12"bintel dob eq mount.

[cjamo9 (Clinton)]

The tube of my dob weighs 21 kg( add a couple more for more bits and bobs) what size mount would i need to use it in eq. i saw someone asking a similar Qs in another thread, the one about the heq5/6 payload.

[cjamo9 (Clinton)]

i was looking at the mead lx80 even just to get it tracking in altaz dual config. but the stated 75 pounds is apparently hodo.

[Shiraz (Ray)]

I have the same scope mounted on an EQ6 for planetary imaging - it is just good enough for this (or visual I guess), but would be totally unsuitable for DSO imaging.

[sil (Steve)]

I don't have any direct experience but I've been looking at what setup I need to do what I want and so have been looking at scope and mount performance from many reviews.

If I'm correct the tube you have is around 1.5m long, so it'll probably have to be VERY well balanced on an EQ mount. (edit) Shiraz got his post in while I was drafting mine. Feel free to disregard mine then.

Any slight movement at either end of the tube will be exagerated in the eyepiece and even more of a problem if you're considering astrophotography. You'll need appropriate heavy duty rings, stiffeners and mount plate etc so I'd bargain on another few kilos to the weight.

A lot of people seem to use half the stated capacity weight as the real world capacity for a mount to perform well. I think you may have to go beyond the EQ6 to possibly the EQ8 (due out next year), or Losmany G11 range as the minimum EQ for that tube. This is where my logic takes me and I'm happy to be corrected by someone who has experience. I've no idea about pier mounting options.

Is there any particular reason you have to ditch the dob mount?

[Moon (James)]

I agree that an EQ6 is not big enough, except for perhaps planetary imaging when there no no wind at all. I have a 12" f/4 on a PME and it handles it with ease. Perhaps a PMX or an AP on a good pier could handle it?
It's not just the weight that's the issue: the length and surface area make it tricky to maintain really good tracking, especially if you have some wind.
James

[PCH (Paul)]

I'm going to start by saying outright that I can't offer any personel recommendations.

But didn't Mike (Iceman) have a 12" dob mounted on an EQ6 to do his planetary imaging a few years ago. I'm guessing it worked for him judging by his results.

[Andy Walters (Andy)]

Have a look at Steve Massey's photo's (from Astro Shop) he uses 12" skywatcher newtonion on EQ6 (ccd, g-star etc), he does this from his garden!
Cheers Andy.

[bojan]

"Official" EQ6 max load is 25kg - this means 15kg in real world.
So.. you will need a bit bigger mount for that 12".
Or alternatively, you may try to reduce the weight, by repacking optics into truss frame for example.
I will be mounting my 10" newt (OTA is poliester fiberglasss) on EQ-6, but it is only 13kg - so another 2kg for the rest of the equipment will OK.