[gregbradley]

It should only be GST which is calculated on the invoice price pus shipping plus a small % add on which I don't know what that is, so assuming shipping cost of about $800 then
I'd estimate it would be around $1375. Then again there may be extras on a new mount like adapter plates, piers or extra counterweights and so on. I am not sure how many counterweights
a TOA150 would need - perhaps only the 2 the mount comes with.

As far as I know there is no import duties on mounts (we have a free trade agreement with the US and the GST replaced a lot I think). There isn't any for scopes and pretty sure none for
CCD cameras. GST on imported goods both new and second hand kicks in at $1000 threshold. So items under $1000 have no GST hence the recent Harvey Norman debacle where he was
pushing for reform so GST would be included on overseas purchases under $1000 so local retailers don't get bypassed by internet sales.

There is a guy called Jim Miller who sells custom parts for the ME very inexpensively. He advertises on Astromart. I got a 10 inch shaft extender which means I need less
counterweights for the CDK17. I use 3 stainless steel ones and 2 x 5kg gym weights I got in Sydney and they are very cheap. His part was something like $95 and was very well made
and works nicely. He has other tools/parts for it which so far I have not found a need for. The stainless steel counterweights are really expensive plus cost a lot to ship as they are so heavy.
Planewave also sells a 40lb counterweight for less than Bisque just for info. Jim also sells nice looking tripods for the ME for US$975. Seems like a bargain. That would make your PME field portable.
It is a big mount but it is reasonably manhandleable - you know, take a deep breath and lift it, make a little grunt and its on the mount! Mike Sidonio could pick it up with one hand!

Greg.