G11 mount – what accessories?

[browndog (Ian)]

A question for G-11 users and owners?


Are there any “must have” or “nice to have” accessories from Losmandy that will make the G-11 mount easier or better to use?

I am planning to purchase a G11 with Gemini GoTo for astrophotography. It would seem easiest to purchase any accessories at the same time as the initial purchase. The Losmandy website (http://www.losmandy.com/access.html) has an impressive list and I am sure that they are all not needed.

So what would you recommend and why?

[JohnG (John)]

Whilst not a "must have" the Clutch Knob Set makes for getting the tension on the clutch easier.

Depending on how much weight you intend to mount, I would probably think of having an extra counterweight, possibly 7Lb so you can set the main weight further up the counterweight bar and use the lighter weight to do your final balance, you will find that you will need to offset the weight slightly to east to keep the worms meshed, slide the weight down when imaging to the east and up when imaging to the west.

The other consideration is your power supply, the Gemini relies on a good regulated supply for hassle free operation, in the field this is usually the most problematic aspect with using batteries.

Cheers

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

Worm replacement?
http://www.ovision.com/Losmandy_Pres...S_english.html

Doug

[allan gould]

Agree with JohnG - good power supply a must, clutch knobs a big improvement but also a polar alignment scope. I found it to be brilliant.

[JohnG (John)]

The only other thing I would say is that if you are going to run a heavy load, the Maxon Motor option with the Gemini would be of benefit with the stronger torque of those motors.

Cheers

[UniPol]

Definitely the glow in the dark anti vibration tripod leg pads, very cool , Afterall, the black legs are are pretty hard to see in the dark.

[supanova (Wayne)]

Another thing,especially if you are not going to set it up permanently would be a set of knobs to bolt the mount to the top of the tripod pier assembly.Makes life a lot easier than having to worry about allen head screws in the dark.

Wayne

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by JohnG

The only other thing I would say is that if you are going to run a heavy load, the Maxon Motor option with the Gemini would be of benefit with the stronger torque of those motors.

Cheers

Don't they come standard with the Gemini? What do they look like? Got a photo?

[JohnG (John)]

Hi Marc

There are 2 options now, the 'standard servo's' or the Maxon Motors, don't have photos of them, I do know that they are $850 a pair, slightly cheaper if they come already fitted when you order your mount. I believe they are standard on the Titan.

Cheers

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by JohnG

Hi Marc

There are 2 options now, the 'standard servo's' or the Maxon Motors, don't have photos of them, I do know that they are $850 a pair, slightly cheaper if they come already fitted when you order your mount. I believe they are standard on the Titan.

Cheers

Cool - Any benefits in mount performance/tracking (apart they got more torque)? Smoother?

[mtodman (Matt)]

Do the Maxon motors increase the load capacity of the G11? I'm about to order a Titan to carry a 12" LX200R + 102mm APO but if a G11 would do the job???

[JohnG (John)]

I would seriously doubt that you could increase the load capacity, the motors offer more torque but thats all, you are still bound by the engineering constraints of the mount.

Cheers

[browndog (Ian)]

Thank you for your prompt replies .

So I should get the:

1. Clutch Knob Set
2. Good power supply (I think there are some threads where this was discussed previously?)
3. glow in the dark anti vibration tripod leg pads

Anything else in the shopping bag..???

As I am only planning to use a C8 SCT + 80mm Guidescope I don't think that is a heavy load - so I wont need the maxon motors... ???

[supanova (Wayne)]

I know that when I bought my Gemini,I also ordered the Maxxon motor upgrade at the same time,and the difference in price was around $300.

Wayne

[leon]

Yep the Maxxon motors are a must have I reckon, It was also suggested that I purchase these as an up grade when I ordered my G11.

It is a bit like driving a V8 compared to a 4 Cylinder.

Leon

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

What about a set of Losmandy shaft encoders? This way once you have it polar aligned, and the Gemini has a star alignment, you can slip the clutches (either on purpose or by accident) and push-to wherever you like without the Gemini losing its position. Otherwise you constantly have to slew under motor control, draining your field battery faster.

[Benny L (Ben)]

My dad and I just bought a G11 with the optional Maxon motors, which are the same motors used on the titan.. Gemini System is nice too

[Peter Ward]

Dealer hat off for a bit

12 inch meade and them some...get a Titan.

G-11 on steroids..would be Maxxons, clutch knob set and the short pier

The DSBS is also a great option for multiple OTA's as it keeps the centre of gravity low and system rigidity high.