[SOLD] NEQ6 Pro Mount

[Astro_Bot]

For Sale: Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro mount with all the original inclusions (yes, this does include the tripod, as someone asked) plus a longer handset cable (2m Cat6 ethernet cable with DB9-RJ45 adapter). If you pick up in person, there are extras (see below).

Details: The mount is about 18 months old (I bought it new) and in excellent condition. I've used it about once per fortnight on average, so it has had little use. It's always been stored indoors, so only has wear on the contact surfaces - basically, the dovetail plate and tripod top/spigot.

The handset is like new and has v3.27 firmware loaded. I can update the firmware to a later version if you want, but it's pretty easy to do yourself. The DB9-RJ45 adapter means you can use a standard ethernet cable - longer than the 2m cable I've included if you want - up to 10m is reported to work. The original coiled cable is also included, but you'll probably want to use the Cat6 cable since the coiled cable is too short when you're on the opposite side of the mount.

Two 5kg counterweights, like new in box.

The serial (firmware update) and 12V cigarette lighter cables are included, as well as the original Skywatcher manual.

The mount has a dual-saddle fitted, so will take both narrow (Vixen) style and wide (Losmandy) style dovetails.

If you pick up in person, I'll also throw in a few extras: my "carrier" for counterweights (a sturdy/tough plant pot that makes it easy to carry them and also holds the tripod spreader without disassembly), some wooden fence-paling offcuts for use setting up on softer soil (to stop the tripod legs from sinking in and affecting mount levelling), wooden feet with felt base for setting up indoors, good-quality bubble level and my "patented" tripod compass-aligner ... the compass-aligner fits into the recessed top of the tripod and allows you to get the tripod within about 3 degrees of due South, day or night, which then makes polar alignment much easier. The compass-aligner is made for Brisbane (11 deg. magnetic offset), but you can easily alter it for any other location by changing the vertical mark position - I'm sure you'll figure it out.

The mount works beautifully and I've been very happy with it. I'm taking a break from astronomy for a while (due to work and a probable move) and don't want to lug around gear I'm not using.

Shipping: I can ship Australia-wide at buyer's expense. I have the original two shipping boxes.

I won't be going to any star parties or events for the forseeable future, so can't deliver anywhere.

Of course, you can pick up in person from Brisbane's bayside area - that bit is free! I'm happy to demo the mount at time of pick up if you have any worries.

Price: Asking $1100, plus shipping at buyer's expense.

Here are box dimensions and approximate weights, if you want to estimate shipping cost:
Tripod (and counterweights): 115 x 27 x 27cm, 19kg
Mount Head: 53 x 53 x 23cm, 17kg

Note: I checked the Aus Post website and they say the maximum parcel length is 105cm, which means the tripod box is too big for them. It was delivered by Aus Post to me, though, so I don't know how that got through. Maybe businesses get exemptions? There are couriers who will take it, though.

[Astro_Bot]

Price drop ... sort of ... to $1100. I've taken out the 3rd counterweight so the package can now be shipped in the original two boxes only (therefore cheaper shipping).

The 3rd counterweight has been sold.

The extras are still available, but only if picking up locally.

[Astro_Bot]

Indicative courier costs from Brisbane to (for example) Adelaide:

(1) e-Go, depot-to-depot: $25.38 + $44 insurance = $69.38
(2) Couriers Please, door-to-door: $110 including automatic insurance.

Choice of courier is yours, though, and I suggest you shop around as there may be better deals ... and better couriers.

[Nikolas (Nik)]

What did you use for the compass aligner? That's ingenious!

[Astro_Bot]

It's the plastic cap from a spray can ... I can't remember which brand now ... that fits perfectly into the recess. The compass is a $2 job off eBay.

Originally Posted by Nikolas

That's ingenious!

It's a curse being this smart, I tell you.