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Titan V AP 1200
G'day Frank, I have a G11 on the new Losmandy field tripod. Its got a C11 and a 90mm Megrez mounted on a DSBS bar. I'm about to add imagers and other bits and pieces.
My original aim was to stay portable, but I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that I will need a permanent observatory for most of my work.
I have researched the carrying capacity of a G11 and it would seem that the 45lb limit for imaging, in particular, is not terribly accurate. My setup is about that now and doesn't even blink. One bloke sent me pics of a rig weighing twice that and sample images... damn near perfect. For visual only, a G11 will handle a lot including a C14, I'm sure. Its the extras that add weight.
I can set my complete scope up outside in 20 mins, get polar aligned in 5 for visual and probably 20 for perfect alignment.
Having said this, I am going to tell you what it feels like in one word... well two actually. OUCH and SCARY! The tripod is easy, (Folding legs and stable as rock), the GEM head, heavy, the C11 with "extras", terrifying and the consequences for my back, worrying.
If its this tough for an ox like me, I don't even want to think about doing it with a Titan, which is significantly heavier. Don't know about the AP 1200 but I would compare the specs and maybe suggest you do an experiment... load a sack with sand to the weight of the GEM or OTA, sit some eggs in the middle and try carrying it 10m imagining the eggs are hand grenades with loose pins, cos the consequences of dropping it would be the same ;-)
I absolutely love my G11. Works like a dream and by far the best mount I have used. If I was to step up from here, it would be to a Paramount, rather than a Titan, but the mount would be in a dome. That sort of precision requires a home.
My plans are primarily imaging and the G11 has a lot going for it in this regard, (Its a very well known and respected mount), but is also a brilliant visual mount and JUST light enough to go mobile with a decent OTA, but I would not consider a Titan particularly mobile based on my experience and a look at the Titan specs will give you an idea of the extra weight involved.
Question you gotta ask yourself is, what are your observing interests? Imaging or visual? That will determine the precision required and then work from there. Add the weight of all the bits you will need to the system spec + 20% for unexpected stuff, (like my $1200 dollar electronic focuser), then see if you want to carry it all around...
Last suggestion, which I read just the other day, Budget about 60% of funds for the mount. I did this accidentally but the logic is very sound. A less than perfect OTA on a good mount is more forgiving than whacking a beautiful OTA on a "wobbler"
Hope this gives food for thought,
Good luck
Rom
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