Hi All,
I discovered last night that my old SkySensor has a severe error in RA tracking rate. While trying to image M-51, I expected to have to make dec adjustments for polar alignment errors, but to my surprise, I was very close - just two adjustments all night. However, RA was another story. I was amazed at how over-tracking the mount was. It was out-running the Earth's rotation to the tune of about 6 arc-seconds per minute! What's worse, is the fact that it wasn't constant. Sometimes, it would hold it's position for as long as 7-8 minutes, and sometimes, it would over-track almost an arc-minute in barely 2-3 minutes.
Therefore, if I wish to have any hope of getting some imaging done, I need a new mount. Goto is not important to me. I just need a mount that will be reasonably cost effective, hold nothing bigger than my 6" f/5, and preferably, have an input for a guiding camera. Money is always an issue, as I know exactly what I would buy if I were financially independent. It must have some semblance of transportability, as it must fit, along with my 'scope, in my 2002 Corvette Coupe (which is a hatchback with surprisingly good cargo space). I thank you all in advance for your thoughts, and please don't be shy about your recommendations. I have already had one person suggest Orion's Atlas mount, as he said he has good luck with it, and it was a bargain at about $800. Anyone have any supporting/contradictory info?
Thank you all,
Maurizio
I discovered last night that my old SkySensor has a severe error in RA tracking rate. While trying to image M-51, I expected to have to make dec adjustments for polar alignment errors, but to my surprise, I was very close - just two adjustments all night. However, RA was another story. I was amazed at how over-tracking the mount was. It was out-running the Earth's rotation to the tune of about 6 arc-seconds per minute! What's worse, is the fact that it wasn't constant. Sometimes, it would hold it's position for as long as 7-8 minutes, and sometimes, it would over-track almost an arc-minute in barely 2-3 minutes.
Therefore, if I wish to have any hope of getting some imaging done, I need a new mount. Goto is not important to me. I just need a mount that will be reasonably cost effective, hold nothing bigger than my 6" f/5, and preferably, have an input for a guiding camera. Money is always an issue, as I know exactly what I would buy if I were financially independent. It must have some semblance of transportability, as it must fit, along with my 'scope, in my 2002 Corvette Coupe (which is a hatchback with surprisingly good cargo space). I thank you all in advance for your thoughts, and please don't be shy about your recommendations. I have already had one person suggest Orion's Atlas mount, as he said he has good luck with it, and it was a bargain at about $800. Anyone have any supporting/contradictory info?
Thank you all,
Maurizio
