Nexstar 8SE mount w/ refractor?

Does anyone have a Nexstar 8SE mount that they use with a smaller refractor? I occasionally see just the mounts for sale and I am thinking it might work for what I want to do. I would like a 90mm refractor that weighs no more than 9 pounds with accessories and then a 8" larger scope: either Celestron SCT like comes with the 8SE or perhaps a Vixen VC200L or Vixen VCM200L. I would like to use the same mount for both refractor and 8" telescope.

Questions: anyone switched back and forth from a refractor to SCT or Vixen using this mount and can comment on whether GoTo works smoothly for both? Also, I have read the mount is good but the tripod could be improved by using the CPC tripod. Are there other tripods that would improve stability but weigh less? Any cons about this mount in terms of reliability, noise, etc?

Jackie,

I have the Celestron Nexstar 8SE and use the mount to hold my Lunt 60mm h-alpha scope. They use the Vixen dovetails, also. It is more than adequate for the job and would certainly handle a 9 pound OTA. I also use it to hold a William Optics 80mm APO without a problem. The Vixen dovetails are becoming more and more common place. Also, companies such as ADM make Vixen to Losmandy and vice-versa adapters which really allow me to switch stuff around on my mounts!

The tripod is indeed a tad bit undersized, but it works fine for what I am doing. I don't know about other compatible tripods, but I am sure someone out here can answer that question.

And yes, the drive is a little noisy, but nothing that causes me any concern. I have had no reliability issues with it so far. I use the CN-16 GPS unit which makes setup a snap.