Hi everyone,
I have just recently purchased a used Antares 152mm achro refractor on a Skywatcher HEQ-5 mount (non-GoTo). Does anyone have any experience with either of these items? I have learned that the scope is the older version because the dew shield does not retract and the cover is plastic not metal. I talked with a gentleman form Antares, he said it's probably 3 years old. From what I've found out on the net, it sound like they quit making them for awhile and just recently were re-introduced. Anyone know what might have happened? Also, I've seen that the mount is upgradeable to a goto, but one site said you just need a new hand controller, another said you need a kit that includes new motors and a circuit board. It looks identical to Orion's Sirius mount. Can I use their parts? I called and left a voice mail at Skywatcher, but no one returned my call. Instead of calling it "Customer Service, they should call it "Customer Service, but only if you bought a new one"!
Can anyone out there give me some insight?
Thanks,
Gary
I have just recently purchased a used Antares 152mm achro refractor on a Skywatcher HEQ-5 mount (non-GoTo). Does anyone have any experience with either of these items? I have learned that the scope is the older version because the dew shield does not retract and the cover is plastic not metal. I talked with a gentleman form Antares, he said it's probably 3 years old. From what I've found out on the net, it sound like they quit making them for awhile and just recently were re-introduced. Anyone know what might have happened? Also, I've seen that the mount is upgradeable to a goto, but one site said you just need a new hand controller, another said you need a kit that includes new motors and a circuit board. It looks identical to Orion's Sirius mount. Can I use their parts? I called and left a voice mail at Skywatcher, but no one returned my call. Instead of calling it "Customer Service, they should call it "Customer Service, but only if you bought a new one"!
Can anyone out there give me some insight?
Thanks,
Gary
