Quote:
Originally Posted by gregbradley
There is another alternative. Planewave have released a series of mounts and from memory they were also direct drive. I see they have high precision encoders that correct the drive but also have gears - is this direct drive?
http://www.planewave.com/
I would trust them more than ASA. I have been following Planewave's progress for several years and they are friendly, professional and their CDK telescopes have a lot of happy customers. Any problem seems to be handled immediately and as far as I know there are no outstanding issues. ASA on the other hand seem to have a lot of dud products put out in their telescope range. Even on this site not so long ago - a super expensive 16 inch Newt with a super loose focuser. Also I was following their yahoo group after the release of their mount and there seemed to be a lot of problem type postings with the mount. Perhaps they have been sorted by now as that was about 9 months ago. So if you go with them realise you would be taking a huge risk and if you are happy with that then so be it I am sure we would all love to hear that it goes well. On the other hand you would be moving with new technology. My experience so far in this hobby is that true and tried is the way to go as these items are so expensive you don't want to end up being a beta tester.
Planewave on the other hand seem to be going from strength to strength and the images from their scopes speak for themselves, plus they are easy to collimate and also serve as a visual instrument which RCs generally are not.
Also their mount has a higher weight capability than a PME and I think the ASA mounts.
I have a PME, just haven't used it yet but I am about to. I am sure it is a great mount but there are others coming up on the market.
Also there is talk of a mini Paramount ME mount coming out soon.
Could fill the market gap there for those who have a lighter setup that does not require the strength of the PME.
Greg. |
LOL blardy hell mate look at the price diff!!!!
185 grand US for a Planewave CDk700 direct drive
http://www.planewave.com/index.php?page=1&id0=6&id=0!!!
Compared with how much for those others?
I am quiet interested in those Asa mounts but there is no info about them around.
When I hit the mine again soon I will be bying a new mount either a Tak EM400 or EM-500 or a AP1200 or PME but those Asa ones look really hot.
Any one here got one who can give a review?
Or any links may be?