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Hi Kev,
It is a popular mount and very good for the price range. easily handles the rated load. no real reason you shouldn't invest in one.
All depends on the level of accuracy you're looking at and your budget. its perfectly capable of getting you some very decent images once you get into AP.
I'd suggest getting the USB2EQ6 cable. That'll allow you to control it without the handset.
When you get into photography, F7.5 would require decent guiding so i'd suggest keeping an OAG in mind. works a treat, saves all the flexure hassle with a guidescope. Does require a sensitive guidecam like the qhy5l2 or lodestar.
Pointing accuracy with this mount isn't that great. so spend some time in getting your PA as close as possible as that greatly affects pointing accuracy. This also largely depends on the worm and gear mesh, so if its brand new, it should be decent.
PemPro and Alignmaster are two tools that help with PA a lot.
Once you do that, then sync atleast 5 stars all around. that will get your targets with the FOV if not in the centre.
Again, with F7.5, your PA needs to be close.
The PE of the mount isn't too flash, but can be guided out.
Also spend some time using a level to get your start/park position correct. I've learnt, that also affects goto accuracy.
in my opinion, don't get the extension rod for the counterweight bar. but get another 5kg counterweight if you need.
Keeping the weights closer reduces oscillation.
I got one second hand and am very happy with it bar a few things i'm refining to meet my needs.
Fairly heavy. I got the large foam padded box from Bunnings and it just fits in. makes it easy to transport this way.
Cheers
Alistair
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