I have a Meade AR-6 (6" f/8) refractor OTA and would like to put it on a portable mount. Would anyone care to offer an opinion on which of the two subject mounts would work best for this scope? Or, are they both too light? Thanks! - Chuck
LXD-55 vs. CG-5
Started by TheDesertSage, 11/22/2007 08:25PM
Posted 11/22/2007 08:25PM
Opening Post
Posted 11/23/2007 02:49AM
#1
I am not sure or LX55 but I can say abour CG5 Mount. With little TLC it works fine with my 8N for short duration astro photography. Still I would consider it for visual purpose only.
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FluffyDuck observatory
Celestron 8N/CG5 NON GOTO
Canon 20D, Neximage,MX516
Losmandy G11 GOTO
Posted 11/23/2007 02:35PM
#2
Chuck,
I think either mount will do about the same in performance in respect to weight carrying capacity. I once owned an AR6 mounted on an older style standard CG5 w/ Al's Astro wooden tripod plus leg locker. It was used primarily for public observing sessions. The steel tripods that come with these mounts are likely a bit more rigid but if you are using a 2" diagonal, large finder, and heavy eyepieces you will top out around 26 pounds or more with a significant angular moment. That translates to some degree of annoying damp down time in breezy conditions every time you touch the focuser. It may also test your patience for backlash in the mount gears. The AR6 is a pretty nice achromatic scope but it's also quite a load. The Orion Sirius EQG (EQ6) would be a better choice if the shakes really bother you.
I think either mount will do about the same in performance in respect to weight carrying capacity. I once owned an AR6 mounted on an older style standard CG5 w/ Al's Astro wooden tripod plus leg locker. It was used primarily for public observing sessions. The steel tripods that come with these mounts are likely a bit more rigid but if you are using a 2" diagonal, large finder, and heavy eyepieces you will top out around 26 pounds or more with a significant angular moment. That translates to some degree of annoying damp down time in breezy conditions every time you touch the focuser. It may also test your patience for backlash in the mount gears. The AR6 is a pretty nice achromatic scope but it's also quite a load. The Orion Sirius EQG (EQ6) would be a better choice if the shakes really bother you.
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