MEADE 12 inch LX200 OTA.........Bintel reckons.....

[robz]

That a Meade 12 inch LX200ACF OTA is too big for an EQ6PRO mount????

As the OTA weighs in at 16kg, is short and compact, can this be true??.............the EQ6 is a beefy mount and can handle a 12 inch newtonian without breaking a sweat:screwy:

[Alchemy]

It will carry a 12 inch newt, but not for deep sky imaging,

As for the 12 inch SCT, there's more to it than weight, the longer the focal length, the better the mount needs to be, you put a heavyish scope on a mount THEN add a long FL ...... Not practical, for deep sky,

could you planetary image.... If it's weight is to that of a 12 inch newt , it's feasible.

The problem would seem to be that of can the mount do everything with this scope....... The answer is no.

[robz]

Cheers fot that Clive.

So, in simple terms, it would be too heavy for general use.

That's a pity, ............when I eventually will buy a scope to match, it will need to be smaller and lighter no doubt?

[The Mekon]

I tend to agree that the 12" is way too big for an EQ6. I have just come back into astronomy after a five year break, and am amazed and what people think this mount can carry! I reckon an 8" newt is stretching things a bit far on the EQ6. I recently bought the EQ6 to carry my 5" refractor - previously it was undermounted on a Vixen SP-DX. OK for visual and light winds. The scope is now ideally mounted with the EQ6, and if I ever upgrade to a 6" refractor, I will get a bigger mount.

[Barrykgerdes]

Its too heavy for a G11 too. Next up is a Titan.

Barry

[Alchemy]

Rob, from a practical point of view, it's always desirable to have the mount underworked, visual work is the most forgiving but with a large scope wind can play havoc, planetary work is somewhat less forgiving, but with programs like registax alignment is done on incremental exposures, once you get to deep sky imaging that requires 5-30 minutes of no movement whatsoever... A big task.

There are always people producing what should not be possible to do, but it is too hit and miss, I used a 12 inch newt on a g11 for deep sky but found it limited to 5 - 7 minutes and flexure was such a problem. I now image with a 5 inch refractor, this combined with the right time exposure, correct pixel size , and lots of patience will produce good results.

There's always the temptation to get up close with a big scope, but the longer FL you go the harder ..... That's HARDER in capitals:D that it gets. Given that the tak fsq106 is so popular at only 500 or so mm clearly a large scope isn't the only way to get a good image. Find the right scope is difficult as no one scope will do everything, but I think somewhere around 700 - 1000 mm gives superb results with enough magnification to make it interesting. Everyone has their fave but thats mine.

[robz]

Thanks for all the replies.

I can only say that I am totally gob struck and extremely dissapointed with this news as I was lead to believe otherwise before I purchased the mount.

As far as I'm concerned, information was that a 12 inch newtonian was easily within it's capacity and that a 12 inch SCT would be fine.

I was also informed that Skywatcher included the heavy duty dovetail head as well as the standard size in the latest version of the mount (as I have) due to the fact that they had become aware that the mount could in fact hold large scopes................which is apparently B.S. ????

Deeply upset at this guys.:mad2:

I was hoping that when funds eventually permit, I would treat myself to something special and of reasonably large aperture to place on my dream mount...................it seems that yet again, I have made an expensive mistake and ended up with something that still has not left my lounge room.
I have powered it up and watch it go through it's motions with the hand controller and was so excited to eventually get it in use and working for real.
That will not happen........I do not want a small refractor(or anything along those lines) regardless of quality, if that's all that this thing can handle in a moderate breeze outside:rolleyes:

The mount is for sale everyone.
There is no original packing, but it is brand new and has not been used.

P.M. me if you are interested. I would prefer local pick up here in Perth W.A. and will throw in my 8 inch newtonian (that requires a new focusser and extension tube).

Regards,
Rob.

[mozzie]

having some bad luck and advise rob its ashame postage was so expensive otherwise as we discussed youd have a bloody good scope at the moment

[robz]

I know Peter, I'm pretty well gutted at the moment and am loosing enthusiasm very fast.

I trusted others to help me get started back in to this hobby and feel like I've ended up with a Volkswagon chassis disguised as a Ferrari.

Rob.

[davewaldo]

Hi Rob,

Although you have been given some very good and "safe" advise here, I have had a different experience.

I currently image using a GSO 8" RC with a focal length of 1800mm (yes its the old f9 version). I do this with round stars in almost every frame with 10min exposures on a HEQ5 mount, and thats the little brother of your EQ6.

Some people are doing amazing things with the EQ6 but it may require a lot of tuning on you part and a lot of work to get it running well with a 12in SCT for imaging... Personally I think its worth a try if you have the mount already. But that depends if you feel up to the task of tweaking...

Basically I'm saying don't lose hope and enthusiasm. You'll find a good solution.

Besides... if you bought an EQ6 because thats as far as your budget goes, then thats the best you can hope for at this time. Its a good mount and I'm sure you can have loads of fun with it! The next best mount cost a LOT more... (G11)

What sort of astronomy are you interested in?

Dave

[TheAstroGuy]

Hey Rob,

All my images are taken with a EQ6pro and a 12" newt, so for people to say its not possible is just simply lack of either trying and or knowledge.

Simple fact is the mount's gears are rated to 25Kg's and i push it beyond that. In fact my mount has tracked efficiently taking decent photos for two years now without a single service.
equinox guidescope, Parallax rings (weigh a tonne), 35mm Large format CCD camera, Titan guidecam and 12" Newtonian.

Proof is in the "DOING" not in the talking.

There is no reason i can think the NEQ6pro will not be able to carry a 12" Meade EASILY although i do agree focal length will start to play an important role, however Deep sky imaging would not be what you'd be intending to do with it anyways i would assume as it is not its' strong suit.

http://www.theastroguy.com.au/photoalbum.html

Iv'e taken images of galaxies nebulae and even faintest stellar objects with that rig.

Regards

Shane

[h0ughy]

it pays to really search to forum - see this http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=15705&highlight=meade

my life of sorrow on this issue

[TheAstroGuy]

Definately good advice by loads of people on this site indeed.

[robz]

Yes, thanks to all for the information:thumbsup:

So, in summary, the 12 inch SCT on an EQ6, will, at high power planetary ''VIEWING'', wobble like an aerobics instructor's boobies?:question:

[h0ughy]

err umm yes

[Bassnut]

mmm, I had a 12" Meade SCT on a G11, and it worked, just, with fiddling, to good effect (dont forget the guide scope load) with a f0.67 reducer and up to 20min exposures (got an APOD!). At 3m FL though, it got ugly past 10mins. I dont like yr chances with an EQ6 at all. For planetary though, it could work, with video type exposure rates. For viewing only, well, cant see the wobble would be that bad at all for that, depending on what "high power" means.

[TheAstroGuy]

Rob,

Definately if there is any kinda breeze, Planetary high power imaging will be difficult but still do-able.



As fred says even a G11 at about 4-5K will only just cut the mustard at high power, your next port of call is a Titan, or new Celestron CGEpro.

You have a great mount just get out there and put a good 10" reflector on it and start imaging!!!

For viewing it'll be fine Rob, seriously that 12" of mine weighs a tonne and i do Planetary viewing at high mag now worries at all. You just need a Autofocuser so your not touching the mount or scope and it will sit still just fine.

JUST DO IT :)


Shane

[Bassnut]

Yes, thats the key, no touching, no wind, everything tweaked just so..........Magic can be done with care, but you have to be very very patient and pedantic. There is a direct relationship bettween time/effort or money spent for a given result, take your pick :lol: ;).

Ive tried both ways, your temprement or wealth are the only impedements :thumbsup:.

[TheAstroGuy]

Fred, Finer words have never been said :thumbsup:

Your money or time or frustration instead :)

[brian nordstrom]

As you all know its the tripod thats the problem ? what do ya recon?
I have my 6 inch refractor on the EQ6's little brother the HEQ5. and after fitting some heavy duty wooden and tall legs what a difference. solid !
Woaw! Any of you guys thaught of that instead of bagging the EQ6 ?
Its a lot cheeper than a G11 or Titan ? aye
Brian:question:

[TheAstroGuy]

Another good call,

a solid tripod or pier makes a big difference,also spending nigh on 800 bucks on a set of Parallax rings many moons ago makes the Rig a darn sight sturdier.


I am definately on the EQ6 rocks bandwagon when you consider what the next mount is in comparison and price it's a no brainer, although boy would i love a TITAN :) or id settle for a Paramount heehee

[danielsun]

Rob, or you could keep the mount and just buy a 8"newt or an ED80 with a cheap 70mm refractor as a guide scope and there you have a complete imaging set up.

[robz]

Well gents....................I had the 8 inch newtonian on the mount last night.

Vibrations were easily seen with a slight breeze at 250X on Jupiter.

Touch the focusser and all hell breaks loose.

If I need to start building piers,buying or modifying focussers etc. to steady a pissy 8 inch newtonian, then I have truly wasted my money..........this is not for me.

Shane,...........I would like to return the mount.....even at a loss despite the fact that it's virtually brand new and unused.

I'm not happy with it,will never be happy with it and will never be able to afford a Titan or AP1200 as a mount..........that's ridiculous.

If I had known that it would come to this and was aware of the mount's limitations,and the reality of massive mount requirements, I would never had gone through with the purchase.

[sejanus]

did you have it balanced properly?

I had a 11" Celestron on a EQ6 and whilst I never imaged with it, it was not anything like "all hell breaking loose" when I focussed.

The eq6 is a damn good mount for the $$

[robz]

Yes, I know how to balance a scope on GEM.

Glad you were happy with your EQ6 and Celestron.

The Celestron had a dovetail mount attached to it I presume................and the focussing was not done by a rack and pinion or crayford type?

My 8 inch has very solid tube rings bolted to a vixen style dovetail to suit the EQ6 head and has a standard rack focusser.

Please note everyone............I am NOT imaging, ..........just viewing.

[h0ughy]

um they all do that especially when you touch them to focus (unless you have a motorfocus. i think you are have your self believing these things are rock solid and dont move at all - not the case they do - it then comes down to how quickly the dampen out of the system. if the load is far to heavy they seesaw for a while but do steady down. wind is always a issue - you get used to that and even in a observatory you can get the occasional gust that is a problem. I think you are after a perfect mount and scope - doesn't exist (metaphorically speaking). high end mounts dampen out the jiggles really quickly. your mount should really be suited to the 8" and a guidescope - it is a staple "diet" for the mount for imaging. i use a 127mm refractor with 80mm guidescope on my G11 in a dome observatory and get the wobbles with a breeze. It really sound like you have jumped in without thinking about what you want to do and have no practical knowledge of how the mount is performing. I did when i expected my 12" SCT to go on a eq6 - but i soon learnt. its called trail and error and working through the issues - one step at a time. Its taken me 5 years to be able to confidently stuff up an imaging run:lol: so you should be able to do it in a shorter time than me - i was and still am a bit thick;) out in the field i use a eq6 and a heqpro5, wind is always a problem, pardon me:lol:

you have the perfect setup with the newt and a guidescope - but that is only my opinion. You can always put up a temporary tarp for a wind break - it may help?

[sejanus]

Yes it was a dovetail mount - I mean it did vibrate a bit when you touch it, but I wouldn't say all hell broke loose. The vibrations prob took roughly 0.8-1.5secs to settle down.

[TheAstroGuy]

Rob,

As most of the folk have already said i think your expecting miracles.
It is commonly agreed the mount is fantastic for the price and the nearest mount to it is almost 4K away.

David is spot on, you almost have the perfect rig!!

Brendan Mitchell from WA took photo of the year in the ASTROFEST comp with a 10" Newtonian and an EQ6, so the mount can perform.
People have have taken NASA APOD pictures with this mount.

Your current rings will introduce flex and wobble more so than if you had a pair of Parallax rings. I would not consider the current rings you have to be solid.

If viewing is all your doing i keep telling you a Mak180 or the Saxon 8" will be solid as a rock on this mount, i use high power with my mak and it is completely solid even to the touch she sits tight.

Regards

Shane

[Alchemy]

There is the key information needed. Given you are ONLY viewing I don't see a problem with the 12 inch scope. Most of the caveats here have been related to imaging. I can't see an issue with it at all under these circumstances. You don't need to guide or have extra scopes on board, I hope this eases your pain somewhat.

[robz]

O.k then guys, let's see if I have this right?

The Meade OTA weighs in at 16.4kg.
The following MAXIMUM EQ6 weight load bearing capacities(minus counterweights?) have been quoted here and on various websites including Skywatcher :

25kg, 20kg, 18kg :confused2:

So, for planetary viewing at occasional high power (depending on seeing and/or weather), the MEADE 12 INCH LX2OO OTA with a star diagonal with a chunky eyepeice and maybe a small findersope or Telrad, mounted on the EQ6 PRO should be fine?

Am I correct in the assuming this ?:question:

Cheers,

Rob.:D

[Alchemy]

The capacity relates to the scope and it's immediate accesories.
If skywatcher says you can load 18 kilos on it and you want to put less.... Go for it.

You can overload all mounts to some degree, being a visual only setup, you don't have the problems that have been focused on generally in your thread.

All scopes when viewing at high powers will be subject to atmospheric turbulence etc. I would suggest if it's windy just find a sheltered spot to minimize any wind.

[marki]

A lot of the weight limits imposed have to do with the type of scope you are using. They try to make a general limit to accommadate most scope types which is why you read so many conflicting numbers (that and the failure to include counter weights in the value). Newtonians are big long tubes that makes it awkward for a mount in that the weight is distributed a long way from the fulcrum. SCT's are much more compact and are easier on the mount. The only time I have seen a direct measurement given is with my Vixen SXD where the manual states the maximum load is 15kg at 24.5 cm from the fulcrum even though the US distributer is claiming about a 50lb capacity. If you are in doubt that the EQ6 will carry the 12" meade, why not consider the 10" which the EQ6 will carry with ease. Once you bog your way through all the technish and BS associated with these scopes (both manufacturer and users) and just look through the eye piece you will find there is very little difference (especially in the city) between these two scopes and the lighter 10" is much easier to handle and store. For me the 10" is the sweet spot in the meade range offering good aperture and reasonable portability.

Mark

[brian nordstrom]

Shane sorry to pop your bubble but my astro society in NZ Whangarei astro.. has a Titan , brought as a replacement for the Celestron CGE mount under our C14 ,,, the C14 is an awsome scope but . the CGE Well ? more trouble than it was worth the computer would not hold home. ( the mechanics are very good , it's the computer , dont like down under ?) Reverse ?
So we saved and worked for years and got a "Titan" sos... mate same old sh!t . Something about the southern hemesphere ? More trouble than it's worth and no after sales service both and told to SEND IT BACK .. at our expense to USA sos ,, from either .. Bintel ? Thanks . so bro be very careful before you spend your hard earned money , at least Orion will pay postage to here on any product they sell ,,,EQ6? HEQ5 same .:eyepop:
Brian.

[brian nordstrom]

Ouch ! pissy 200mm . Snob you ?
As you should know the mounts are very good
you start digging that pier hole ? ok then your pissy little 200mm will be happy
started digging yet?
Happy digging.:shrug:
Brian .

[RobF]

Robz, there's not too many sub $10,000 (even 20,000?) rigs that won't wobble when you bump them or adjust the focuser. That's why people like motorised focusers. Remember you're magnifying vibrations >100 times when viewing.

Your EQ6 will give you many years of enjoyment for visual and astrophotography, but you have to build the foundations wide and gradually build up experience and skill. If you just jump in the deep end with a big heavy long focal length scope you'll just topple over (figuratively) and get frustrated. You've got to learn polar alignment, balance, tracking and all sorts of other skills depending on what you do. Some nights its fun, other nights its easier to hit your head against a brick wall.

BTW, I personally have a relatively inexpensive rig - pissy 8" newt on the smaller HEQ5pro, and I find it exceptional value for money for visual (depending on seeing and eyepieces) AND photographic. It doesn't worry me if I have to wait a sec or two for a steady view, and I enjoy the look on some people's faces when they see the pics I can get from a $300 chinese OTA.

Have you looked through a 12" SCT versus other scopes? It really is a very large heavy scope. If you're going to go that big you really HAVE to know if your a visual or photographic person. I dont' think you'd find too many deep sky photographers using 12" SCTs. Planetary video or visual definitely.

One last thought - the scope you use and enjoy is the one that's not too much hassle to get out and up, then dismantle at 2am in the cold with minimal fuss. Sounds like it might be time to get out to a local meeting of like minds and discuss with people why they have the gear they have.

Good luck with it all,
Rob :)

[danielsun]

Rob, I used to have an 8" F6 on my set up but now have an 8"F5 (200mm shorter slightly sturdier than the f6) with an ED80 and a 70mm guide scope which is close to the max limit on the EQ6 including cameras etc and use it mainly for imaging but have the occasional visual through the 8" and there is always some slight wobbles after focus but settles quickly. Do you have your couterweights slightly east heavy and check you don't have too much backlash in the worm that you may have to adjust out. These may have an effect with a breeze.

Cheers Daniel.

[TheAstroGuy]

WhoaH nelly thanks for the heads up, Ok ParamountME :)

A friend of mine has just possibly deposited on a 28" Planewave and a massive Alt AZ mount many many many thousands (hundreds even) now surely this would stop the wobbles :)

[ngcles]

Hi Robz,



From my experience with this mount, for visual observing I think you will be fine mass-wise -- so I'd answer that your assumption is correct.

As others have already tentatively suggested, I'd venture that your expectations as to the degree of "stability" this mount provides may be a substantial part of the problem -- ie you are expecting too much.

Virtually any mount will show some vibrations and wobble when the 'scope is touched, bumped, breathed on or focused etc. If you are prepared to spend 10x what the EQ6 cost new, you will probably halve the wiggly tendency. If vibrations etc damp out in a second or so after touching etc, then that is the most you can reasonably expect for a mount without spending substantial five-figure sums. What surface are you using it on? This can have an effect. Are you using vibration suppressing pads under the feet of the mount (cheap and work pretty well)?

The EQ6 really is an excellent mount for the money and is very hard to beat in the price range. Remember, moderate or high magnifications greatly magnify even the most minute movements in the mount/'scope. For visual use, I think it will carry a 12" Schmidt-Cassegrainian with a heavy ep and usual bibs and bobs quite acceptably (in my books anyway).

Imaging is a different bucket of fish. Others have already offered the correct advice here (but I'll re-iterate here for completeness) -- this weight when you add a set of rings, guidescope, imaging device etc etc etc would be very close to the engineering design limit of 20kg, if not over. The long focal length the 12" Schmidt-Cassegrainian has also complicates things very considerably. The EQ6 is a capable if not good imaging mount (outstanding for the price), but I'd be whacking no more than about 12-odd kg on it all up -- preferably less than that. As Houghy said, it will perform in a perfectly acceptable fashion with a fast (say f/4.5) 8" Newtonian, & guidescope etc etc for imaging.


Best,

Les D

[brian nordstrom]

Doctor? lawyer?
Us average Boilermakers well Paramount when I win the Lotto Astro Guy .
Me and my 6 inch on little brother Heq5 and sturdy German made wooden legs AT 300x on jupiter easy , the mounts are good .
Google" EQ6 wooden replacement legs"
the German ones are the best made of Black Oak from the black forest nice ,like steel but dense .
Brian.:thumbsup:

[robz]

Thanks everyone................I understand now..............man!...........wha t a ride!:eyepop:
When funds eventually permit(probably early next year), I will be looking at a 10 inch or even a 12 inch Meade SCT for planetary viewing.

May also try some planetary video work with a small and light d.i.y. ccd cam., but will have to see what happens in that department.

Hey Shane,................you know some very rich people out there, ................they make me sick!!! :P :D

Regards,
Rob.

[robz]

Just a quick note guys:

My thanks to Shane Ross ''The Astro Guy'' for initially giving me the correct advice on the purchase of the EQ6 PRO mount, which I have managed somehow to lower it's(and his) true reputation and capabilities.:(

Shane is a great guy and very generous in his time and commitment to astronomy and I owe him an apology by spitting the dummy and requesting a refund:ashamed:................that was dumb!

I managed to convince a freind to bring down his 30 year old 10 inch steel tubed 7 foot newtonian monster. It tipped the scales with tube rings and dovetail at 19.43kg.
The EQ6 did not flinch in light winds when viewing................steady as a rock.................man, this mount really is a bargain for what you get:thumbsup:

[sejanus]

gosh what a turnaround

good luck with it

[robz]

The time I used the 8 inch with the EQ6 was with the original scope's tube rings and an adaptation to enable fixing to the dovetail bar.
Not the best or rigid method......by far.

That's where the problem with vibration was................not the mount as I had previously thought.

Should have woken up to that fact there and then as Shane had mentioned...............but I wasn't listening:rolleyes:

[Bassnut]

There you go, for reasons I dont quite get, sometimes, just sometimes overloading can actually improve things (as I found, sometimes) :shrug:

[robz]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm?
But...........was it in fact overloading it?...........that's the million dollar question.

I really don't think that the drive's true weight capacity will ever be determined as there are variations to published figures everywhere.

After all, it's not an AP1200 or Titan, Paramount, so it's presumed that it's low cost must mean low load capacity compared to the high end GEMS:question:

I'll be brave and say that it seems that the EQ6 can hold a lot more than first anticipated and there may be some who refuse to accept that possibility in case it starts to tread in to heavy guage waters?

[marki]

Rob there is most definately a max weight for the EQ6 mount and Shane has already pointed it out.....the gears and clutches are rated at 25kg max. The problem with this figure is that it does not include the counter weights which must be considered part of the load on the gears and different scope configs exert different loads on the mount which will affect this value. This is where most the confusion stems from as manufacturers should clearly state max carrying capacity minus the counter weight needed . People like Bert (Avandonk) have removed the gears and replaced them with belts. If you check out his website you will see that he has half the iron produced by BHP last century hanging off the counterweight bar and carries enourmous loads on the mount. I imagine your mates 20kg newt would have taken it over its limit (how much counterweight did you have on it?) and although it carried it fine I think you will find the life of the mount will be reduced under these conditions. I think you will be okay with the 12" SCT but much better off with the 10" (more play money left for other bits as well).

Mark

[davewaldo]

Hi Mark,

Are you saying that the EQ6 only has a scope carrying capacity of 12.5kg + 12.5kg of counterweights?

I really don't think this is correct. I could not find any info on the net that says the 25kg (or 20kg) stated capacity includes counterweights. As far as I know its industry standard to list scope carrying capacity.

And besides.... nearly EVERYONE uses their eq6 with more than 12.5kg. If you do a search on this forum you'll find plenty using an eq6 with 24kg of counterweights alone (without modification).

Do you have any info to support your statement?

[Barrykgerdes]

I have looked at this thread a few times and there are two main points of view. What is the ultimate capacity of an EQ6 and what is the practical capacity.

While I have not used an EQ6 I have seen plenty of them and I would expect with careful arrangement I could get at least 50kgs on one and still have it work. However I would not like to put more than 10kgs on one and expect it to perform like a much heavier mount.

To use an analagy. I once towed a ton of sand in a trailer that was designed for a maximum load of 10cwt (springs bottomed out), with an Austin A30. Yes it could be done but it was quite a strain on everything.

If you have photography in mind don't overload an EQ6 with a 12" OTA. You will have difficulty in getting good stable results. If you must have a 12" OTA save up for something not less than a Titan. Otherwise get something much lighter

Barry

[robz]

The thing is that people ARE using 12 inch OTA's on the EQ6 for photography.

Shane has the proof in actual photos that are awesome!.

I don't think for a minute that he has overloaded the mount. He has used the 12 incher on it for some time I believe and has not encountered any problems.

A point to remember : when I received the EQ6 pro MN recently, it came with two extra items that indicate an interesting point on the mount's capability - load wise.

Within the box were :
1. an extension shaft for the conterweights(formally an accessory?)
2. a large dovetail head(already installed on the mount) as well as the small standard one (packed with the other bits and peices).

Would this not mean that Skywatcher are now confident in knowing that the mount can easily handle LARGE scopes and have provided the attachments for it?..........................seems like it to me.

[TheAstroGuy]

I Had a very interesting incident last night.

Since i lost my Old vixen extension bar in a recent robbery i used to use
5x 5.2Kg counter weights to balance my set-up:
EQ6pro, 12" Newtonian, Equinox 80mm, Atik titan and Atik 11000 ccd's. (moonlite heavy duty focuser, Losmandy style 500mm dovetail bar and Parallax Rings).

I now have a second EQ6 mount for when i image with my wide field rig.
This one is the NEQ6 pro version with the extension bar which is a good 10cm shorter than my previous Vixen bar. I needed 6 x 5 Kgs counterweights to balance the mount efficiently and unbelievable to me the Mount was sturdier than before with MORE weight on it, god knows how but it was.

Having said that the 12" takes sooo much longer to balance and set-up than the refractors rig so 9 times out of ten i can't be bothered with the ordeal

[DJ N]

All quite interesting points. At the time I purchased my EQ6 Pro, I specifically remember that on the Skywatcher website, they indicated a 40lb carrying capacity for the EQ6 and 30lb for the HEQ5. However, these are now not listed!!

I suppose it comes down to a bit of common sense. I would be very surprised if there was not any "safety margin" in their figures. From an imaging perspective, I currently"load" up the mount to just under 14kg (which is a bit over the 2/3 rule), however, I have no issues guiding 20 and 25 minute exposures.

In summary, I still honestly believe it to be one of the best bang for buck mounts out there ( I still love mine!!), especially as an entry level mount.

[robz]

Hey Daniel, I wouldn't know about the EQ6 being an ''entry level'' mount?
Suerly the EQ5 would fit in to that catagory?

[DJ N]

I suppose I am more so referring to the brand, as say opposed to Losmandy, AP, Tak etc....

Cheers!

Daniel :thumbsup:

[Alchemy]

There seems to be a certain amount of conjecture regarding large scopes on not so large mounts for imaging.

As far as the original question of could a 12 inch scope be visually used on an eq6 .... Yes it can, and quite well so.

On to the imaging ( deep sky) there is obviously a differing opinion as to can it be used. Well let me use the analogy of a car race, could you use a standard Holden commodore at Bathurst in the race.... Well yes you could, but it's level of performance isn't really of a quality that would satisfy most racing drivers, and you would find if you went into a corner at the speed of the better cars, you would end up in the trees or a wall.
Likewise with the imaging, whilst yes you can mount the 12 inch on the eq6 the performance will be somewhat similar to the race analogy, you will be able to do 2 min exposures consistently maybee even 4 or 5 minute exposures if you are really lucky. But you will not get consistent 20 minute exposures even with a f 4.9 scope, much less at f11. So the question then becomes what will you settle for, if you are happy with 2-3 minute exposures .... Great, but all those who have progressed past that point have said consistently it's not an appropriate choice for such a setup, and have been imaging successfully for years. If there is any doubt as to the veracity of my claims then you can search through the forums for images, taken on such equipment.


.

[marki]

15kg sounds about right. You do not need to search the web, just check post 11 of this thread where Shane ( a skywatcher dealer) states 25kg as the max loading, bintel say 20kg. Top brand mounts will give you the max carrying capacity excluding counter weights (always pointed out), synta give nought so I must assume their limit includes the counter weights. If you want to overload your mount go for it but you will reduce its life span. My SXD is rated at 15kg scope carrying capacity @ 24.5 cm from the fulcrum excluding counter weights. I never carry more then 8kg of scopes and camera's etc with 3.7kg of counter weight. As always the choice is yours.

Mark

[davewaldo]

Thanks Mark, so basically your just assuming that its 25kg total weight. Also in post #11 Shane doesn't actually say that its 25kg including counterweights or otherwise. I only take issue to your earlier post when you state that 25kg is the combined weight as if its a fact that you know of, I see this misleading people with your opinion/assumption presented as a fact.

I think the only fact we have realised in this thread is that no-one knows what the safe limit actually is for this scope. Skywatcher has never really told us either way. (Remember we're not talking imaging specifically in this thread). Some people will be conservative others go all out.

You are right that it is up to individuals how they wish to load their mount, but its also helpful to go by other individuals experience with this mount and its history.

Until Skywatcher come out and tell us its scope carrying capacity we can only assume either way.... :thumbsup:

[robz]

Whichever way you look at it, a 12 inch scope CAN be mounted on it, and with care and appropriate know how, astrophotography can be very effectively achieved.

Having said that, I wouldn't put a C8 and a 120 Megrez on the same rig :P.............or would I ?

[robz]

A new thread has started on this forum : EQ6 maximum load

There are some intersting posts.....especially the most recent one : when he took the mount apart, it had car bearings and as he states - ''obviously these are good for a lot more than 40kg''.

Seems to make sense to me : the Chinese decide to make a large mount at a competitive price compared to all the ''big brand names''. So, they think to themselves - why not use what is commonly available to reduce R&D and manufacturing costs :car bearings, simple and easy, commonly available, chuck a casing around it, throw some available electronics in to it and ''Bob's your uncle''............;)

[Visionoz]

AFAICR, when Skywatcher introduced the NEQ6 Pro with the wider saddles to take the wider dovetails they did say that it was meant to be for their 12" Newtonian and one dealer has it on the website categorically with those statements; see here (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-030J)

I might be OT and unsure if this model has now replaced or is offered alongside the EQ6 Pro since I did see a new one delivered to a mate recently has the extension counterweight bar (makes sense if you want add more weights thus increasing the fulcrum point further out requires less weights than a shorter bar) and the extra Vixen saddle besides the bigger D-saddle like Rob mentioned

FWIW, I have both the older model EQ6 Pro (have loaded it with a 12" FlexDob, visual only; a bit scary but works at its limits I think) and a Losmandy G11 and they each serve my specific needs; albeit I must say that using the G11 is a much less strenuous effort with smoother adjustments/settings - suppose it is horses for courses :thumbsup:

My 2cents worth!!
HTH
Cheers
Bill

[robz]

Good post Bill.

''Will take payloads up to 25kg'' eh?:question:......presuming that ''payload'' is actually referring to a ''payload'' (OTA).
That's a big leap from the 16kg weight of the Meade 12 inch LX200 ACF OTA ?? :rolleyes: