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Ken,
The Atlux is rated to 22Kgs - for astrophotographic use, so its carrying capacity is similar to a EQ6, but its pointing ability should be 3 to 4 times better. Its software is a bit dated, but extremely powerful.
The dome roof I made from 5 or 7 ply ribs - like a sailing boat - and simply streched thick black plastic over it stapling it on with a gun using copper staples. I made a slide out viewing portal that pivots back on a aluminium guide rail. It's not a hemisphere, rather its a hyperbolic design to keep the whole structure under the 3 metre rule (i.e the dome roof is about 2.3 metres in diameter but only 1 metre above its rim). It turns easily by hand rolling on 12 shopping trolley type wheels. All up the dome roof probably cost around $200 - $250 to make, plus about 4 days effort. It's alot less beautiful than a Sirius dome, but at a fraction of the cost and its fully waterproof. I intend to put a stronger surface on the roof (poly carb or galvinised iron) bent into shape in my next holidays.
Terry,
Taa - just read that. Its a clever function. I'll probably create a home position (say the SCP) and label it as user defined point number one in my Land menu and simply go there at the end of each viewing session.
Yes the way it stores date and time is beautiful, and the resume from last powerdown where ESC equates to scope hasn't moved is clever.
I can't wait till the Astronomer is half as capable as his new equipment!
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