What's the Best Alt-Az Mount W/Slo-Mo

[Nightskystargaz (Thomas)]

Hi,

I would like to know What's the Best Alt-Az Mount with Slo-Mo controls, to be use with SV102ED2 scope, weight about 17 Lbs.

Half-Hitch or ...

,

Tom

[casstony]

I find slow motion controlos annoying on an alt/az mount at mid/high powers - I don't like having to adjust two axes. On the other hand most alt/az mounts without slow motion controls are difficult to track with at higher powers. Though I haven't used one, the Discmounts DM-4 and DM-6 can reputedly track at higher powers without slow motion controls through use of large diameter friction surfaces.

[Wavytone]

I have persevered with one of these for visual observing http://www.escience.ca/telescopes/RE...051/14593.html with both a 102mm ED refractor (f/7) and also a 7" f/15 Mak. In practice, while the bearings are now reasonably smooth there are two issues:

a) using magnifications above 150X become difficult without slow motion controls;
b) locating objects - if you want some form of electronic assistance.

The Discmounts - while eminently solid and suitable for larger scopes - have no slow motion controls and pushing any decent scope around by the rear is simply inadequate to aim it.

That leaves the Half-Hitch Mk III as the best altaz mount around, apart from the one-arm fork SCT's from Meade.

There is no question the HH is ideal for your 102mm refractor - and fine for refractors up to 130mm.

[casstony]

Originally Posted by Wavytone

The Discmounts - while eminently solid and suitable for larger scopes - have no slow motion controls and pushing any decent scope around by the rear is simply inadequate to aim it.
.

I don't know if your statement is correct or not since I haven't used the Discmounts, but users report that Discmounts do smoothly track at higher powers due to the large diameter discs and the friction material used. If those reports are correct, the Discmount is superior IMO due to it's simplicity.

Have you seen a review from someone who has used both the HH and DM?

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

It does seem that no-one seems to get it spot-on with Alt_Az mounts.
Can't be that hard.
I would like:
Slow-mo that can be disengaged easily.
Nice long extended handle for manually moving the scope about/
'Cranks' rather than knobs, for adjustments.
&
Provision to add simple motors.

The best alternative I've seen is professional-grade 'fluid' heads for big video cameras.
Alas they tend to come in at around $2500 for a cheap one, but are usually capable of holding 30kg or more.
Worth a try, esp. if you can find one 2nd hand. Ex-rental maybe?

[Wavytone]

There was a thread on Cloudynights a few months ago re the HH and on particular comparison to the DM4 and DM6.

From memory the issues were:

1. If you have the friction in the DM set to allow fine movements, it won't stay put when you try to change eyepieces. Conversely increasing the friction so it will hold still means fine movements are harder, meaning it suffers from exactly the same drawback as my SW altaz mount. The HH apparently is vastly superior on this respect.

2. The DM4 and 6 are both much more rigid than the HH. The HH is fine up to a 130mm refractor but ultimately the shafts used are quite small and very short - not really suited to anything more than say 5kg. If you have say a 20cm SCT - or larger - the HH is not suitable.

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

Wavy, I thought you recently purchased a DM6? If not you, someone else on here did, and may be able to provide some "local" thoughts on the DM6..

[casstony]

Originally Posted by JethroB76

Wavy, I thought you recently purchased a DM6? If not you, someone else on here did, and may be able to provide some "local" thoughts on the DM6..

That was Snaggs - I sent him a PM a week ago asking about the DM6 but haven't had a reply and he hasn't posted here for a while.

[Wavytone]

No I didn't buy a DM6. Still not entirely sure what I'll end up with. It's a but problematic to spend the $ on a HHIII when it may be a better idea to stay with the altaz I have and assemble a decent Dob.

[ycmah]

Hello,
I think Bintel Sky View II (https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm) could be a great match with a 100mm refractor. I recently got one of this for my 6" SCT and 72mm refractor. While in the Bintel show room, I got to test mount a skyWatcher 100mm refractor and found it handled it with ease. In the future, I'm planning to use it with 100mm refractor that was why I test mounted to make sure. At home, with my quick short test use, the slow motion controls work quite well, very smooth.
In addition, I'd like add that this is the same mount as being sold as AT Voyager in US.

[jakob]

I bought a Bintel SkyView mount with extension tube for my APO 80.
I like it except I would like it more collapsible for transport.
Solid, well made.