CGem - An upgrade from an EQ6?

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #1 27-01-2010, 12:54 AM

Howdy

Anyone bought any of these yet or used one? how was it? what did you think? and does anyone have any opinions on this as an upgrade from an EQ6? or is it too close to call?

thanks

AG Hybrid (Adrian) · #2 27-01-2010, 02:13 AM

Ive seriously been considering purchasing this mount. its really a throw up between the EQ6 Pro and this really. They both hold a max of about 18-19 Kg. The CGEM does have that fancy new AllStar polar alignment, where it uses any bright star instead of using a scope to aligning directly to the CP. It does cost an extra $1K+ though. And the GPS unit is an optinal extra at a further $500.
Might just get the EQ6 pro and buy some nice eyepieces with the money saved.

Im sure its a really good mount all the same.

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #3 27-01-2010, 07:40 AM

It is basically an EQ6 on mild steroids, not really a big upgrade.

Think Holden Berlina to Holden Calais, not Mercedes Benz.

The allstar alignment looked interesting, but drifting will probably do a better job of alignment anyway.

If you are looking for an upgrade, go the G11 (Mercedes) route.

sheeny (Al) · #4 27-01-2010, 07:55 AM

I was looking at this a while ago. The CGEM is essentially an EQ6 with some more modern electronics and styling. There is no payload advantage.

In my books the EQ6 wins on price... but add EQMOD and there is no contest!

Al.

TheDecepticon · #5 27-01-2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheeny

I was looking at this a while ago. The CGEM is essentially an EQ6 with some more modern electronics and styling. There is no payload advantage.

In my books the EQ6 wins on price... but add EQMOD and there is no contest!

Al.

Agreed!

TrevorW · #6 27-01-2010, 03:26 PM

Agree primarily just another EQ6 Pro

there are a number of upgrades for the EQ6 that can improve it's performance

Although I've not touched mine and it's been fine so far

Marke (Mark) · #7 27-01-2010, 04:05 PM

I have a 925 cgem and it really is a nice mount, alignment is very easy
and spot on every time. I havent used an Eq6 but looking at them together the cgem looks better built and has a slightly higher load
capacity which may even be understated. It can cal its for self heavy loads by auto adjusting its slew rates and permenent pec. May not be worth upgrading but certainly would choose over a Eq6 given the two.

stargate101 (James Karn) · #8 28-01-2010, 05:54 PM

Yup go the EQ6pro, unless you save and go the whole hog and go a G11 losmandy mountWOW they look great.

here's the two cheapest people selling them in oz

www.andrewscommunication.com.au
and
www.theastroguy.com.au

good luck!!

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #9 28-01-2010, 07:58 PM

I think most have missed Duncans question from his point of view, he has and EQ6Pro and is asking is the CGEM a worthwhile upgrade? In this context, from everyones comments the answer is, no.

Sorry Dunc, your next step is the Losmandy world...... or better. Not a bad price at the moment mind you

.

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #10 29-01-2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlgerdes

I think most have missed Duncans question from his point of view, he has and EQ6Pro and is asking is the CGEM a worthwhile upgrade? In this context, from everyones comments the answer is, no.

Sorry Dunc, your next step is the Losmandy world...... or better. Not a bad price at the moment mind you

.

Thanks for that Trev

i was asking more along the lines of the things it does have in its favour, the design sits higher up, so you can track well past the meridian, and other nice features.

seeker372011 (Narayan) · #11 29-01-2010, 09:13 PM

Like you I was considering trading in my EQ6 for an CGEM
for the reasons you mention..the superior software
I was going to buy it from the US...

I went so far as to get a quote and try and arrange someone from the US to ship it

got cold feet at the last moment
if there were not such a big price difference I would personally go CGEM in a flash and sell my EQ6

of course I am not a Mercedes Benz buyer either

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #12 29-01-2010, 09:18 PM

Bite the bullet Duncan, order the G11, you will not be sorry.

Though I have to say, the G11 hand controller takes a little getting use to.

I have my G11 set to track to 8deg west side and 20deg east side past meridian, but this is abitrarily set, some have less, some have more.

MuntiNZ (Daz) · #13 31-01-2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlgerdes

Bite the bullet Duncan, order the G11, you will not be sorry.

Though I have to say, the G11 hand controller takes a little getting use to.

I have my G11 set to track to 8deg west side and 20deg east side past meridian, but this is abitrarily set, some have less, some have more.

Mate do you reckon its even worth going from a EQ6 to a G-11?
The Losmandy isnt all that much better over all but it costs a heap more.
Sure the G-11 is better than the EQ6 but I reckon the step up is to small to be worth the strain.
The mount I have under my Sky90 is a EM11 and its a total beaut but the next mount will be a big dog like a EM-500 or a Paramount or something.
See I could go up to a EM-200 may be but whats the point in a small step like that?
May as well just go all the way I reckon.
What I would do if I was this guy is either hang on to the EQ6 coz its a pretty blardy good mount for the $$$ then move on up big time to a top line mount like the Paramount when he has the dosh to do it.
Stuff mucking around with the middle ground.
Thats just my thoughts ymmv.

telecasterguru (Frank) · #14 31-01-2010, 09:36 AM

The problem with going to the large mount is that if you don't have a permanent place for it, there is a need for it to be mobile. Lots of astronomers have to take this into account.

I decided on the G11 because the mount has to be transportable. I came to the opinion that the larger mounts would be very difficult to set up and pull down every time you wanted to use it.

If I had a permanent observatory I would have an AP1200 or a Paramount in a second.

So in my opinion, it is horses for courses.

As to whether the G11 or the EQ6. The G11 has a greater carrying capacity, the hand controller on the Synscan is easier, the G11 is a smoother mount to operate.

I have not imaged with the G11 yet but the EQ6 was very good when guided. I expect that the G11 will be just as good and I hope better.

Frank

MuntiNZ (Daz) · #15 31-01-2010, 01:32 PM

Yeah fair enuff a Paramount or a EM-500 is a bit heavy to drag around for a lot of people.
But you see some of them and heaps of AP1200 at sep star partys.
Not that I would be to keen to drag one around out side mind.
You could save lots of money for a premiem mount if you can stick with a cheaper mount for a while.
Hey does any one seen the new direct mounts yet?
Any reviews?
They look the biz but mega $$$ for sure.