Star Trackers - Thoughts and Advice

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Folks;
Just by way of progress...

List is down to three possibilities:
1) Vixen Polarie
2) iOptron Sky Tracker Pro
3) Unitec Swat

I have to run the matter past the Committee for Domestic Affairs (Yes Dear...) but it will doubtless be one of those three.

Thanks once again for all the advice and experiences!

[gregbradley]

Originally Posted by Crater101

Folks;
Just by way of progress...

List is down to three possibilities:
1) Vixen Polarie
2) iOptron Sky Tracker Pro
3) Unitec Swat

I have to run the matter past the Committee for Domestic Affairs (Yes Dear...) but it will doubtless be one of those three.

Thanks once again for all the advice and experiences!

A couple of points about the Unitec Swat 330.

It would have the lowest PE of these 3 at a conservative 14 arc secs. I translated their user manual and the 6.5 arc sec PEC mode only works in the northern hemisphere. That was not mentioned on their site. I am pretty sure that would also apply to the other SWAT models as the PEC is based on an east biased load.

It's also quite heavy at 2.4kgs not including any accessories.

But it is extremely well made and would have the highest load capacity by far at 15kgs! So far I have gotten the best tracking from any mount with it.

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by gregbradley

A couple of points about the Unitec Swat 330.

It would have the lowest PE of these 3 at a conservative 14 arc secs. I translated their user manual and the 6.5 arc sec PEC mode only works in the northern hemisphere. That was not mentioned on their site. I am pretty sure that would also apply to the other SWAT models as the PEC is based on an east biased load.

It's also quite heavy at 2.4kgs not including any accessories.

But it is extremely well made and would have the highest load capacity by far at 15kgs! So far I have gotten the best tracking from any mount with it.

That's a good point about the Unitec PEC mode only working in the northern hemisphere. While that's where I'll be taking it, I'd certainly want to continue using it after I come back. The weight for the trip is pretty much at the top end of what I'd consider too. My thanks!