Payload

[La_Displuke (Luke)]

Hi guys just a quick noob question.

I have a mount with a payload of 9.1kg and was wondering if I have to add the counterweights weight when working out what to mount on it?

For example, if im running 5kg of counterweights, does that mean I only have 4.kg left to work with?

Thanks in advance

[traveller (Bo)]

Hi Luke,
Payload refers to the scope end of weight and does not include counterweights. So if a mount is rated at 10kgs, then the scope with diagonals and eyepieces etc should not exceed 10kgs.
If you plan to do any astrophotography then you should aim for 60-70% of the max rated payload, using the same 10kg capacity above, you'd want no more than 7kg with scope, camera, guidescope etc.
Bo

[La_Displuke (Luke)]

Thats good news.

So at this point as a beginner AP set up im looking at;

Scope
2.5kg
guide score
2kg
autoguider
.2kg
camera
1.2kg

Im coming in at around that 60% mark which seems good from what you are saying.
Is there anything crucial that I am missing/forgetting to add into the equation.

[traveller (Bo)]

Which mount are you looking at Luke?
HEQ5 is a good starter AP mount and can be found on the classified here on a regular basis. You can also hook it up to a laptop and control it using stellarium programs.
Bo