EQ Mount Question

[NeilW]

Hi,

I've seen mounts such as EQ3 with either full Go-To or just motor drive capability. Will the SynScan Go-To system track as well as point to an object? And if the EQ was being used for photography, and I didn't really need a Go-To facility, would it be better to just install motor drives?

Thanks,

[renormalised (Carl)]

The goto system will do both.

You can buy versions of the mounts that don't have goto capability, but still have the motor drives. Or you can get the mounts and then buy the drives later.

The real advantage of the goto system is convenience and speed...you don't have to go hunting around for the object you want by star hopping to your target. The goto will take you straight there.

[steve000 (Steve)]

Hey mate, get the GOTO.. it tracks..

I bought a EQ3 with the intention of getting motors etc added to it..

i farted around for ages looking for motors etc. and finally gave up. The goto mounts are more precice and with a guidescope they can be worked to be very accurate.. with motors you dont get that.

in my opinion, bite the bullet and get the GOTO setup, prices are reasonable now days even the big old EQ6 goes for around $1500 from andrews and its massive with a load of 50 odd kg with counter weights and scope. It is stupidly stable with my little 6" and good with my 12" but heavy..

[Paddy (Patrick)]

As a dob owner and non-imager I am not the person to answer your question. BUT... my understanding is that if you want to do astrophotography and autoguide your scope you will need a go to EQ mount. I don't know if an EQ 3 with go to will cut the mustard as you will want a stable mount to make good pictures and from what I glean from the imaging folk is that an HEQ5 with go to is probably entry. If you want to make good pictures. I am more than happy to be corrected by someone who knows what they're talking about.