[LewisM]

I have my Astro-Physics Star 12ED mounted on my Sphinx SXW for visual simply due to the excellent visual attributes of the system. It easily handles the weight but the moment arm of the scope is a oroblem in amplifying any vibrations to the point focusing becomes a problem.

The mount is on the standard Vixen HAL 130 tripod with the spreader and triangle tray bolted down. I have put a spare counterweight in the tray which helps a little but still lots of vibration when focusing (it dampens instantly when you take hands off). Plus imaging in any wind will be an issue (it's a long tube, being a 1020 focal length (120mm f/8.5))

Would upgrading to a Berlebach Planet help with moment dampening or is only changing to a stiffer mount help. I have been considering an NEQ6 in the interim but remember the dec head slop in those (fairly simple fix). Maybe an AZ-EQ6 better?

Long term goal is an Mach 1, DDM or an EM200 but in the meantime I need something a little beefier if a tripod upgrade is not going to help (I plan getting the Planet with GP head anyway for use with my GPD and simply use the 60-45 adapter to use the SPHINX On it). I can also use an electronic focuser but prefer not to.

Any ideas?