Scotch Mount - need help

[Athiril (Daniel)]

I would like to build this - http://www.astunit.com/tonkinsastro/...cts/scotch.htm

I am generally not good with that.. but I hope to find someone local that'll build it for me if I pay them for it.

The reason I want a scotch mount is because I cant afford the kind of telescope I want, I previously had a Celestron PowerSeeker 127 with built in T-ring, it was absolutely rubbish, crap optics, and couldn't support the weight of my camera (point of having a built in t-ring then??) (I have an EOS 30D and EOS 500N primarily).

And I have maxed my current equipment to the limits (135mm prime lens + EOS 30D + fixed tripod + my back yard) = this
http://th02.deviantart.com/fs24/300W..._Ulfhednin.jpg

Which is part of carina so I am told.

I would like a scotch mount to go beyond 8 second exposure (was f/3.5, ISO 1600 and pushed up 2 stops in camera raw), and to use longer lenses.

The other reason is, that I also want to shoot on film and not 35mm film, I want to shoot on 6x7 cm and 4x5 inch, I dont know of any (affordable) telescope that'll project an image large enough to cover the film area.

(I already develop my own B&W, and C41 film at home - and soon to be E6).

Are there pre-built motor mounts like this I can just buy to stick a camera own, ie: without a scope?

Or should I find someone in Aus to build me one of these?

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=10656
This is the professional version!!
A cheap EQ2 mount may be another option.

[Athiril (Daniel)]

Hmm I have a feeling I might be better off with http://www.ozscopes.com.au/newtonian...-f13065at.html and piggy backing.

Anything that can get me several more stops of exposure than the image I did above would be a god send.

I'll have to save up and see what I can get for $3-5k in the future though...

[snowyskiesau]

The cheap EQ1 or EQ2 mount and a motor drive would be the cheapest solution. e.g. EQ1 mount $80, motor drive to suit $40

Check out Andrews for other options

[Athiril (Daniel)]

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

The cheap EQ1 or EQ2 mount and a motor drive would be the cheapest solution. e.g. EQ1 mount $80, motor drive to suit $40

Check out Andrews for other options

Yes I would prefer something cheap like that, that will be exponentially better than a fixed 'pod, because I've been considering just buying the NexStar SLT 114 GOTO, or the 102 Refractor GOTO even.. but I know i'd be dissatisified, so i dont want to waste much $ until I can save enough for something more high end but I do want something to fill the gap from a fixed tripod atm.

Where would I find the EQ1 + motor drive online in Aus?

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

I believe you can buy an EQ3 mount from Bintel for around $100, and $145 or so for the drives. This size mount would have no problems supporting your large format cameras etc...
Check it out with Roger Davies, I'm sure he can help you.
A very cost effective solution for tracking with lenses up to 200mmm FL.

[snowyskiesau]

An EQ3 will cost around $400 plus motor drive (RA) for an extra $120 or so.

[Roger Davis]

No speak to me. The stock is not Bintel stock. No the price is not $400.

[doigal (Lachlan Doig)]

i too would be interested in building/buying a cheapish mount for this sort of work.

Is it really possible to get a motorised EQ3 mount for ~$250?

[hikerbob (Bob)]

This thread has got me having a rethink of an EQ mount I had sitting in the shhed. It came with a 4" newt from Dick Smith a couple of years ago (it got me started but quickly dissatisfied). I can't find any branding on it. The RA axis seems to be geared at about 5 revs per hour of rotation.

I may be able to fit a single axis drive on it and use it with my camera for some easy sky tracking.

Does anybody know what it is (or care to take a reasoned guess)? I've put a standard size pen up against it in one photo to give an idea of size.

[Roger Davis]

It looks like an early model EQ3 mount made by LIN Optics.
The improved pattern is now being made by GSO.