieces I either had to hold one end of the scope while replacing eyepiece or tighten down the mount way too much. The DM-6 can carry mostly anything you throw at it.

I chose the AYO DIGI II as it comes to half price of the DM-6 and I wasn't ready for the cost of the DM-6, although I am considering moving to the DM-6 in 2018.

Tom Peters sells direct - there are no authorized (or unauthorized representatives!) for that matter. To pay you would make an international SWIFT transfer all expenses yours otherwise if you select "shared" there will be a $50 surcharge from Tom.

So, for which scope are we seeking the perfect mount for?

[MortonH]

I'd suggest a DSV-3 but there seems to be a backlog of more than 12 months.

[nicosk]

Raul is a one man show and this is something he does on his spare time. But his mounts are extremely well made. I have the DSV-M and it is a quite capable little mount :)

[GrahamL]

probably a short tube refactor no bigger than 120mm

[nicosk]

DM-4 will handle that one with ease :thumbsup:

[GrahamL]

What would I need to buy with the head theres a lot of bits that go along with it I have an argo navis can it be used with . ?

[nicosk]

Argo Navis can be used with it if you order the mount with encoders. You will need the following:

Mount obviously
Encoder kit - Ask Tom to quote a price just for the encoders as his site shows the full kit with SkyCommander. He quoted me a price of US$275 for the 4K Encoder Kit
8" Extension (to be able to point it close to zenith without banging on the tripod)
4" dovetail (for Losmandy D plates) and dovetail converter (if you plan on using Vixen plates)
Possibly the handle depending if you want to use a handle or just grab the diagonal

Here's a Dropbox Link (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mmcavjb0wo3abnv/AAB1FCkHsR9jP9WKydj9zPJ2a?dl=0) (will keep it active for a few days) of some cameo shots of my FC76 and DM-4. I eventually got the extension as well - just in time for this year's Messier Marathon (107 out of 110 - darned clouds kept M110 and M32 from being seen prior to them going below horizon and then M30 was simply impossible with the Sun racing just behind @ 5° above horizon over the sea).

[GrahamL]

thank you nickos

that tripod is it available with the mount or is it your own ?

[nicosk]

Graham,

The Ayo Digi (http://www.aokswiss.ch/ayo/ayo_ii/main_ayo_ii.html) (not the Ayo Digi II) also takes encoders and is a much more cost effective solution if you are interested.

For a price of US$937 it is much cheaper than the DM-4 FYI. There is also an Argo Navis mounting bracket that Beat Kohler (of AOKSwiss) can fit for you on the mount.

[nicosk]

Tripod was selected specifically for that mount and scope as both are keepers in the long term. It is a Sirui 5214X (http://www.sirui.eu/en/products/tripods/series-rx/). Quite well priced Vs the Gitzo 5 Series and very stable at least with the mount and scope you see.

[nicosk]

Price is with encoders BTW ;)

[nicosk]

I think even a simple 1.5" (tripod leg thickness) metal tripod would be excellent for a 5" short focal length scope.

[Wilso]

Also discmounts sell a top mounting bracket for their DSC.
So you'll need that at some stage or make your own.
I liked it side mounted so it was easier to see when seated so I made my own.
Just a couple pieces of stainless and a turnbuckle.

[nicosk]

The top mounting bracket would probably be too small for the Argo Navis, as it is meant for Sky Commander XP. Double sided velcro is a strong possibility, although that DIY solution looks awesome!