DorsetBlue

A lot of tripods have the option of unscrewing the ball mount from the top, just leaving a larger screw (my Manfrotto did). The SA comes with a screw in adapter on the base for the smaller ball joint screw, this can be unscrewed to convert it to the larger size for direct mount on the tripod.

GPCAM v2 (Canon DSLR cannot get to focus):

I have one of those and have successfully used it for some astrophotography. Focus is an issue though and difficult to counter, as the primary is fixed.

No, it can only drive in one axis and that is at guide speeds - not slew speeds.

Hi, I cannot find a Yongnuo 200mm f2 lens, they seem to stop at 100mm?

There is always the option of piggy-backing a DSLR on the Mak.

Yes, I think it was. The tracking improved towards the end of the capture run, where I suspect it moved away from the zenith slightly. I suspect I might have been a bit viscous with the colour module in StarTools.

Had the Starsense equipped SW130P/Alt Az setup out last week and had a go at M51 and M81/82 - pretty happy with the results, although the tracking on M81/82 was a bit erratic, hence the short exposures: M81/82 - Best 67 exposures of 10s - stacked in DSS and post-processed in StarTools. M51 - Best 15 of 60s exposures (cloud came in and I lost a lot) - stacked in DSS and post processed in StarTools.

Need less cloud first lol. My SS had the new USB port connections, so I have a USB-Serial converter built into the handset. This apparently simplifies the connection greatly (it did for the Firmware update) but we will see. The SS is currently connected to a bitsa (i.e. Astroboot special) SW AltAz BTW.

I believe you can but I haven't tried it yet (only just got my Starsense for SW kit).

Yes. Although to be honest, and being in a similar situation to you, I would probably customise my existing 130p for prime focusing with the DSLR if you are going to use it purely on a AZ Synscan. I assume it is the 650mmFL 130 and not the 900mm FL?

I cannot use prime focus with my existing telescopes with the DSLR (but do with the GPCAM), neither have sufficient inward travel.

Not as impressive as some others here but below are a couple quick experiments I did with a basic setup Monday night. Both taken using a Canon 100D, prime focus via a T-mount 2x Barlow on a SW 100 Heritage Reflector (yes, the little Dobsonian) mounted on a SW SynScan AltAz mount. Both 10x 30s exposures at max ISO and then stacked in DSS and lightly processed in StarTools. M31 M92 A little soft on focus (I was in a hurry, experimenting with my GPCAM v2 at the same time).

That app is certainly quicker than opening my clock app on the phone for the exact time - very useful. After a few months with mixed results from my bitsa (made from bits from Astroboot) Alt-Az Synscan, I thought I would include the following: 1) Yes, level is very important but I have had good results from the built in spirit level. 2) As my mount did not come with a telescope, I was using my SW 130P (900FL) that came with my EQ2. I think this scope is pushing this mount to its limits, mainly due to the length. I have just tried my little SW100 Heritage reflector on it and it is much happier. 3) Make sure the alignment stars you use ARE actually those stars, even with a 25mm Plossl this isn't immediately obvious. This was one problem I had last night *SLAPS FOREHEAD*. 4) My mount does not immediately start to track accurately on GOTO. Last night, I had to "tinker" with the position on the handset for a little while before the tracking settled down each time (yes, this was some time after the confirmation BEEP). 5) My home position is indeed flat and North (although I am not sure if this is required or not). Although I have a great urge for a Celestron Evolution, I think this mount will keep me going for a little while yet.

If you are bothered by the refraction spikes, have you tried using the ST Heal/Synth modules (not tried them personally, as I have been using my DSLR lenses up to now)?