Now that my new mount is on the way, my much loved Takahashi EM-400 is up for sale again.
Please note: It will not be available for pickup until the second half of February - until my new mount is ready for installation.
It will carry a 38kg payload and there can be no doubt that it performs flawlessly - see
http://www.pbase.com/gailmarc/photography for images I've taken with it over the last 4 years. For pictures of it in its native habitat carrying a TOA-150 (not for sale) see
http://www.pbase.com/gailmarc/equipment- Mint condition Takahashi EM-400 mount with 3 counterweights (i.e. 1 extra weight). This mount was completely overhauled at the factory in July 2010 after the RA encoder failed plus I had the new polar reticle installed (good to 2050) and there is 6 months of factory warranty left. This mount is practically new!!!
- Takahashi Accessory L-Plate (the large plate that the scope rings are attached to)
- Takahashi Hand controller (original type - never used - eliminates need for PC)
- Takahashi Heavy Duty metal tripod (one mother of a tripod! ... rated to carry 1000lb)
- Takahashi EM-400 pier adaptor
- Original cables, software, tools and manual (such as it is)
To buy all this new would cost over $AU16,000 (including GST and shipping). I paid nearly $AU19,000 in 2006!!
I'm selling the package for $10,000. I will consider reasonable offers. But remember, the mount is practically new and has 6 months of factory warranty left on it from the overhaul!
I really don't want to ship it either (about 75kg worth in at least 3 boxes) so be prepared to come and pick up. Best that way too because you can see it in it's native habitat and functioning before you take it away.
With the tripod AND pier adaptor this is a versatile setup! You can go bush with it when you want (and polar align in minutes - Tak polar scopes are renowned for their accuracy) OR mount it on your observatory pier. Better still, do either when the mood strikes
Cheers, Marcus
