Acropolite, I realise it is expensive, and that the mount is just the start point, but even on my limited budget it seems better to wait and get a good mount to begin with, the forums are full of people endlessly frustrated with photography until they finally ended up with a good mount and so many of their frustrations seemed to disappear at that point.
Rob, to begin with I'll be using my DSLR and my toucam to learn the ropes, along with the C8 I already have. I have been offered a DSI 2 for $190, so my pick that up, still reading to find out if it is much of a step-up from the toucam.
I was thinking of one of the mini guiders to begin with once I move to playing with autoguiding, or one of the basic all-in-one kits that come with the guidescope.
I'm hoping to pick up an 80mm ED at some point, just wait patiently for a second-hand bargain to come along.
As for dew guards, heaters, cooling, adapters etc. I'm an old electronics and DIY hand, so will be attempting some of it from a DIY perspective until I can afford it, I also have access to a CNC shop after hours that I do some programming for (they build RODE microphones) so I may attempt some manufacturing when I have the need
I've made up my mind to wait for the EQ6 and in the meantime try DSLR photography from a tripod and with the C8 on the Equatorial wedge for some really basic tracking and experiment with it all to get a feel for it.
You never know, a 2nd hand EQ6 may come up in the meantime, and they seem to hold their value if it doesn't work out and I need to sell it.
Thanks to everyone for putting up with all my questions!