c14 on losmandy g11

[icytailmark]

does anyone have this setup? Would a G11 handle a C14 for planetary imaging and observing only? What weight is required to balance a C14? Can it be used in a backyard without an Observatory? I do understand that a C14 is around 20kg.

[[1ponders]]

There is a C14 on a G11 at the Mapleton Observatory. I wouldn't want to be setting that monster up every night. It should work np carrying it for planetary and should be fine hyperstar for DSO though I can't say for sure as it hasn't been fine enough for long enough since it was installed earlier last year :lol:

[Octane]

Mark,

Frank (spearo) took these with his C14 and G-11, imaging with a mammoth heavy STL-11000M camera.

http://www.frankbonneville.com/web%202011/astrophotography/index.html#Group1-RGB-stre-16t-last.jpg
http://www.frankbonneville.com/web%202011/astrophotography/index.html#Thor-Jan-2011-LLRGB-150-75-75-75-pushed-slabelled.jpg

That should tell you how capable they are.

H

[icytailmark]

do you run the observatory paul? I currently have a 12" dob that i drag out the backyard so im kinda use to setting up a big telescope all by myself.

[icytailmark]

would it matter if i didnt have the G11 on a pier?

[[1ponders]]

I run a few classes out of there and some viewing nights. The G11 tripod is probably the most stable tripod you can find around the place without going over kill. Its, in a word, awesome. Rock stable.

[mithrandir]

Google for "C14 is a portable scope" the first 2 hits should be a pair of videos on mounting one. One mount is a G11, the other an AP900.

It does make me think a Robin Casady dovetail should be the first accessory you should buy for the G11.

[UniPol]

I use the G11G/EdgeHD14 for visual only and have found the combination to be very well balanced. Placing the OTA on the mount using a 14" Casady/Losmandy style plate is a breeze. Robin Casady suggested the 14" dovetail would be better than smaller ones as it is more rigid over that length and less susceptable to flexing. It is much better to place the OTA into the dovetail rather than sliding it in.

The G11G requires the Counterweights shown in the pic i.e. 2 X 21 lbs & 1 X 11 lbs.

Haven't had any problems with the servo motors carrying the load as the balance is excellent and they don't sound any different when smaller OTA's are fitted.

[icytailmark]

thanks for that steve wow that looks like an awesome setup im getting really excited!!!

[UniPol]

Thanks Mark, it will be a better set up when I get around to fitting the US made "Scope Rollers" to the G11 tripod. At least I won't have to take the OTA off that often, just wheel it out of the garage :D.

[icytailmark]

i just ordered my C14 and my losmandy g11. I am very poor now :sadeyes:

[tlgerdes]

My heart feels for you.:question:

[renormalised]

Very poor, yes, but also very happy:D:D