10 inch newt on EQ6 - how awkward is it really for visual use?

[DJ N]

Hi all,

I have the opportunity of obtaining a 10 inch Newtonian (at a very good price), and I was thinking of putting it on my EQ6 Pro for purely visual use. To give me an idea for what I would be in for, I have attempted to simulate the eyepiece position on my current mount. It does concern me that the eyepiece could end up in some “unergonomic” positions.

Has anyone out there used this type of setup for visual use, and in reality, is it as awkward as I am led to believe. The reason for mounting it onto the EQ6, would be to have goto and tracking!! Part of me thinks that I would be better off just going for say a 12 inch truss or collapsible dob instead and adding Argonavis (and not worry about tracking), seeing I am wanting it for visual use only.

Thanks for any insights!

Cheers,

Daniel

[troypiggo (Troy)]

Certainly is awkward. Tried it, got frustrated, and am buying/modifying a dob base to use it for visual use.

That being said, they couple I bought my 10" off used it quite happily on a EQ mount and don't mind it.

[asimov (John)]

I used to run a Parks F5 12.5" but it had a home made semi portable pier mount under it. On an EQ6 & standard tripod even with the legs at minimum extension, I wouldn't like to use a 10" newt.

10" newt on a *short pier* mounted EQ6? - Way to go.

[5ash (Philip)]

You could get an extra set of tube rings that are fixed tight on the OTA and bearing against the inside or outside of the supporting rings ( ones attached to the eq mount), then by loosening the rings supporting the telescope you should be able to rotate the tube to a convenient viewing position and retightening it without the tube slipping up or down in the rings.
regards philip
ps if your tube is 303mm diameter or close i have a pair that im selling.

[bartman (Bart)]

I haven't had any real probs yet. I use a milk crate when the eye piece gets too high. When the eye piece is on top and high then hanging over the tube is a bit awkward. Getting something higher to stand on might help.
So far cant see any objections to using my 10" newt on an eq6 for visual obs!
Bartman
Dito to 5ash..... I'm looking at doing the same

[5ash (Philip)]

As far as height of the OTA goes , you can change the balance position of the scope by placing a weight on the very end. this reduces the height it will swing up without making it too low sometimes as would occur by shortening the tripod legs. When i had a 10" newt on an eq6 i had a heavy metal ring made up to achieve this.
regards philip

[DJ N]

Thanks for the replies guys.......all food for thought.

[Steffen]

There has been this thread about rotating tube rings for a 12" Newt on IIS back in 2005.

Cheers
Steffen.