PatientObserver

On 28/06/2022 at 06:23, Alma said:

The Nexus II works just fine with the AZ75 and I’m using a SmallRig power bank holder to secure it to the mount.  The holder can be screwed in either side of the mount using the spare mounting holes and is a very neat and tidy solution.   

I bought the AZ75 direct from Rowan and so far I’m VERY impressed with it.   It’s beautifully engineered and carries all my scopes comfortably (e.g. C9.25, LZOS 123/738).    

Most impressive of all is the degree of “stiction” control.   I’ve used other alt-az, push-to mounts in the past which use conventional Teflon pads and been frustrated with the constant, often inaccurate nudging to keep the target in view but the Rowan solution works MUCH better and is a dream to use.  Personally, for my style of viewing I’m happier that they didn’t add slo-mo controls, but each to their own.   

 

My Rowan AZ75 w/Nexus II arrived (I will post pictures once my Berlebach ships from Germany). I am very happy with the mount. Looking forward to completing the setup once my scope arrives.

I purchased the SmallRig after seeing your post. My only complaint with the mount and Nexus II is the length of the cables. I understand that they are long to allow the user to install the unit in various locations, but they are twice the length I need. I guess it is time to buy a crimping tool.

I started this journey planning on only purchasing a couple scopes. Here I am still waiting for my first to arrive, and now I already want four.

5 hours ago, MalcolmM said:

I didn't think of that. You could be right. 

Go for a 210, it's a crime to have mount crying out for a bigger scope 😀 I would be very envious, as I already am of @JeremyS's

Malcolm

Besides the extra mass, I much prefer six diffraction spikes to four. As such, I have not long considered the Mewlon 210. This is good for my budget, so I will consider it a win. 😉

I should note that the other scopes I am considering are all refactors: Takahashi FC-100DZ, Takahashi TSA 120, or an Agema SD 120. I am even debating putting the deposit down on the Agema and then purchasing the FC-100DZ or the Mewlon 180C while I wait.

23 minutes ago, MalcolmM said:

Very very pleased!

Cool down - no problems, I keep it outside in a plastic box for a couple of hours before observing. Caveat is my climate is possibly less severe than yours. Some on this forum use a battery powered fan I believe to help cool down.

Collimation - no problems yet! Collimation was perfect out of the box, I have not needed to touch it. Though it might be a bit tricky, I'm sure it's doable with a bit of patience and so far in my experience, it would seem to keep Collimation very well. The finder was also spot on out of the box. 

I have had no dew problems either which is a big benefit of the open tube. 

Potential future purchases for you 🙂: a 2" Masuyama 32mm eyepiece gives great widefield (for a 2m focal length scope!) views. Other wide field eyepieces are available 🙂

Also I use a pair of Maxbright binoviewers with the Mewlon and they genuinely give an almost 3D view! Highly recommended. 

FOA-60Q ... Great choice. It's a truly beautiful scope to look at. The views through it aren't bad either 😀 

Malcolm 

Thanks for the response. Glad to hear you are still pleased with it.

I would like to avoid active cooling if possible, but could use a small battery pack powered fan if needed. Mostly hoped to keep things simple.

I just started researching binoviewers. The Maxbright seem to be highly rated. I will keep that in mind for a future purchase.

26 minutes ago, JeremyS said:

I have a Mewlon 210 and I think the cool-down time of Mewlons is overstated. It really depends how you store it and the delta with outside temp. Similar considerations for a Newtonian.

How large does the temperature delta need to be to be a problem?

While I wait for my FOA-60Q to arrive, I have been considering what scope I should mount on the other side of my Rowan AZ75. Like the OP, the Mewlon 180C is one of the scopes I am considering. I am a new astronomer, and I live in the Northeast of the USA, so my main concerns are collimation and cool down time (the temps can drop substantially at night here). The former I can learn. Will passive cool down be an issue?

Having owned the Mewlon 180C for a while now, are you still pleased with the scope?