Per_S

4 hours ago, JDF said:

...   I'm looking for a replacement for my AZ5 and have looked at a number of alternatives ...

www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/rvo-heavy-duty-az-mount-head-with-vixen-clamp.html

A year and half ago had to find a beefier mount when I upgraded from a small scope to a Skywatcher 150PL. After replacing the stock 30 mm finderscope with a 50 mm RACI finder, and the 1.25" stock focuser with a 2" focuser + a focus motor, the total weight landed at 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs.)... and it's a long tube, 1150 mm (45"), with a substantial inertia. 

Finding a suitable mount wasn't easy, since there was a void between the smaller alt-az mounts (TS AZT6, Skywatcher AZ5, Vixen Porta, ...) and heavy duty - and heavy - mounts (Skywatcher Skytee, Giro Ercole, Losmandy AZ8, Rowan AZ 100, ...). There weren't many midsized mounts to choose from, but finally I decided to get a Technosky Cubo mount. 

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p13139_Tecnosky-Cubo-kleine-azimutale-Montierung.html

The mount didn't come with a dovetail saddle, so I had to add an ADM saddle separately. 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-replacement-saddles/adm-vixen-style-saddle.html

The Cubo handles the 150PL with ease, even though the 8.5 kg scope and long tube is close to the maximum load stated by the manufacturer. The movements are very smooth, and there is very little stiction when moving the scope. I use two counterweights, 3.8 kg (8.3 lbs.) each. The bearings are metallic: 3 ball bearings and 2 radial roller bearings.

I had the opportunity to play with the TTS mount at a star party in Sweden some years ago. It was quite an experience. Since then it's been on top of my "want to have, but can't afford list". Although it was an expensive - well, very expensive - mount, I felt the price was fair taking the quality and ease of handling in account. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any second hand units for sale...

On 09/02/2021 at 12:54, powerlord said:

Anyone got one ? I've got a 12mm threaded steel bar from ebay for 7 quid for my AZ GTi....

Try here; I've bought my 12-13mm counterweights from them.

https://www.astroboot.eu/AstroBoot

I replaced the stock 6x30 finder with a 9x50 RACI finder, and added a Rigel Quickfinder to my Skywatcher 150PL. It's a vast improvement - recommended 🙂

Tripleped, since you already have a laser collimator, try the barlowed laser collimation method developed by the late Nils-Olof Carlin:  https://www.obsessiontelescopes.com/learning_center/collimation/index.php

/Per

A couple of years ago I had a similar dovetail clamp on a Giro II mount, but sold the mount together with a telescope. The clamp was labeled "Astro", the product name of a Danish firm. but it looked identical to the ADM clamp. Loved the clamp for its stability. I'll get one of those when I upgrade my altaz mount, from the TS AZT6 to something (much) beefier. 

On 13/03/2019 at 13:24, johninderby said:

What make are the two dovetail clamps? I've been looking for similar clamps, but havent found any.

 

I use Upstrap camera straps for my binos and cameras. They are super comfortable, wear resistant and, best of all, non-slip. 

http://www.upstrap-pro.com/category/camera-straps-full-list.html