Keeping weight down on large SCT

[davesokolich]

I currently have a standard celestron SCT 1100,and needed to mount a dual-use auto-guider / finder on the OTA and also reduce weight.
I am reluctant to move from CGEM as I intend using Hyperstar ASAP.
The problem is the scope is already heavy, so adding something like a Farpoint C11 mounting plate at over 1KG. I feel I would get more value for money using Hyperstar than going to CGX which is twice the price of HS.
Auto-Guider Mount Weight Reduction
My solution was to use the Baader Standard Clamp to fit on the OTA and using the original bolts on the scope.
This is the only non-mounting plate solution which had the width for the screws and is extremely stable.
Counter-Weights
The second way to reduce weight is to reduce the counterweights from 7.5KG to 5KG where possible, even is only one of these is reduced.
The result is a reduction of at least 3.5KG on the mount.
Am I being paranoid is this the norm for us Astro-geeks?

[Camelopardalis]

Yeah probably :lol:

So long as you're not over the maximum payload for the mount, you should be OK. Take time to get your balance right.

Also, don't lose sight of the focal length difference you'll get with the Hyperstar...it'll be roughly a fifth of the native, and exposure times will be MUCH shorter. Consequently, anything affecting your tracking will be much less visible with Hyperstar.

[Merlin66]

Dave,
The counterweight don't "count" towards the loading on the mount.

I use my C11 with 60mm eFinder, flip mirror and camera, spectrograph with "on-axis" guiding (using a reflective slit plate), Lodestar and ATiK 314 imaging camera. I think just over 17 Kg...
All this, with five x 5 Kg counterweights on a NEQ6 pro.

Works for me.