I have the mount for a year now and wanted to share what I found so far. I have the mount with out the absolute encoder.
What I Like- The mount just works and the build quality is exceptional. Integrates seamlessly and has a easy to follow documentation. Professionally packed and once you open the box you will find every single item packed securely.
- Manageable once broken down and I would say it’s portable.
- Low smooth Peak to peak PE before correction. Mine is about 4 peak to peak and .5 after PEC.
- Backlash can be adjusted very precisely. The process is as simple as loosening three bolt and re-tightening them
- Optional absolute encoder option in RA, DEC or both and user can install them without the need of sending the mount back to the factory.
- Optional mechanical homing switch option at the time of order (Absolute encoder on both axis makes it redundant in my opinion)
- RA & DEC can be locked without fearing that you may ruin the clutch system (AP1200 users had to be careful)
- Upcoming APCC will allow advanced things like building pointing model; RA& DEC drift compensation and many more.
- Key pad is very user friendly.
- Azimuth & Altitude adjustment is smoother compared to AP1200.
- Altitude adjustment block to set up the initial range has been simplified compared to AP1200.
What I Don't Like- Through the mount cable opening mainly on the DEC end is tight. Any cable that has big head like serial cable will require you to dismantle the scope and run the cable. Normal cables are OKand if you left a flexi rope you can just pull a new cable through the mount without the need of taking off the scope.
- Azimuth polar adjustment is not 360 degree. If you are setting up as portable you need to be careful.
WATCH OUT- DON’T forget to detach the internal cable before detaching RA & DEC axis. There are warning labels in the right places but you still need to be careful
- RA & DEC does not have marking rings similar to AP1200