AP Mach1 advise

[Marke]

While I have been waiting for news of the next G11 shipments I did something very silly , I looked more closely at the AP Mach1.
Depending on availability I may stretch the budget to the AP but
have a few questions for those who may know. How realistic is its load
capacity compared to the G11 for imaging ? I know what the stated ratings are . Will be using it with the RC 10 so with imaging train I guess go close
to 20kg . The other thing is the tripod , the Eagle is just too much for now
so how good to the standard portable pier given that I will not have a permanent set up . I am also eyeing off the Rob Miller tripods which seem
to be pretty nice .
Any help would be appreciated
Mark

[DavidTrap]

Hi Mark,

I was looking at the AP website yesterday - no notification list for the Mach1 at present.

I'm carrying under 10kg at present. I could count on one hand the subs I have thrown away because of poor tracking/guiding. I had it out in the wind recently - yes the guiding graph did move a bit more, but that will happen with any mount - nonetheless, the stars on the subs were still round. My hunch is that a 10inch RC will be my practical limit on this mount - nice to dream!

From all reports, it will carry 20kg as an imaging load. I have no reason to doubt that. It's considerably bigger than a G11.

I have the wooden tripod - very happy. The Eagle looked like a lot of dollars to me... I heard a good report about the Rob Miller Tripods from someone at the AAIC - it had been purchased for a PMX.

Happy to talk by PM if you wish.

Regards
DT

[Marke]

Thanks David
I am waiting to hear from AP in regards availability as they have a batch
shipping very soon so may get lucky :D
The RC 10 is about as heavy as I want to have to carry outside on a regular basis , its heavier than an C11 .

I should have enough room to move with the Mach1 even if I go a bit heavier and its limit should be at least as good as the G11 for imaging .

The weight is amazing , its lighter than my Cgem let alone the G11 while being larger in size which is what got me interested in it. I had reservations about the wooden tripod with heavier loads and the basic pier is cheaper , another option may be a G11 tripod . Waiting to hear from Rob Miller about costing etc .

Thanks for the offer to PM I may take you up on it if I get further down
the track with this :)

Mark

[pluck]

Hello Mark,

I have one, and I can tell you that it will easily carry the weight you outline, though windage is another issue (tube length).

The Mach1 GTO is in a whole other league to the G11 (in my opinion) - with it's tracking and pointing accuracy equal to my Paramount ME.

I'm currently using it as a portable unit on a Losmandy LW (G8) tripod. It actually works well with my 130mm refractor, but I suspect you would want to go bigger for the 10" tube.

You will not be disappointed with an AP mount. Roland pulled out all stops on the design for the Mach1. It is a superb mount.

Paul

[Waxing_Gibbous]

A friend has one which usually carries a 10" SCT, 80mm Guidscope, finder, FLI Camera and associated CCD gizmos.
All-up I believe he said the load weighs in at just under 22kgs and the Mach 1 carries it without complaint.
Even in my wildest fancies I couldn't justify the money, but it is a beautiful piece of gear.
I could just look at it and be happy.

[Marke]

Paul what do you have it mounted on tripod wise ?

[Marke]

Thats good to know Peter and they arent cheap but not as bad as I thought
abd you have to think of it as a long term investment , thats my excuse anyway ;)

[Rigel003]

I have the 8" portable pier with my 900GTO. It's easily dismantled and set up, relatively lightweight and extremely rigid and stable when the tension rods are tightened. On the other hand it's a bit bulky if you want to carry it around without dismantling and there is no provision for levelling so you have to resort to packing stuff under the legs if you set up on uneven ground.

[Mighty_oz]

The AP mach1 can carry the rc 10" just look at this guys site he posts here as well. Very nice images :)

http://www.starkeeper.it/equipment.htm

[RickS]

I have an AP900 on a Rob Miller tripod and I'm very happy with the portability and stability of the tripod (the mount too, of course!) I got my tripod with the optional levelers. You could get by without them, but they do make leveling very simple and allow you a greater range of adjustment.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Marke]

Thanks I saw that link , great images

[Marke]

Rick
Did it take long to get the tripod ? I have tried contacting Rob
but no reply so far . It looks ideal for what I want , what size did you get ?

Mark

[RickS]

Mark,

It took a couple of months from time of order but the timeframe was basically in line with the expectation that Rob set. He was still building the first run of some of the parts (levelers and accessory trays) at the time. He typically replied to my emails within a day or two except when he was on vacation. I got the Tri36M.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Marke]

Thanks Rick , I have since heard from Rob with details and time frame but cant help thinking they are a bit too good to be true. Now the misses has said stop procrastinating and get the Eagle6 pier - doh ! that doesn't help at all but I am leaning toward the Eagle pier as it seems to be best of both worlds if at a price.