I took the plunge!

Well, having just gotten into Astro-photography this year I had a great time with the beginning phase. Now I decided that if I wanted better pictures I should get a mount designed with that in mind.
I did a lot of reading and research, which was not easy, and finally decided on the Losmandy G-11. Friends that use this mount were very happy with it and the cost was in line with most any mid-range mount and it seemed to have better features.
In the last few months I have attempted to buy a few that have come up on Astromart, but apparently others had the same plan, so I missed out.
Last week one came up again and this time it was in California and I was the first to respond!
Thanks to a great Astromarter, J. Price, I was able to make the deal and he even drove half way up to meet me. That really helped as it would have been a long trip for one day.
So, I picked it up, it is beautiful and new. Used only once and then boxed, due to his getting a Tak NJP for his main observatory.
I am just finishing up a set of cases for the legs and upper tripod, they look pretty good too! He provided a Pelican 1650 case for the head and other parts, so it is very complete now and easy to load up in the Explorer or the trailer.
This thing came with everything even GPS! Now it is time to get serious and have a few good nights to learn how to use the new mount and controller.
I have to say, the G-11 is pretty impressive to look at and the fit and feel is very professional.
Best part of course is the good price I found trough Astromart, my place to shop! 8)

Thats a nice mount Floyd. A tank! Did you get it with the Gemini?

Floyd,

It is not unheard of astro-photographers selling their children to finance their next equipment purchase!

Dmitri

Sounds like a great deal, Floyd!
I'm glad everything worked out.
Post photos soon.
Linton

Well Floyd I've been using a G11 for seven years and it has never seemed so nice as it does now with the FS128. That just makes for a very smooth combination. (I'm sure there are others) I used it visually with the C14 for six years but then I had a general reorientation, the Tak got the G11, the C14 moved on over to a used AP900QMD, and on the way it got a new friend to keep it company, a 102mm that was made for just too much load (for my picky tastes) when it rode on the c14 on the G11.

Floyd I hope you will join the Yahoo! Losmandy group. There's a lot of technical knowhow here but over there we've got many years of archives, photos, tear downs, and all kinds of levels of expertise for whatever issue may arise as you break in to your new mount.

If you need virtual directions send me a note via the 'mart mail facility.

regards
Greg N

Dang, FLoyd! Now what are you going to do with that Meade mount you worked so hard on?

Hi Floyd,
Great to hear that you had a good deal!
In addition to my AP1200, I also have a G11 (which I bought on Astromart...) and I have to say that I have been enjoying every bit of it! It's a great mount, very precise with good tracking capabilities. I would advise you to utilize the polar alignment routine which is built in the hand controller. It works very very well to secure a good polar alignment.
Manuel who is always at the Lockwood Valley dark site is astro-imaging with a G11 (and a Televue 101). He can show you tips on how to use that routine at the next star party in just 10 days if you are there.
Looking forward to enjoying your images: your first attempts were quite impressive already!
Francois