If all you are runnin is the mount, you won't need anything more than a 10-20 amp/hr 12v battery depending on whether you want to pull some all nighters at a dark site or not.
I heard that Skywatcher do not approve of powertanks/ power supplies other than their own, which, I believe, is no longer made or available; otherwise, they will void the warranty. Some people have bunt out the electrics! I certainly don't want to do that. What brand of battery do you use, Colin?
I understand that Celestron are setting up shop in Australia and I will try to purchase their powertank (which is what Skywatcher used, perhaps 'rebadged'?) as soon as it's available.
I have a 7 amp/hr Celestron Powertank from OzScopes a while back. Also have a 17 amp/hr motorcycle battery, a 8xD Cell pack and a 200 amp/hr deep cycle battery.
The Powertank has a 12v socket but I have made some clamps for the other batteries and bought a 12v cigarette plug to 2.5/2.1mm connection (cannot remember which).
I have a 7 amp/hr Celestron Powertank from OzScopes a while back. Also have a 17 amp/hr motorcycle battery, a 8xD Cell pack and a 200 amp/hr deep cycle battery.
The Powertank has a 12v socket but I have made some clamps for the other batteries and bought a 12v cigarette plug to 2.5/2.1mm connection (cannot remember which).
Thanks for the helpful info, Colin. The 2.1mm connection 'rings a bell'(I exchanged some correspondence concerning the powertank only last week).
Scope shipped to you yesterday
Images of unit taken just before repackaging and shipping
Strehl is high - LZOS test certificate included in supply - I will let Richard comment personally regarding the Strehl test certificate as he does not yet know the test result
I will leave comments either in favour or criticising ASA DDM Eq's out of this thread - as a supplier I find it distasteful that another supplier gets involved in criticising some products and favouring the products he himself sells - this is not the place for such commentary
This thread is about Richard and his new system - lets stay on track - with thanks
Scope shipped to you yesterday
Images of unit taken just before repackaging and shipping
Strehl is high - LZOS test certificate included in supply - I will let Richard comment personally regarding the Strehl test certificate as he does not yet know the test result
Thanks, Cris. Can hardly wait.... An absolutely beautiful telescope oozing from every angle.
Cheers,
Richard
I am sure he will let you all know if the 4 weeks he has had to wait has been worthwhile - and what he thinks of the telescope
I am sure you will all be most interested in the Certified Test Report supplied with this telescope - and of this actual telescopes optic
The Certified Test Report is from LZOS - Lytkarino Optics of Moscow. The test is performed on a five axis Certified Professional Optical Bench. The result is absolutely spot on accurate, and is demonstrative of what premier European manufacturers are able to achieve
I will not steal Richard's thunder, I will let him advise you all of the result, and then I will post a scan of the Certified Test Report itself
I looked out the window at 12:30 pm and my heart raced as I saw a courier van delivering a very large parcel to my front door. Pulse rate soaring (both from sheer excitement and the effort of carrying the box up my steep staircase), I opened the box and undid the wrappings (numerous layers of foam tons of foam, etc) and there was the most splendid sight (love at first sight, really ): my brand new 152mm APM LZOS Apo refractor. Wow!!
On top was the Strehl Ratio test – a staggering .989 ! I re-read the number just to make sure, and then resisted the urge (for the moment) of picking up this glorious telescope and giving it a (tender) hug. I know I am raving now, but this is a day I am not likely to forget.
Many thanks to Cris of Astronomy Alive for his outstanding, professional service – including many phone calls and emails answering my pesky questions.
No doubt all of you have experienced such astronomical nirvana. Can’t wait to do some observing!
By the way, the pic (sorry, it's been taken with my awful mobile phone - will post a better one later) is of the telescope with the dew cap retracted; it alone is 35.8cm long!
Cheers,
Richard
): my brand new 152mm APM LZOS Apo refractor. Wow!! 
