G11 Mount Weight Capacity

[leon]

Hi All,

I have added some accessories to my set-up consisting of a solid steel plate that now holds a Canon 300mm F/2.8mm Lens, plus orion ED 80 scope with all there bits and pieces, like EP, Camera, etc.

It is pretty much balanced, however is approx 25-26 kg's to much for the G11 to handle effectively. :scared:

All the weight is distributed across the top of the double clamshell tube holders, which in turn are attached to a proper mounting plate, and clamped to the mount, nothing is attached to the main scope or any other part of the tube assemblies .

I am just a bit concerned, that it maybe to much for the motors, however they are Maxxon Motors.

I would like to here from other members who have similar set-up's and how much they carry on their mounts.

Thank You.

Leon :thumbsup:

[JohnG]

Ummm, interesting :confuse3:

I have actually gone the other way and reduced my payload by about 8Kgs. You have set both the Canon Lens and the ED80 down low so that should be a help, so long as your balance is fine, and by this I mean in 3 axis, you should not have too much of a problem.

The G-11 is rated for 60lbs which, I consider to be conservative, and you are mounted on a solid and substantial pier, that with the Maxxon motors I think you should be OK, but, balance is critical.

Cheers

JohnG

[leon]

Thanks John, I realise that it may be able to carry that weight, but something is telling me to lighten the load, don't know........:confuse3:

Have to sleep on this i think..

Leon :thumbsup:

[bird]

Hi Leon, I'm carrying a 23kg payload on my G11 without any problems, just make sure you're using more than 12v to the motors, maybe 15v is better so they have a bit more torque.

regards, Bird

[leon]

Thanks Bird, The motors are power by a regulated 12 volt power supply giving a continuous 13.8 volts, and the motors were upgraded when i bought the mount with the Maxxon variety, this was suggested by Peter Ward, who said they were exceptionally good high torque motors.

I am just a bit uneasy with the weight, and although balanced pretty well it just feels so heavy, never had this much weight on any mount before.

Thanks Leon

[[1ponders]]

I don't think you need to worry too much Leon. Check out Paul Mayo's (PhotonCollector) setup. (http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/) Now THAT is loaded. :lol: I love it. The bigger the load the better the G11 loves it!!! But get it balanced!!!

[JohnG]

You wont have any problems with that power supply, 13.8 regulated is just fine, never had any problems using mine.

Most of the dramas with the motors came about when people were just using a straight 12 Volt battery to power the mount in the field, motors got hot and burned out because not enough volts were supplied for a slew, the Lacy 18 volt converter fixed that problem, and has already been mentioned, balance is critical.

Cheers

JohnG :thumbsup:

[leon]

My God Paul, and i was worried about 25 KG's, I mean look at those counters weights. :eyepop:

Leon :thumbsup:

[rsbfoto]

Hi Leon,

It is OK I would say. Here is what I just loaded on my G11

http://www.rainerehlert.com/astro/TOA130-Sky90-FS78-03.jpg

As you see I have 50pounds of counterweight on it

[leon]

Wow, what a set-up, and all Takahashi scopes, yes i can see there is a bit of weight there.

Thanks for your response, it seems that i needn't worry to much..

Leon

[mill]

Hi Leon
I have my 10" gso dob on your ex EQ5 mount and it holds it very well.
So no worries with your G11 mount i think.
Balance is everything.

[leon]

Yea Martin, balance is every thing, i have worked that out, :scared: but all is well now, after a few more changes, and different placements.;)

Leon :thumbsup: