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I recently got a Sphinx SXW mount from one of the forum members and so far quite impressed. I haven't had much time to use it and it is currently mounted on an slightly undersized tripod (I do intend to get a pier) so keeping this in mind these are my first observations:
- Build and finish excellent, minimal cables and fuss which is also excellent.
- Light, excellent transportability.
- Polar alignment scope works very well (even though the alignment stars are only mag 5-6) provided the polar scope illumination is set its faintest illumination level.
- 90 second exposures with a 7kg Takahashi E160 (sharp 530mm focal length scope) showed tight round stars unguided. Periodic error is problably around +/-10 arc sec over 8 minutes or so .
- With polar alignment GOTO appears to be quite good, even with star alignment.
- I briefly tested Peter Enzerink's ASCOM driver using a simple Perl script and a crossover cable and it seemed to work well, although I need to do more testing.
When I get it all properly setup I'll do a proper review.
Terry
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