Motor drive for an EQ-3 mount..HELPPP..

Jen · #1 15-07-2009, 10:39 PM

HI Guys
I recently ordered one of these through the stoopid camera house shop here about three months ago and i still dont have it grrrrr so i told them to forget it so anyway.....
Now that i have looked at a few on line im confused whats the difference besides price between the dual axis and the single axis drives and i found another that looks totally different is there a right or wrong one to go for
Some lovely hints from you guys would be very appreciated
here are the links that i have been looking at

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/produc...asp?id=MAS-105
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/skywatche...tor-drive.html
http://www.yorkoptical.com.au/Home/t...utm_medium=cpc

Thanks
Jen xo

chrisp9au (Chris) · #2 15-07-2009, 10:55 PM

Hi Jen,

I'm not an expert on these things, but I do have the dual axis drive for the EQ-3 mount. I quickly found that it is a bit of a pain! You can't slew the scope any faster than 8 times tracking speed, which is sloooow! I now find that it is easier to just fit the RA drive for tracking and use the manual control for the declination axis. The RA drive tracks very accurately but the hand paddle only really allows you to move, very slowly, to center objects, and to scan around the surface of the moon.

In short, I could have saved money by buying just the single axis drive, maybe you could save some as well.

And now that I have a 12" dob, I'm not using the EQ-3 very much at all!

Cheers

Chris

[1ponders] (Paul) · #3 15-07-2009, 11:02 PM

Unless you plan to mod the dual axis drive hand paddle so you can autoguide (there are simple kits available) I agree with Chris. Stick to the single axis RA drive. Mine works a treat. Mines even good enough for shortlongish (or longshortish)

widefield shots without adjusting the dec if you polar align well enough.

Jen · #4 15-07-2009, 11:45 PM

Thanks Chris and Paul
now polar aligning that will proberly be my next issue if i can finally get my hands on one of these motor drives

dannat (Daniel) · #5 18-07-2009, 01:48 PM

Jen, i would try Matt at telescope & astronomy in SA, think he has them for 99 at the moment for the ra drive

Jen · #6 18-07-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannat

Jen, i would try Matt at telescope & astronomy in SA, think he has them for 99 at the moment for the ra drive

Thanks Daniel that sounds like a bargain i will suss it out cheers

Barrykgerdes · #7 19-07-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen

Thanks Daniel that sounds like a bargain i will suss it out cheers

Hi Jen

I have a RA drive here for one of those mounts that I don't expect ever to use. You are welcome to it but you need to pay the postage. Probably around $15 (unless you like to drop in and pick it up).

Barry

Jen · #8 19-07-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrykgerdes

Hi Jen

I have a RA drive here for one of those mounts that I don't expect ever to use. You are welcome to it but you need to pay the postage. Probably around $15 (unless you like to drop in and pick it up).

Barry

really, oh that is so kind of you yes i would love to take it off your hands. I would love to pick it up personally just to give you a big hug but you are too far away so yeah postage is cool
Thank you thank you

Barrykgerdes · #9 20-07-2009, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen

really, oh that is so kind of you yes i would love to take it off your hands. I would love to pick it up personally just to give you a big hug but you are too far away so yeah postage is cool
Thank you thank you

Hi Jen
Contact me by private message with an address and we will complete the transaction. Next time I go through swan hill I will pick up my big hug!

Barry

Jen · #10 20-07-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrykgerdes

Hi Jen
Contact me by private message with an address and we will complete the transaction. Next time I go through swan hill I will pick up my big hug!

Barry

Aww thats so kind of you thanks Barry (big hugs are here waiting for you )
PM sent cheers

Barrykgerdes · #11 20-07-2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen

Aww thats so kind of you thanks Barry (big hugs are here waiting for you )
PM sent cheers

The PM just arrived. I have been waiting all day. The parcel is packed it will be in the mail tomorrow. I tested it and the (new) batteries are in the battery box already. When you see how much postage it cost you can send it to me.

Barry

Barrykgerdes · #12 20-07-2009, 05:43 PM

Hi Jen
Further to the last. It looks just like the one in the York optical ad. Gee $200 That's two hugs worth,

Barry

Jen · #13 20-07-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrykgerdes

Hi Jen
Further to the last. It looks just like the one in the York optical ad. Gee $200 That's two hugs worth,

Barry

Thanks again Barry
( we dont have a hug emoticon gonna have to speak to the mods about that)

hey i will give you lots of hugs for that

I think around April Erick recommended that i should get one of those and back then they were only $119 at bintels

BerrieK · #14 20-07-2009, 06:07 PM

Nice outcome Jen!

I was going to suggest you look up Andrews for a good price ($249 for the dual axis) but for 2 hugs and postage...gee you just cant beat that! I have dual axis motors for my (old) eq5 and once you have it aligned, you really do only need the RA motor. Hope the installation goes okay.

Kerrie

Barrykgerdes · #15 20-07-2009, 07:10 PM

I am just happy to help out. I spend money on these things just to see what they are like and when I am finished I often just pass them on. My next project after I get my teeth out is to get an EQ6 for my son so he can further his astro photography.

At the moment I am designing and building a slitting machine for my friends factory. I got an idea that captured my interest in mechanics and I get all the bits I need to play with at no expense. I love my retirement. I have never worked so hard before at things I love to do.

Baz

Jen · #16 21-07-2009, 12:54 AM

Thanks Kerrie

PCH (Paul) · #17 21-07-2009, 11:23 PM

What a nice story - well done guys

Good on yer Barry, and lucky old you Jen

I need something valued at around $200 bucks too Barry. What have you got spare

Jen · #18 22-07-2009, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCH

What a nice story - well done guys

Good on yer Barry, and lucky old you Jen

I need something valued at around $200 bucks too Barry. What have you got spare

Yes it is a nice story thanks PCH there is some very lovely fellas in these forums

Jen · #19 23-07-2009, 08:22 PM

Wow that was quick service
Thanks Baz i got it in the mail today

erick (Eric) · #20 24-07-2009, 03:23 PM

And it is not mounted and tested yet!!????