Does anyone know if someone makes or imports small, dedicated D/SLR camera motorised equatorial mounts that can sit on a short tripod or something and track in RA? I seem to remember a manufacturer doing these a while ago, but I can't seem to find any info.
Maybe Mike - although they're usually a good deal smaller and more easily packed in a camera bag or case. They have small 4" legs that fold up to save room. I only want it for a camera - so maybe one based on an EQ1 like this one will do. I'd just prefer something better built - like a little Tak or something.
I just know that there are some better ones around.... and I've attached images of some of the ones I've seen - but can't seem to buy here.
great piece of kit , seen one in action at the last uk star party i went to and was very impressed , you can even mount a small refractor on it to.
comes with northern and southern hemisphere settings and works similar to a barn door
That looks fantastic, Chris! What's it powered by?
Apparently it comes with the original powr pack, whatever that is. I'd say a nicad system of some sort, but I'm getting confirmation tonight. It also comes with the Tak finder scope.
EDIT: Mike - I think that I've found mention of it running off a 6v motorcycle-type battery. That's good!
They start at about US$800 plus options such as finder scopes, polar scopes, tripod adapters, camera mounting plates, etc, etc. Can end up being quite exxy, but worth it by all accounts I've read so far. "Exquisite" performance seemed to be words used a lot in posts.