I have been out of the game for a while but have recently got back into it.
I have a Heq5 and a GSO 8" newt which im trying to get going as an imaging scope.
I bought an orion 80mm guidescope and mounted it. The problem is, I can't get it to balance, it appears the scope, guidescope and camera are too heavy to be balanced by the weights that came with the scope.
Is it a matter of adding more weights to the counterweight end?..or is it as i fear, that I am pushing the mount beyond its capabilities?..The stats when I bought the mount stated it WOULD take the load, but im worried now that I have been done by the oldest trick in the book, and believed the stats that sellers provide.
Question 2, can I use an off axis guider with an auitoguider?..I have a celestron nexguide auto guider (from ebay for $200 ...Bargin), Im not sure if it can be used through an OAG.
Hi and welcome, I am a new comer also. From what you describe below, I think you maxed out on the payload of the HEQ5. An EQ6 ($1500 new from Andrews, or about $1000 used) might be better with your setup. Otherwise a G11, at increased price of course.
Cheers,
Bo
You can use your nexguider with your OAG and this will bring your weight down. It might be harder to get visual stars but in the long term will be a lighter set up. Failing that you can use a modded finder scope or your 80mm guide scope.
The usual published max weight of a mount as far as I am aware, doesn't include the counter weights.
Make sure it is balanced well, add some counterweights if needed. I have used weight lifting weights sandwhiched between the official' counterweights on an EQ 6 and a cgem - they are cheap from Big W and come in various weights.
Usually if you add the camera, guidescope etc it weighes the top end of the scope down, so move the primary mirror end backwards on the saddle to try and balance it in that axis, also balance with the weights in the other axis.
You can also mount the guide scope along the main tube's rings so the weight is distrubuted in the middle not at the ends- can get a mounting plate which you can bolt onto the big tube rings then add small tube rings.
If the mount moves ok after this and guides well, then it's not overloaded!!
Cheers
Graham
Thankyou all for your reply's. I gave it a go last night with an extra 2.5 kilos on the counterweights. It seemed to be handling it no problems.
I will post the test pic in a new thread..
Thanx again..
