GPDX or GPD2

[garymck]

Hi,
looking for a small portable mount for my VC200L. Wondering if anyone has any experience with a Vixen GPDX or GPD2, and whether they have found it capable of tracking/guiding for imaging perposes at the focal length of a VC200L (=1.8m). It would have the scope, a lightweight 80mm guidscope and a QHY8 attached. Easily comes in under the 10kg load limit of the mount, but I'm wondering whether the tracking is good enough for imaging purposes...and what sort of PE are you getting?

cheers
Gary

[anj026]

Hello Gary

My GPD2 mount has served me well for over a year now. However I have not used it for imaging only visual with a refractor. I have the Vixen MT-1 motors with dual axis drive but I don't use them much, generally I am happy with the standard slow motions. I believe the drive accuracy is pretty good but for serious imaging applications you would probably be better off with one of the goto drive systems.

I have heard that the Vixen Skysensor 2000 system is very good. The Starbook seems to be a bit limited and more suited to visual stargazing. There are other third party drive systems such as the FS2 and AWR technolgies systems that have more advanced features but at greater cost. My own experience is limited I am afraid. It is a quality mount but by the time you upgrade it with sophisticated electronics you might be better off going with something else that already has those features.