The mount is solid and is the best choice i ever made. It is as many call it
"top of the bottom end" and can be tweaked to easily perform as well as if not better than more expensive mounts.
See here.
https://sites.google.com/a/sitechser...urley-mounting
This is using a Hi-res ecnoder on the RA similar to the TDM(Telescope drive master) system.
http://www.explorescientific.com/telescopedrivemaster/
The best thing is spare parts for this mount are readily available. And taking it apart is quiet simple and logical. Its easy to clearn and regrease it yourself.
For those looking to get a bargain keep an eye on CN and Astromart. There are always bargains comming up on this mount. I have seen them go for as little as $1300 for non-goto.
Also you dont have to go Goto, our localy made ArgoNavis is a delight to use with this mount.
I was tempted to swithc to the G2 from my Sitech controller, as I like the idea of laptop free operation. But I have been advised it would be prudent to wait and see how the G2 pans out. I have every confidence that it will be as good as the G1 but its not quiet there yet.