Astrotrac Travel System mount (TT320X-AG)

[naskies]

Five month old Astrotrac Travel System kit (http://astrotrac.com/Default.aspx?p=system) for sale, which includes:

* Astrotrac TT320X-AG equatorial mount (tracking in RA) that can be auto guided via ST4 port
* Astrotrac Polar scope
* Astrotrac TW3100 Wedge
* Astrotrac TP3065 Pier
* Astrotrac TH3010 Head, counterweight bar, 1x 0.7 kg and 1x 1.3 kg counterweights
* Astrotrac Pier Bag
* 8x AA battery holder and cable
* Cigarette lighter adapter cable
* RJ11 autoguider cable
* Manfrotto 496 RC2 ball head

This was bought new by another IIS member in August 2011, and I bought it off them a month ago (early December 2011). It was pristine (unused) when I bought it, and I've since used it for about 8-10 imaging sessions.

I'm selling because I'm keeping my refractor + EQ6 and would like to fund the purchase of an astro CCD + filters.

New price is over $2,200 AUD including GST - I'm selling for $1,550 + shipping.

It's a long shot, but I'd be happy to consider trade+cash for Astrodon Tru-Balance Gen 2 E-Series LRGB 1.25" mounted filter sets, or 3 nm 1.25" mounted Astrodon narrowband filters (H-alpha, OIII, SII, NII).

[naskies]

Here are some sample images taken with my Canon 5DmkII mounted on the Astrotrac in the past few weeks:

1. Comet Lovejoy and the Milky Way: 2x 301 sec exposures, f/4, ISO 800, 14 mm.

2. Comet Lovejoy on 1st Jan 2012: 1x 300 sec exposure, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 24 mm.

3. Zodiacal light, Milky Way, and Comet Lovejoy: 1x 450 sec exposure, f/4, ISO 1600, 14 mm.

4. Total lunar eclipse, Dec 2011: 1x 2 sec exposure, f/4, ISO 100, 200 mm.

5. Orion's Belt and Horsehead nebula: 38x 59 sec exposures, f/4, ISO 6400, 200 mm.

6. Large Magellanic Cloud: 9x 238 sec exposures, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 100 mm.

7. Crux: 1x 60 sec exposure, f/2, ISO 1600, 135 mm.

8. Eta Carina, Southern Pleiades, and Lambda Centuri: 1x 15 sec exposure, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 135 mm.

[naskies]

In response to questions (shared for others' benefit):

- No names or other identifying marks have been added to the equipment.

- There are a few normal wear and tear marks from my normal use, plus a couple of superficial marks on the base of the TH3010 head where it screws onto the mount (see attached photo) that occurred during shipping to the original owner.

- It's in perfect operational condition (mount, polar scope, etc).

- The original owner didn't buy the "Astrotrac water bag" so it's not included.

- Manufacturer's load rating for the mount itself is 15 kg, and the load capacity for the head is 10 kg. I've used a 5DmkII + battery grip with two batteries + 70-200 f/2.8 IS II lens with the Manfrotto ball head with no problems.

[apaulo]

Hi Dave

I must say your images are beautiful.

Regards Paul.

[naskies]

Thanks Paul! Great mount + great camera + great lens + ultra dark skies + one crazy operator = winning combo! :)

Sale pending to two potential buyers; will update if it doesn't work out.

[Octane]

Haha, awesome!

I think I remember posting in your thread seeking advice about what to do, re: sell up and do visual, or go down the imaging path.

I'm glad to see that you took my advice (:P) and kept your imaging gear and are now purchasing a CCD. :D

H

[naskies]

H, you crack me up :lol: Have you considered a career as a psychic? :) I had hoped to sell the refractor before Christmas, in which case I would have been safe from temptation during all that comet chasing under dark skies. Naughty comet!

I did consider a Tak FS-60 for a while... but today found out the accessories I'd need cost more than the scope itself! :eye pop:

Well, look at it this way... in six months' time I may be looking for another Astrotrac and selling a complete imaging kit :rofl:

[naskies]

Now sold. Thanks everyone!