Scope Upgrade

[OICURMT]

Originally Posted by Gem

CGEM has nearly doubled in price in recent weeks... no longer good value for money.

I have not been paying attention to pricing... what was the average price before?

I noted that here locally (btow) are selling the 925GEM for $4499. Can't recall if that's acceptable or not in Australia ...

[Gem (Grant)]

I bought mine in June for $3499. It has gone up!

[Visionoz (Bill)]

Originally Posted by Visionoz

Of course 12" aperture is good - but it has its foibles - you'll find that you need to spend at least $10-$12K for a good mount (others of course have done it with cheaper mounts but you have to take time/frustrations into the equation when it comes to "overloading" a cheapie mount)
....

Originally Posted by OICURMT

Do not believe everything you read... there are individuals here on this site taking wonderful shots with very modest equipment...

Ask around, someone will give you advice that will not kill your pocket book................ or your mortgage.

Well I did mention that it was for the 12" aperture that one needs to spend lotsa for a good mount and I'm sure that I can be believed on this one!!
Can't help it if I've been quoted "out of context" - so to speak!!

Cheers
Bill

[OICURMT]

Originally Posted by Visionoz

Well I did mention that it was for the 12" aperture that one needs to spend lotsa for a good mount and I'm sure that I can be believed on this one!!
Can't help it if I've been quoted "out of context" - so to speak!!

Cheers
Bill

Fair point, but I was thinking more along the lines of people who image with "common" equipment, namely modest refractors and dobs...

Seem to be a fair few out there that can make equipment perform well beyond their original intent... wish I were one of them

[TechnoViking (James)]

Thanks everyone for the info, My brand spanking new 925CGEM arrived last week! and i am one happy little camper!.
My Observatory is 1/2 way completed, but it seems every weekend its either raining or so windy i dare not stand on a ladder.

A quick question for the CGEM Guru Grant . Have you tried connecting your CGEM via RS232 for PC control? I tried last night and did not have much joy. Im guessing it has something to do with the firmware? I have searched Celestrons knoweledge base without success. Any Ideas?
When i use the Nexremote software on the PC i select the COM port and no virtual port, I am unsure of what firmware comes standard with the CGEM.
Any help would be greatly apreciated

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

I have read in other articles that a large Dob 12" + would be better for Photography and Observation

Not sure where you read that, but a Dob is pretty much useless as an AP tool. Even if it tracks, it will suffer field rotation and I haven't seen a dob that tracks smoothly enough for AP either. The weight balance is a pain to accomplish and back focus can also be a problem without an ultra low profile focuser.

[TechnoViking (James)]

Nevermind, I figured out what i did wrong.

I really should google before asking questions. I was supose to plug the RJ12 into the bottom of the Hand Controller, not into the AUX port.