ETX125 Series1 needs mount

[Ric25]

I have an old series one ETX125 with a dead power board. Bintel and Don’s contacts tell me it was an early hybrid and the board cannot be removed to be fixed.. Hence I need a GoTo mount for the OTA which is in very good condition.. Any suggestions for a cost effective mount?

[Camelopardalis]

How heavy is the OTA alone?

[netwolf]

I have used the ETX125 on my Evolution mount and takes it no problem. Alternatively you could use a Nexstar SE mount (have had one in the past).

Yoy can also look at the Skywatcher range of single fork arm mounts. One option is the AZ-GTI , that is sold with 127mm similar scope.

One note with most of these the scope will be rotated 90 degrees fro how its normally mounted. But not a big deal.

You will need to get a Vixen 7" universal dovetails to mount to the holes already in place at the bottom of the OTA.
https://www.bintel.com.au/product/losmandy-vixen-universal-plate-7/?gclid=CjwKCAjw4rf6BRAvEiwAn2Q76k3g 30HPxvt0uX9MCItnK8ndIR8OdyPft7LyTTJ tvg4wbFQ0OJ57EhoCS8kQAvD_BwE&v=322b26af01d5

I have two one OTA on its own and one full ETX. Seriously need to downsize but optics on both are good and i cant decide.
I was going to convert the second OTA to a Wegat but have not got around to it.
see here
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/705553-etx125-vixen-rail-add-on/
http://wegatoptical.com/shop/




Photos attached.

Kind Regards

[Ric25]

Thanks for the advice. Ill do some research and see what is available from you tips.

[netwolf]

You might be able to get it fixed also, there are still people around who will do board level repair. Whatever you do , don’t just chuck it out.

See this thread in CN, the scopehead chap has a shop on eBay and sells parts on there from olde Meade scopes. I have spoken to him in the past about focus motors for the older etx. He is also mentioned in this thread.

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/181768-etx-125-motor-circuit-board/

[VPAstro]

I purchased a dec motor and gearbox from scopehead for my ETX125, as the old gearbox casing had become brittle and also started to separate.
His prices are very cheap. It was about $70aud including shipping..