I have been pricing equatorial platform's but they seem to be as much or more than a ServoCat; therefore, is there an advantage to a equatorial platform?
Why an equatorial platform?
Started by Doombot!, 08/31/2005 07:08AM
Posted 08/31/2005 07:08AM
Opening Post
Posted 08/31/2005 11:28AM
#2
I have been pricing equatorial platform's but they seem to be as much or more than a ServoCat; therefore, is there an advantage to a equatorial platform?
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It is my understanding that a ServoCat is a pair of drives etc that work in the Alt-AZ mode. Tom's O's EQ platforms are equatorial mounts capable of long exposure astrophotogaphy.
If you want an EQ platform for visual work, there are viable options such as Brian Reed's Round Table Platform that is under $500.
Tom O's EQ platforms may seem somewhat expensive but for someone wanting to do extemded exposure astrophotography with a large scope, they are by far the least expensive option out there. Any other EQ option for a large scope sacrifices compactness. Imagine an EQ mount for a 20 inch scope that can be carried by one person and it is all setup ready to go.
Jon Isaacs
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It is my understanding that a ServoCat is a pair of drives etc that work in the Alt-AZ mode. Tom's O's EQ platforms are equatorial mounts capable of long exposure astrophotogaphy.
If you want an EQ platform for visual work, there are viable options such as Brian Reed's Round Table Platform that is under $500.
Tom O's EQ platforms may seem somewhat expensive but for someone wanting to do extemded exposure astrophotography with a large scope, they are by far the least expensive option out there. Any other EQ option for a large scope sacrifices compactness. Imagine an EQ mount for a 20 inch scope that can be carried by one person and it is all setup ready to go.
Jon Isaacs
Posted 08/31/2005 01:57PM
#3
Well, a full Servocat system costs about $2000 (including the DSC's), there are a lot of platforms for less than that. Brian Reed's have been mentioned, and are among the cheapest, but there are several others in the $500-$1000 range as well (Johnsonian, Astrosystems, etc.), not to mention lots of do-it-yourself guides.
Other reasons to pick a platform over GOTO are to get true equatorial tracking for photography (no field rotation), or to use with multiple scopes.
Jarad
Other reasons to pick a platform over GOTO are to get true equatorial tracking for photography (no field rotation), or to use with multiple scopes.
Jarad
Posted 09/01/2005 04:48AM
#4
Dannon Vick said:
I have been pricing equatorial platform's but they seem to be as much or more than a ServoCat; therefore, is there an advantage to a equatorial platform?
Hi Dannon,
I chose a platform over GOTO mainly because I like to starhop. I thought GOTO was too high-tech. I use computers all day at work and it just seems more relaxing to swing the scope around the sky by myself. There is a joy in being alone under the stars with your scope. I think I would get bored using GOTO all the time. Now, GOTO has advantages in a group setting, but depending on the size of your scope, most of the brighter objects can be found pretty easily with a Telrad and wide field EP.
I've never used a ServoCat (but my friend just got one and I'm dying to try it out), or even had a scope with GOTO, but using the platform is just like using a dob without any of the disadvantages. You can switch EP's and use high power without the object drifting out of the field. Or go consult your charts and know you will be right where you left off when you get back.
Kevin
Funding Member
