Banjo-tam

Seems to work. I know the wheels aren't pneumatic, they are three inch hard wheels. This setup should work in driveways, parking lots and hard cement areas. I can later convert to large pneumatic wheels by simply adding axle on the front and back. As for the legs, I drilled holes for the tripod spike to fit through, for stability. Later I will add a clamp or bungee cords to hold down the legs. Later, I will also add positioning spikes on the ends to secure the buggy to the ground.

Well I set out this morning to the hardware store for ideas as to how to more easily move my Celestron C11. Heres what $89 invested and two hours time got me.

Thanks, I suspected that spray paint, with good preparation, would be the answer.

Lucked into a wonderful Mid 80's Early 90's C11. Optics are fantastic, but condition of older scope and mount are issues. Paint is flaking off the back of the scope and portions of the mount. Any ideas regarding repaint or restoration would be appreciated. Should I strip of the paint on the back and use regular spray paint to restore? Should I get it professionally repainted at an auto paint shop? If the paint is baked, I imagine that it may harm the mirrors? Many questions, I am open to ideas.

Thanks!

A 500 mile trip and $250 got me a mid to late 80's Celestron C11. It will be a restoration project, and is missing some parts. Here is a picture of the mount, and the wedge. The wedge apparently connects to the mount with a long screw (and large clamping nuts) that goes through both the center of the mount and the wedge. My question is what are the set screws for that are on the side of tripod mount? What parts am I missing? Any help appreciated, FA.

I have a good collection of old film cameras, Nikon, Leica, etc., and am a member of Vintage Camera forums. I realize that there are many benefits to using high end digital cameras for astrophotography, not the least of which is that you can set the ASA on many to over 25,000, reducing the tracking time significantly. But I'm wondering if there might be a good reason to still use film? Any thoughtful response appreciated.

I have a Vixen Super Polaris which I believe qualifies as an EQ5 mount? I have read in various places that it's top weight capacity is somewhere between 15.5 and 22 lb. Presently I have a Celestron C8 mounted on it, and am considering one day moving up to a C9 if my mount can handle it. I know that it will be a close call, and many recommend against it. My question is relatively simple. What is the capacity of an EQ6 mount? They seem a little pricey, but can they handle 11inch, or even 14+ inch scopes? My interest is astrophotography, so whatever weight the OTA may have, I have to calculate in the weight of the camera and adapter. Any thoughtful response would be appreciated. FA

I have a Vixen Super Polaris which I believe qualifies as an EQ5 mount? I have read in various places that it's top weight capacity is somewhere between 15.5 and 22 lb. Presently I have a Celestron C8 mounted on it, and am considering one day moving up to a C9 if my mount can handle it. I know that it will be a close call, and many recommend against it. My question is relatively simple. What is the capacity of an EQ6 mount? They seem a little pricey, but can they handle 11inch, or even 14+ inch scopes? My interest is astrophotography, so whatever weight the OTA may have, I have to calculate in the weight of the camera and adapter. Any thoughtful response would be appreciated. FA

Good news, the motors and an original Skysensor popped up on Ebay. I'll let you know how it goes when it arrives. I am looking forward to doing some astrophotography and I'm hoping that this will be a good setup. FA

Hi. I lucked into a Skysensor drive unit for my Vixen Super Polaris. This is the first version. You can find manuals for the later versions (3 and 2000) online, but I cannot seem to find the manual for the original Skysensor version (circa 1985). Does anyone have a pdf they could post, or any other remedy? Thanks, FA

Yes, that would be great.

Got a hold of a Celestron C8-SP scope. It has a Vixen Super Polaris GEM. I've been looking all over for an original MT-1 motor and controller for RA drive, but have fallen flat. I see dual controllers and motors sold on EBAY for CG4 Mounts, and I'm wondering if this will work on my mount? Any advice or direction appreciated.