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Old 23-08-2020, 08:07 PM
Astroboy33 (Steve)
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EQ8RH v iOptron CEM120EC

I am looking for a good heavy duty mount to add to my fixed slide off roof observatory.
I am coming down to the Skywatcher EQ 8 RH v iOptron CEM120EC

Comments? Alternatives?
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  #2  
Old 23-08-2020, 09:48 PM
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Logieberra (Logan)
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Join the iOptron Users Group on Facebook. Perhaps also chat to Diego at Sidereal Trading as they sell both brands. They will have views.

Last edited by Logieberra; 24-08-2020 at 10:32 PM.
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Old 24-08-2020, 01:51 AM
Xeteth (David)
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If you're going to be spending that kind of money I'd consider something like the Astrophysics Mach 2GTO. It has a slightly lighter payload capacity though.

There's also the 1100GTO but it's quite pricey if you want encoders.

Last edited by Xeteth; 24-08-2020 at 02:17 AM.
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Old 24-08-2020, 02:39 PM
Astroboy33 (Steve)
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Thanks David and Logan for the replies, good options, will follow up.
Thanks again
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Old 24-08-2020, 10:28 PM
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There’s also the EQ8 IO Group and lots of commentary on Cloudy Nights about the EQ8 - if you’re planning on imaging with anything over 1000mm proceed cautiously due to the Dec backlash issues with the EQ8.

My money would also by on an AP Mount with that sort of budget.

John K.
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Old 02-09-2020, 01:58 PM
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lazjen (Chris)
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I've got the CEM120EC2. If I was to buy again, I would just get the CEM120 and no encoders to save money.

When guiding, you have to use long exposures/guide rates to avoid some issues with the encoders and oscillation. From memory, over 2 or 3 seconds at least - especially for calibrations. Once you've got your setup and dialed in, it's generally not an issue, since long exposure guiding rates are easy to do (and achieve).

For me, the hardware of the CEM120 is good with all the mount connections, etc. iOptron though are not great on the software side and also are quite slow with updates. There's also missing features (e.g. modelling) that have no signs of being done.

If you are set on getting encoder(s) on a mount, I'd be wary on the iOptron (or any equivalent mounts), unless you can test it to your satisfaction and return it if it doesn't perform as required.
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