Stephenstargazer

I believe Vixen tripod numbers are the extended leg length in cm, which is of course longer than the height to mount plate. So a 130 goes to about 1m height. It,s a HAL for sure and quite old as green paint. If you measure the leg length it should be 110cm extended?

Thanks for welcome! Actually a lapsed member and several of those scopes and mounts have new homes. Current stable is Questar Fieldscope(ex MoD 1983), Vixen VC200L on SXD2, Tak FC100DF (latest).

Omo, does the AZ 100 need counterbalancing with such a moderate load? I am looking for portable solutuons and carrying a cb is just dead weight!

Well spotted John! I never regretted personal import of the the DSV mounts. The Lumicon diagonal was an early purchase from RVO and so solidly made that it will be kept forever - just 2 cnc pieces, absolutely rigid. The cost repaid many times over.

Following on my first AZ was a Vixen Porta, gave good service but the slowmotions needed adjustment often. Later a Vixen APZ - if you think buttery and smooth this is just that. Needs counterbalance and rather big for capacity of 6/7 kg. I prefer the mount configured as that rare thing a manual Equatorial. Could not find an APZ photo so stuck in the AP ( best star hopper any way). A David Lukehurst 14" compact dobsonian was lovely to push around the sky but eventually I grew tired of assembly and colllimation for each outing. Still it is the one that showed me many 'new' Messier objects. Next fancies are a Scopetech Zero for the Questar and possibly a Rowan AZ100 for the Tak - but such decisions need long consideration. I notice no mention of iOptron AZ Pro but perhaps this post attracts a different style. There is also an AZGti but hardly worth mention, it works but lacks soul.

Such a brilliant topic! Inspiration for any one looking for or wondering about what's out there. I join late but have a few to add to this great list. First up are Desert Sky DSM and DS2b - made by Raoul with all CNC aluminium and SS fixings. Ball bearings and an assembly that can be stripped, adjusted cleaned and lubricated forever. The dollar and VAT needs to be kinder but prices are low for this quality. The 2b features separate clamps and friction controls and a smart eyepiece balance on the side or 2 scopes with collimation. Sadly sold that one but the DSVM has done 3 trips to NZ in hand luggage. The wand is my addition.

I have had a pair of Canon 15X50 IS for 20years and they are totally reliable for astronomy and birding. The optics are very good and if they blurr then the stabilising mechanism is definitely faulty. They got me into astronomy and now I have too many telescopes but for a quick look and travel they cant be beat. As with all optics a bit more aperture helps, but more magnification makes finding slightly harder. Because of the weight I put them on a harness (not neck strap) when walking. Apart from that a good steady support for any binos is a seat and a monopod together (but you cant exactly wander through the night with a chair!)

I had the same WiFi problem and it is very frutrating! Finding this discussion was a blessing. Wi Fi analyser simple to read on Android tablet and no issues since changing AZGTi channel away from neighbouring routers on Ch 6. Thanks to all contributors. BTW motorcontrol board firmware now up to 3.18 and you can check yours in very last line of Info on App.