How have you loaded your EQ6

[TrevorW]

Just wanting to know

a) most loaded on a EQ6

b) if any tracking or stress related problems

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

I'll go first but probably won't win:-
a) 10" GSO Newt + 4" guide scope + Telrad + side by side bar + finder scope + DSI + filter wheel + guide cam. 4 x standard counter weights (not quite enough).

b) probably - still trying to diagnose (RA) drift in image.

[rider]

Originally Posted by peter_4059

I'll go first but probably won't win:-
a) 10" GSO Newt + 4" guide scope + Telrad + side by side bar + finder scope + DSI + filter wheel + guide cam. 4 x standard counter weights (not quite enough).

b) probably - still trying to diagnose (RA) drift in image.

you're even not trying! I've got that lot on a HEQ5...
(Extend the counterweight rod, its cheaper than extra weights)

rider

[bert (Brett)]

A.I have a little less than Peter,
Vixen Ed80 guidescope
Vixen Ed103s wide field refractor
Vixen vc200l
eos 1000d
telrad
50mm finder
Sharshoot autoguider
3 Large counterweights.

B. I havent got it sorted yet... having balance problems, solutions on the way hopefully.

Brett

[TrevorW]

Guys who's got the biggest. I'm trying to establish a load limit without affecting the EQ6's tracking ability as I'm tossing up between buying and 8" or 10" Newt which will be used primarily for astro photography. I noted that a lot of people have loaded them beyond the 25 kgs load limit in the spec's. I'm no engineer and I may be barking up the wrong tree but at some stage I would suspect something suffers if you load them too heavily. I'm relying on your expertise.

Thanks

[mldee (Mike)]

What's the best solution for a non-handyman to extend the rod? I looked at buying a piece of threaded 1/4" rod from Bunnings, but gave up as being a little toooooo flimsy

Does anybody here make/sell them?

BTW, I'm C8 + BD100 + SW70 plus 1000d plus EP's etc on EQ6, seems fine so far, but would like to get more balance without additional counterweights.

BTW I'm picking up a complete Losmandy saddle + side by side in LA in a couple of weeks, as I'm not happy with my present local-made Vixen-style side by side setup. Gonna visit OPT, Griffith and Mt Palomar again while I'm there

It's only money.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

I think Star Optics had longer CW bars that could be retro-fitted when I bought my EQ6. I've also seen home-made extension bars that screw into the end of the existing bar although this seems quite flimsy if you are going to load three CW's on the end.

[leinad (Dan)]

One of the AGWA members uses a 12" with Equinox66(I think it is) piggyback mounted; using a CW extension bar, and ~ 25-30kg of weights from memory.

What are you planning to put on the mount Trev ?

[TrevorW]

Sorry Leinad didn't get back too you sooner

Either an 8 or 10" Newt f/5
Stellarvue 80Ed also possibly the SW120 f/5 achro
Stellarvue 10x60 finder
Canon 350d
Orion Starshoot autoguider

I have three counter weights

[marki]

Trev, it would not be too difficult to turn a new longer counterweight rod if need be. I do suggest a single piece rather then an extension. You may like to consider a larger diameter as well but that would mean making some internal mods to the head.

Mark

[bert (Brett)]

Hmmm... custom machined extension bar, sounds expensive, or you could buy another weight .

[marki]

Originally Posted by bert

Hmmm... custom machined extension bar, sounds expensive, or you could buy another weight .

Not if you have a lathe . Best investment I ever made along with the mill.

Mark

[TrevorW]

Marki

I know who too call

Cheers

[marki]

No probs Trev. Should be right up to about 900mm. Load the bugger up.

Cheers

[TheDecepticon]

Howdy.
Regardless of what the others have said, you have to realize that the more you load it up the more strain will be placed upon it, resulting in earlier wear and tear, more need for adjustments and maintenance. Think of of it like this-if it's got a load limit, it's for a reason!!
I have since stopped using my 10" and now use an 8"(big size drop between 10" & 8") with an 80mm guider, but more frequently, I am using a 102mm imaging scope with the 80mm guider stacked on top with all cameras and finders etc. Along with a lighter load I also have all round higher accuracy across the whole sky, landing all my targets on the image chips.
Another misconception is that really big scopes are best for imaging. That is true if you want close up shots of galaxies or planets which are generally small and faint, however, larger objects like bigger nebula go over the field of view resulting in cropped images. Smaller scopes will give you a wider field of view and probably as good detail which will result in better images in the long run.

[AlexN]

G'day Trevor..

I've had all at once...

C11 XLT + 3kgs worth of accessories (dew shield, heater, moonlite focuser, finderscope) 17.5kgs or so
Megrez 102mm F/7 APO 3.5kgs
Side by side bar .55kgs
DBK31 guiding ~? next to nothing
QHY8 imaging .8kgs
all associated cables dangling off the mount etc... took 4 counter weights right at the bottom of the counterweight shaft to balance it...
I produced a few good images with that setup, though I do think it was a bit much for the EQ6..

so yeah, 22.3ish kgs.. If you want to see some of the images produced I can post them up for you..

Alex.

[TrevorW]

Thanks Alex I'm just touching base at the moment trying to decide whether to go with a 8" or 10" scope

[AlexN]

peter_4059 runs his 10" newt + ED80 guiding setup on his EQ6 no worries, and his results speak for themselves... Aperture rules Trev, and dont let anyone tell you otherwise!

[TheDecepticon]

You're such an expert Alex!

[AlexN]

hah.. hardly... just got a whole heap of opinions