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Old 29-02-2008, 01:31 PM
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JohnG (John)
Looking Down From Above

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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Cootamundra, NSW
Posts: 1,711
Whilst I cannot comment on any of the Takahashi mounts mentioned other than to say they are superb mounts, I can comment on both the G-11 and the GM-8, having used both for quite a number of years.

The G-11, I have is fitted with a Gemini controller and is used in my Observatory with a Takahashi FS-128 mounted on it. I have found that the mount itself is quite rugged and easily carries what weight I put on it BUT, with the servo motors of the Gemini, it needs to be balanced properly, you just can't plonk a scope on it and expect it to track properly, balance is critical. The Gemini system is, once you get used to it, very accurate once you have built up a pointing model and can easily interface using ASCOM to just about all computer programs.

My GM-8 is my field unit, it is fitted with encoders and the superb Argo Navis DTC. With the stepper motors on the GM-8, out of balance situations are handled with ease because of the significantly increased torque of the drive motors. As a field unit, the Digital Drive Unit only draws some 500 milliamps and I have no trouble running the Drive system, Argo Navis and Dewstraps using a standard jump start battery pack.

As you are looking at the G-11, the standard stepper motor setup would be identical to the GM-8. The new Losmandy mounts have a new bronze worm (High Preccission) and are a lot better produced than the older versions.

Both my mounts have worked well straight out of the box with the GM-8 only requiring a worm adjustment after I regreased it, the G-11 has had no problems at all.

Something I would bear in mind is that at some stage you will have to learn to make adjustment to the worm re backlash etc although the stepper model takes this in it's stride.

Photographically, both mounts are good in my opinion with the G-11 being the pick, only because it has a 360 tooth worm gear, I would imagine the Tak mounts would be a step better again.

Cheers
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