EQ6 SynScan as good as any?

I have read that the new EQ6 has a smooth periodic error of +/- 7.5 arcseconds. Have these mounts reached new levels of mechanical fabrication? Are the users of these mounts mistaken? I am skeptical, given the level of construction I have see such mounts so far.

Tests of various mounts(in French): http://www.astrosurf.com/demeautis/ep/pe.htm

The AP mounts are not spec'd to 2-3. The 900 is spec'd to better than 7 arcseconds p-p and the 1200 to 5 arcseconds p-p. Folks are claiming the EQ6 has similair performance as the 900. Does it? Given the level of slop I've seen in these type mounts so far, I suspect not even close.

Albert Garcia said:
They are NOT 2-3 arc seconds like AP/high end TAK mounts.

Actually the latest eq6's are VERY good. My own has a pe in the +/- 6 arc second range (ie a total of 12 arc seconds.) It had a 15 sec pe (I posted data on cloudynights showing a tracking log to this effect) I dropped it onto a floor and feared major damage, but after dismantling and checking everything after some adjustments I got it back to this range. The latest batch have phosphor bronze worm wheels and stainless steel worms. There is standard grease on the bearings and what looks like moly grease on the worms. The overall machining was excellent. 2 friends bought eq6's at the same time, and are reporting similar errors. If you wish I'll email you my pe correction file so that you can examine the errors. Makers of more expensive mounts should be very worried. It seems the chinese are on the way.........

cheers
gary

ps I have no attachment, emotional or otherwise to any equipment, I'm just reporting my experiences.

Philip Blanda said:

I have read that the new EQ6 has a smooth periodic error of +/- 7.5 arcseconds. Have these mounts reached new levels of mechanical fabrication? Are the users of these mounts mistaken? I am skeptical, given the level of construction I have see such mounts so far.