emadmoussa

I received my pillar yesterday 48 hours after placing the order. I keep getting impressed by the great service of the guys in Germany - Telekop Service. It came in 2 boxes: one for the pillar and the other for the legs. It also comes with 2 alan keys.

Putting it together would easier with another pair of hands. I had to ask the Mrs for help me out and to be honest she was better at pointing things in the right direction. Don't tell her I said that though

OK, my impression...It's very strong and sturdy and holds the mount like magic. It's nice to be able to roll the mount effortlessly across the house. The wheels are smooth and neat. By spinning the large screws on the legs downwards it pins the mount to the floor, eliminating any possible wobble or vibration.

I have to say, if I knew I'd would've ordered this mount when I first got my NEQ6. It does make a difference and it's really much better.

One thing, some guys where saying that pillar is short and I might need an extension. I don't think so. It's at least 10-15 cm higher than the tripod (unextended). And unlike the mount you won't have to worry about the telescope hitting the tripod legs when doing a meridian flip. I still agree, if you're using a ''long'' refractor it might be more comfortable if not safer to get an extension. But in my case I don't really need considering the type of gear I have.

By the way, I'm glad I found this ''white'' one...the black pillar would've looked a bit odd. It blends in better in the lounge, less intrusive than the mount. At least this is how I see it

I can see that this one is a keeper and the tripod is going.

This is my first time to deal with Zoltan of 365Astronomy. I ordered a bunch of of small items and a couple of big 2" eyepieces. I'm pleased with service. The man is kind enough to answer all your questions over the phone in details. I like this sort of personal touch to business. The items arrived well packaged and on time. I'll definitely buy again.

Oh, one thing. I'm selling my tripod. Just want to make sure if the pillar mount comes with everything I need to attach the NEQ6 mount, or do I need to keep, say, the tray knob from the tripod???

OK, I took the plunge and ordered it.

Great minds think alike. I have thought of doing exactly that. Do you also intend leaving the mount head on permanently as well?

This is what I'm not sure about. Or you can say, I'm not sure I have the heart for that But in principle, yes provided I can find or custom make a weather proof cover.

Sorry, double post. DELETED.

I was thinking probably permanently place it on the garden patio and then leave it their. Of course with weather-proof cover applied after each session. Surely this will reduce set-up time. Has anybody done it?

Here's a white one: http://www.teleskop-...EQ6---wei-.html

Mmm...but I can still get it at least £15 cheaper on Pulsar Optical...or probably white spray it...

I have the pillar mount and find it very stable. I used to keep it in the garage and transport it to the patio with a sack trolly. A converted tool box contained the cables, etc, so two trips and I was done.

Thanks for sharing the images. Mm...I think that kind of settle it. Looks like a better option than the Tripod. Is it that heavy to carry for like 2 meters (I mean the pillar with the mount attached to it)? Did they stop producing the white ones?

Yep, I've contacted him.

I'm growing more interested in upgrading to a pillar and just put the tripod aside.

Not sure what you mean, but if it's the pillar extension...then I can only say they work very well...give you that extra height with stablility...

Yes, also, an extension will be beneficial especially if you're using a 6" refractor. Been thinking about it, we'll see.

Oops, sorry, I meant a pillar as a replacement for the tripod. Something like this one.

I'm just curious whether or not you need an adapter in order to attach the NEQ6 mount to the pillar? How sturdy is it? And, can it act as a permanent set-up in the garden? Of course, once not in use I can wrap and cover it from weather conditions.

I'm mainly asking 'cause I recently hurt my back when I tried to take the mount and the tripod into the garden, and also anything that will save time and hassle will be more than welcome.

I keep coming across these pillars and I have to say they seem more appealing than tripods. Not sure about the practicalities though. Is it worth considering for the future?

I have to say I'm impressed by the great service the guys in Germany offered. I placed my ''big'' order on Saturday night, I received an email on Monday night stating my order was shipped - with tracking link of course. It arrived through UPS midday on Wednesday. Quick and great service.

I ordered a 152mm refractor, but having placed my order I realized I forgot to include a diagonal...doh!! On Monday morning I phoned them and they mentioned that my order was packed and waiting to be picked up by the carrier. Despite that they happily picked up the diagonal I wanted and just shoved it in one of the boxes. No hassle, pretty simple dealing.

I will definitely buy again.

I keep getting impressed by the great service of FLO. Of course, having bombarded Martin with questions, I went ahead and ordered the EQDIR adatper. It arrived next day. Great service!

The instructions are hilarious, they are English words but make no sense at all.

and the battery compartment is too small, but for vibration free focusing its great.

Chinese English I suppose...same as the motor manual

OK, I ordered the focuser from FLO --

Some Chinese manufacturing has a long way to go in terms of quality control

James

I thought they're improving in this regard. But in a niche market like astronomy still a long way, like you say.

I'm not sure if you guys noticed this, but Skywatcher accessories seem like they were produced with the rough homeless astronomer in mind. Not to mention their horrible instruction manuals.

Give FLO an email, I'm sure they'd be able to answer whether or not it comes with a battery, and what type of battery it uses .

I've already done - but my question was about the cable? Which turned out to be RJ-9

I just wanted to know the battery just order a pack along with the motor, but since it's an V9...well, then you can pick them up anywhere.

I can't recall either. I *ahem* modded mine to use mains power anyhow:

http://www.tanstaafl...-motor-focuser/

James

I'd probably do just that in the near future. Thanks!

I've got the skywatcher auto focuser on both my reflector and refractor, excellent buy, wouldn't go back to manual.

Does it come with the battery? and how long does it last?

Just one question - what kind of RJ cable does the focuser have, RJ-10 or RJ-9?

The clutch unlock is useful but again it's nothing you can't do with the Allen keys, I can't find much info on it really.

Thanks, Jarrod. I suppose I can live with an Alan key in my pocket if releasing the manual focuser is not a biggy.

I've come across this on Ebay - but not sure if it's suitable. The only advantage it has, you can always unlock the clutch and use the manual focus right away. To be honest, I can't visualize this one on the SW 200p. Any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Astro-Optics-Electric-Focuse-Motor-For-Telescope-Eyepiece-Focuser-/400418412521?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d3acc17e9