Aleksandrs

Yes, I would definitely go after the complete version with the gear ring. You will need it. The motor compensates perfectly the right ascension axis. I still had to adjust the declination axis manually just slightly, but that was probably because the mount was not set up perfectly, as I didn't take long-exposure photos. The battery holder is quite bulky (and 6 D-type batteries cost a lot and aren't even rechargeable), so I didn't use it. I made my own power source, using 2x18650 rechargeable batteries and a step-up DC converter. This drive is not very efficient and draws about 300mA at 9V (it actually draws less at 8x speed 😀) I really like the mount, you can upgrade just the optical tube and leave the mount. My next improvement - I have cut an adapter plate, so that my Soligor mount now can hold dovetail rails, you can see the picture.

Hello there! That is exactly the same telescope and mount that I have. Wow, bought this thing about 20 years ago! Now I wanted to upgrade it with a 1-axis motor, and that is when I stumbled upon your post. I found out that this mount is one of a whole bunch of copies/clones (I found at least 3 from different makes, which look exactly the same. The motor drive that you were advised to use will not be suitable for your telescope IMHO, because you don't have a built-in gear on your mount! The one that you need is a similar motor, but with an included gear, that you have to install on the shaft of your fine-tuning handle. I used motor that is listed on German ebay as "Zoomion RA-Motorset für Genesis 200 EQ" (https://www.ebay.de/itm/Zoomion-RA-Motorset-für-Genesis-200-EQ/291936668757). It has a good price too! I ordered it, installed it on my Soligor MT-750 mount, and it operates perfectly! Even the gear ratio is precisely correct! Next project - I am now carving a wooden adapter, so that it can accept dovetail rails So happy about this mount, no issues during all these years that I've owned it. Alex