Converting an EQ6 to EQ6Pro or other GOTO, what are the options?

[Poita]

It turns out the EQ6Pro mount I was offered is only a straight EQ6 with the 4 button controller.

I'm trying to work out if it is worth purchasing and trying to convert to a GOTO mount, or whether it isn't worth it.

[wasyoungonce]

Well for goto capabilities.....no!.... as the cost of the upgrade is around $800 (http://www.astroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-022I) to $900+ (http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/skywatcher-pricelist.htm).
If you purchased an EQ6 for $500 add in the extra upgrade, $800 ($1300 all up)
then you are almost at the cost of a new mount!

Andrews (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm)has NEQ6 for $1499 and 4" losmandy type head ver for $1599.

[Poita]

Ouch!

I was hoping there might be a cheaper option that you could drive from the PC and avoid the cost of the handset etc.

[wasyoungonce]

You still need the upgraded internal circuitry for that (EQMOD), see minimum specs (http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/reqindex.html) on the EQMOD site.

The EQ6 went thru a series of upgrades, basic non goto to EQ6 Syntrek (a newer handset and PCB circuitry and motors in the mount) (skyscan?) to synscan.

Basically you need at minimum the syntrek (or synscan) internal PCB circuitry and motors in the mount for EQMOD connection via lappy. See here (http://stargazerslounge.com/1654026-post12.html).

That said..EQ6's new, are very cheap these days!

[Poita]

I was offered a 10" BD254 1200P on an EQ6Pro for $1750, I got all excited until it turned out not to be a Pro :(

[Moon]

My EQ6 is an upgraded one. Started life as a normal EQ6 and the shop I bought it from had an upgrade kit on hand and they changed it over to EQ6 Pro, no worries at all.

You just need to figure out the price of the EQ6+ upgrade kit vs buying the EQ6 Pro outright... You might save a little bit, but ptobably not much.
James

[bojan]

Try to use Bartel's approach.
It will cost you a fraction of what was mentioned earlier.
As a matter of fact, soon I will finish the design of stepper drivers for Bartel's software, the size of the board will be the suitable for EQ6 (I am doing it for myself).
When ready, I will post the necessary design files here in IIC.

[Poita]

I had a quick look at Bartel's page before, it looks very promising, but I haven't priced it all up yet to see if it is feasible.
When I thought I had a Pro on the go for a good price, I stopped looking at alternatives, but I'm back to looking at DIY again now :)