Go-To Mount

[beejay8]

I have a Saxon 90cm refractor that I use for backyard viewing. Standard tripod that came with the package. I have upgraded the lenses. I have trouble locating targets. Is a Go-To mount the answer, and, if so, what brand, size, price, model etc. All I want is more to look at and easier to find.

[beejay8]

I mean mm, not cm. 90cm is pretty big for a backyard.

[Barrykgerdes]

For general viewing a goto mount makes finding objects quite easy. There are two types of goto mounts equatorial and alt/azm. The easiest to set up is the modern alt/azm as they are almost automatic now. Equatorial mounts are much harder to set up but are best for photography.

What you can get depends on how much you can spend. The cheaper ones that seem to be disappearing from the catalogues are usually not very reliable. However you should be able to pick up a good S/H 8" of the LX 90 type for around $1000

Barry

[MattT]

I presume you want to keep the 90mm Refractor so look for a NEQ6 in the classifieds. Its big and total overkill for your 90mm but it will let you add bigger scopes easily. I have a 90mm f11 frac on an EQ3 no goto for quick looks and know how good these small scopes are, so keep it and get the NEQ6. Don't waste money on an HEQ5 as you'll want to upgrade from that one eventually…I did. I have had 2 HEQ5's goto and non goto before moving to an NEQ6.
There have been quite a few NEQ6's sell for round the $1K mark recently.
My 2 cents worth.
Matt

[MattT]

Should say goto will help with finding things if you can sort out the alignment stuff, which ain't that hard.
There is no substitute in knowing whats up there though. Star charts, sky safari apps and lots and lots of time under the stars.

[glend (Glen)]

An iOptron Smartstar G mount will handle a 90mm refractor no problem. Its full goto with gps and costs about $500 last time I looked. It tracks well. I have had my 130mm newt on jt as well as my 102mm refractor - not at the same time of course. Payload limit is about 4-5kg.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

Originally Posted by MattT

look for a NEQ6 in the classifieds.

ROFLMAO! A 25 KG mount with 20 KG load capacity for a 3 kg Refractor. Thats a good one Matt. I genuinely laughed out loud.

He made no mention about doing astrophotography. He just wanted easy object finding. Glen's advice of an iOptron Smartstar G mount is a far more sensible recommendation.

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

I've heard good things about the iOptron mounts but not had the pleasure of trying one. The goto is supposed to be very good.

Unless the OP is getting a big scope, avoid the EQ6...it's big and heavy, although if must say once setup it gives very good gotos and tracking.

[MattT]

Originally Posted by AG Hybrid

ROFLMAO! A 25 KG mount with 20 KG load capacity for a 3 kg Refractor. Thats a good one Matt. I genuinely laughed out loud.

He made no mention about doing astrophotography. He just wanted easy object finding. Glen's advice of an iOptron Smartstar G mount is a far more sensible recommendation.

He did say a price or around a thousand though…so…I paid $1k for my NEQ6 and sometimes put a 100mm ED f9 on it. Looks a bit strange but it works!
I don't do the photography thing either but I do like tracking and it takes my 6" f12 too!

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Yes, I also use an EQ6 on my small 106 F6 refractor. Bought it for the 130 F8 but find myself carrying it out to mount the smaller scope more often than the larger. Strictly visual!

[beejay8]

Okay. I have purchased from Andrews Communications an EQ3 Pro GoTo mount. I have to say that I found Andrews very good to deal with, the advice that Luke offered was sound. And, of course, their price was the best.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

Originally Posted by beejay8

Okay. I have purchased from Andrews Communications an EQ3 Pro GoTo mount. I have to say that I found Andrews very good to deal with, the advice that Luke offered was sound. And, of course, their price was the best.

Nice one. Yeah, Luke is a great bloke. Helpful guy indeed.