Posts Made By: Gerald Walters

Hi everyone. I've been getting some great pictures with my current setup (C1100HD w/Hyperstar, Atik 414ex color). I'm now looking to upgrade and I'm trying to decide on the 490ex or 4120ex. I've seen lots of good things about the 490, but not much on the 4120 yet. Any advice?

Hi - I've got one of these on the way and I was hoping someone that already owns one could post the diameter of the scope objective end with and without the dew shield? I'm trying to order a bahtinov mask and solar filter but I can't find the specs anywhere online.

Thanks!

I recently purchased a Tak FS102NSV and I'm looking for recommendations for a reducer/flat. I'd like to keep it under $400 if possible. Here's what I've seen - if anyone has tried these on your Tak let me know:

William Optics 2" .8x (P-F6A) $180
HoTech 2" SCA w/T-Thread for F/5-F8 (FF582) $160
TeleVue 0.8x for 800-1000mm refractor (RFL4087) $300
Others???

Thanks!

Okay, after doing more research, I'm also contemplating a QHY10 or QHY12. Thoughts?

So I think I'm ready to make an investment in a mount and I've started to check out options.  My current setup:
Scopes: Celestron 11HD, TS130
CGEM-DX mount (hyper-tuned) mounted on permanent pier with WiFi/LAN connectivity (live internet also)
Various cameras, hyperstar, guiding setup, etc.

My budget to invest is around $6,000, and that includes selling my CGEM-DX at some point soon.  My goals are to get something with improved pointing accuracy and tracking, and something I can operate remotely as much as possible.  I'm also pushing the weight limit on the CGEM, so I need something that can support minimum 60+ lbs.  So far, based on what I've researched on the vendor sites and in the forums, I'm considering the following as options:

Celestron CGX-L ($3000 new)
Pros: Cheapest option, supports wifi module, dual dovetail saddle,
Cons: No LAN connection options, no USB 3, no powered USB2?
Performance?

AP Mach1GTO ($5500 used)
Pros: excellent tracking/pointing, PC4 control box includes LAN/WiFi
Cons: used, okay for permanent mount?

iOptron CEM120EC ($5500 new)
Pros: heavy payload support, good/avg tracking?, LAN/WiFi support
Cons: US support?

Paramount MX ($6000 used)
Pros: excellent tracking/pointing, 
Cons: used, most expensive

Here are my questions for you:

1. Are there options that are important I should consider?
2. Mounts that I should consider that aren't listed?
3. I like the idea of buying new, but I also like the idea of getting more for my money with used equipment - what has been your experience with the lifespan/reliability of AP and Paramount used?
4. The CGX-L is pretty new, what has been your experience with it?
5. This will be permanently mounted on a pier in a roll-away observatory in Ohio - any cautionary advice on operating in humid/cold conditions?

Thanks in advance!

JW