beginners GEM?

Howdy folks.
Hoping to get a little advice on what could be my first GEM.
I started out with a LX-90 3-4 years ago, but became primarily a Dob guy after about a year, due to the aperture advantage on DSO's. I do have a refractor though - a TV-85 - to take advantage of the lovely wide field views that they offer. I have been using it on a TelePod alt-az mount, which I'm quite comfortable with. I feel like I'm missing something though, so I've been watching for GEM's in the immediate area, and have found a Vixen Super Polaris that looks like a reasonable starter mount. It's a bare-bones model, no tracking motors. I figure if I like the mount I could add those later. Any thoughts on all this?
A Losmandy GM8 w/Gemini would be great too, but I haven't seen any in the neighborhood lately.
Besides, I should find out if I'm suited to GEM's first.
Any advice, from those who have been down this road, would be greatly appreciated.
Linton

THe SUper Polaris is a wonderful mount. However, you have to ask yourself what you might be giving up to use it. (Dollars, goto, etc.)

Unless you are doing astrophotography, there is no need for a premium mount. You may be perfectly happy with one of the many mounts that are styled after the Super Polaris. None of them can match the Super Polaris in machining and "feel." But some of them have goto, and all of them cost less (in general). To add motors to a Super Polaris will cost $170 for the cheapo's (both axes). and $250 or more for those of a quality to match the SP.

Why not go for one of the many clones. CG-5's of an early generation can be had for probably the low hundred dollar range. With motors maybe $150-200 (I have not checked these prices.) For maybe $250 you can get an LXD 55. ANd for more, you can have an LXD 75--both with Autostar goto.

None of these clones will satisfy for astrophotography, and none of them feel as good as a Vixen Super Polaris. But all will carry a TV 85 with ease, especially if you beef up the tripod/head.

Alex

By the way--why do you want a GEM? What advantage does it have over your alt-az?

Alex

Linton,


I would ask why you need to go to a gem. If you are happy with your current mounts and are not planning to do anything but visual, I would say stick with what you have. There is a definate learning curve to a GEM, and dealing with the 'flip' can be a hassle.

But if you have decided to get a gem. I would also agree with others and say get something that you can later either sell or upgrade depending on the results of your venture. I only have experience with the losmandy mounts, and would suggest a digital drive gm-8 for a starter. You can add Gemini later, if you want it.

Hmm. Good food for thought, Bill.
Thanks for the input.
Linton

Linton,

There is an Orion Skyview Deluxe mount on Astromart right now for $103 plus shipping. No motors, but slow motion controls, and would be very similar to the mount that Jon posted a photo of in his reply to you. It would be more than adequate for your TV85, and would be a nice cost effective way to see if you even like a GEM. If not, you would lose nothing if you put it back on Astromart. Shoot, I'm even tempted to grab it for my 100ED!

Doug
Midway, FL

While you don't say "inexpensive", I gather that's what you mean, especially since you're just trying this out. I've heard some nice words here about the Super Polaris mount. Funny, I've had one sitting here for at least 5 years, 2 since I sold the C8 that came on it. No one has been breaking down my door with reasonable offers. Mine has dual axis drives and the wood legs. Tracks very well. I can tell you more if you send me a private message.

Hi Linton,
I just bought a little Meade 2000 one arm mount for $60 to use with the 80mm. Not sure how well it will work, but it came with a 5" reflector, so it should be ok. It has Go-To and tracking, so that is all I wanted for a grab & go scope.

Thanks to everyone for their input last week.
I appreciate your experience and advice.
I couldn't resist going out on a limb, and sent payment
today for a GM-8 equipped with encoders and Argo Navis.
I can use the AN with my Starmaster too, so that's a big plus.
And I end up with a very nice GEM, too!
Linton

Depends on the size of scope. An Atlas GoTo will handle most amateur scopes and it would be along time, if ever, that you needed to upgrade. Get a CGE or GM11 if your pockets are deep. The LXD75 and CG5 are widely produced and handle a scope big enough for deep sky. If you have more money, get the GM8. The Vixen Sphinx would be nice for up to a 6" Mak or 5" short tube refractor. The Skywatcher EQ3-2 SynScan would be a lower cost option to the Sphinx mount.

There are no North American dealers now, but you can order a Russian TAL scope with a fairly decent GEM mount from England or Europe, and you will get a scope with some of the best optics in its price class, and a very serviceable GEM. The TAL 4" refractor and 6" reflector are the standout beginner scopes.