johninderby

Robertson is pretty well only found in Canada where itwas used mainly on cars. Drove Americans mad when they couldn’t change a light bulb beause they couldn't unscrew the cover. 😁

Many in the UK are baffled by the good old Robertson screw. 😁

And yes I do own a couple of Robertson screwdrivers. 

Think they will have a price pretty soon. 

1 hour ago, bsdsgl84 said:

Appears to be a thoughtfully implemented  Losmandy-derived (inspired?) design.., 

Any developments / changes to suggested height options? 

bsdsgl84

 

Think there will be a 125mm version.

1 hour ago, lifeonmars said:

I presume it will fit on a EQ6 tripod hub, not just the Rowan tripod hub?

Thanks for the pics John

The base has a flat bottom with some removable  screws and loads of mounting holes to fasten it down to various things. Don”t know what all the holes fit what but perhaps Derek will explain. 

Note the threaded insert in the base seems removable so perhaps for fitting different mounts with a new insert.

Will fit an EQ6 of course.

25 minutes ago, Deadlake said:

@johninderby Can the bottom of the pillar take an M10 bolt as originally described?

No it’s an M12 same as the mount. It looks like the threaded insert in the bottom of the pillar may be removable so maybe Rowan will be able to supply an M10 replaement? 🤔 

Not sure if I would need the long extenstion but with the 125 APO it will need it if the focuser is racked right out. With the quick change top could swap between extenstions very conveniently.

Maybe Derek ccould let you try the short extenstion.? 🙂

Rowan 200mm extenstion arrived for evaluation. 🙂

About 1.2lg lighter than the SW equivelent at only 1:7kg. As would be expected  of Rowan beautifully made. 👍🏻 

Bottom has a steel insert for the centre bolt in the mount. Top is simply bolted onto the mount with an M12 bolt and washers. There is recess in the top for the mount of course. When fitting the mount to the extention you can either insert bolts into the sides as done with the SW extenstion  or fit the bolts first into the top extension plate and then drop it onto the top of the extenstion and twist and then tighten the bolts. Will make it a lot quicker and convienient for carrying the mount seperately.

A pressie from Rowan. 😁

The repprt will easily handle the load but although the Zero is rated at 7kg not sure if 5kg is more realistic. Some Zero owner will soon give their opinion.

Pity the Zeros max load isn’t a couple of Kg more. That gap in the market. 😢

Mine is a Report 212 with the 3/8 fitting but you can get 3/8 to M10 adaptors.

The version of the Repprt I’m using weighs 4.5kg including the head and dual fit saddle. Supper portable as the spreader lets you fold it closed yet pop it open in a second for use so easy to carry through a doorway. You don’t have to use the tray for stability but convenient for putting stuff on. When fitted stores away ina closet or a corner.

I use it for grab’n’go and can carry the whole setup outside with one hand. 🙂

I did a head to head test between the Report and the 1.75” tripod and found the repprt had less vibration and was slightly more solid. Used a Skytee mount.

The EQ6 tripod is noticeable heavier and bulkier than the 1.75” but not a huge amoint heavier.

My mount just came in bubble wrap. 😢

Doesn’t matter if you are enjoying astronomy by visual or imaging just as long as you are enjoying it. 👍🏻

You probably see more posts about AP as they need more help than visual observers.🤔

Think it’s probably about a 50 / 50 split between AP and visual.

Couriers don’t insure glass so basicly only covered for loss.

However I think Royal Mail Special Delivery covers glass but the maximum package size is limited.

Shouldn’t the 6” have been called the Ursa Minor? 😁😁😁

Assume it works like the AZ100 unit that allows you to use Sky Safari.

Not sure when they will release the handset. 

11 minutes ago, Deadlake said:

Any idea how much extra weight the motors and control box will add to the AZ100?

Thanks

Very little weight added at all. Carrying the mount with the motors can’t notice any difference in weight to before the motors were installed.

Moonlite no longer makes regular focusers. They now only make mptorised focusers.

hoto shpwing the internal tjread in the end of the Steeltrack drawtube.

You can remove the 2” clamp on the Diamond  Steeltrack draw tube to reeal a threaded end.  Think it is M58. You  can replace the stock clamp with a Baader Click Lock.

Yes love the way the mount moves in total silence. 👍🏻

Just sold my SW extension so ready for the Rowan one. 🙂