Posts Made By: Mike Higginbotham

I've had the "Astro Bug" from most of my life but only picked up my first real instrument about five years ago with a Celestron G8 from a consignment sale. I've been pretty happy with it and have used it teaching not only my own kids but groups of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the neighborhood as well. Here's the dilemma...I'm no longer satisfied with it. It's still a good scope but I want to branch out. I've since upgraded the tripod to the Vixen ash model (which was a dramatic improvement) but now want to try my hand at astro photography. Now the question... Does it make more sense to purchase a better mount (say the Vixen GPD) and drive or sell what I have and go with a new "Go-To" model with tracking capability. Either way I'd appreciate model or source suggestions. Thanks for the time -Mike

As a long time astro novice I find myself in need of some seasoned opinions. Here's the Reader's Digest version...

I have an older Celestron G8 with the Vixen ash tripod, C8 OTA and the CG5 mount. I love the tripod and OTA but hate the mount. I've tried adding RA & DEC motors but they just don't fit right and won't track well. I'm in the market for a better mount that will allow me to try my hand at astrophotography. In addition I'm an aid for my wife's science class whenever astronomy comes up. I'd like to remote into the classroom real time solar images to better engage the kids. As I see it, as price goes up quality generally improves. My question is which mount is the best solution? The newer Celestron CG5 Go-To model, The Vixen GPD2 or one of the Losmandy models? I'm looking for a balance between quality overkill and a functionless penny-pinching model.

This seems to be a bit above my skill level. Since you seem to have the resources and have already worked through the kinks, you may want to consider manufacturing kits for distribution. I'm sure I'm not the only one looking for a cheap alternative to a new mount. Thanks for the information -great web page

Grea info Matt, Thanks. Any recommendation on a quality device or vendor?

Thanks Bill. I agree these can be easily misused. I probably wouldn't bring this to a major observing event, but for the purpose of educating young scouts at a relatively secluded and controlled camp site, the GLP seems to be the right tool for helping to build an interest in Astronomy.
-Mike

Lee,
I found myself in your place not so long ago. The best accessory under $50 in my book is Baader Solar film. With it you can make your own solar filter safely and cheaply. You won't see the things advertised in the Coronado ads but for the price the magnified sun spots are pretty interesting and it gives you something to do with the scope during the day. Here's one source, I'm sure Google can provide many more.

http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/solar_acc/astrosolar

-Mike