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Hello Stargazers, aren't the skies wonderfully clear now the Moon has bugged out? My Explore Scientific Twilight 1 mount is driving me mad. All I'm trying to do is remove the mount from the tripod. I can't unwind the centre shaft / column.. I must be missing something... maybe it just needs a tap ? (reason is I want to tighten the bolt inside the mount that controls Azimuth, which is a bit wobbly.. even when I lock the axis.) Thx. The person who helps me will surely deserve clear black skies for the rest of their life !!

This Astro “Mount” has been shipping for a while. Anybody got one or tried one? For portable Astro photography it has some interesting features.

Hello. My EQ8R Pro doesn't want to power my asiair with its power out ports. Why is that and what can be done? My mount gets 5A trough the power cable. Any ideas?

There was an offer on A-Z for a BMAX fanless mini PC which appeared to have sufficient spec (just) to run NINA, PHD2, CdeC, ASTAP and ASI studio. It is only a celeron dual core, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage and Windows 10, but I thought worth a punt for 99.99 euros for me in Spain or £90 in UK. It came with a power supply, HDMI cable, VESA TV bracket and the mini PC. I happened to have an old USB keyboard lying around and a USB mouse which made configuring it easy when connected to the TV via HDMI. The mini PC was fast to boot and straight into the familiar Win10 setup. I setup a user account without password so it would boot into Windows directly when powered on. The automatic updates are disabled by default, so it is necessary to search for Windows updates. As usual there were many updates to be installed. It is to be noted that the processor is not the fastest and it took almost 3 hours to download the updates and install them; be patient when the message "Do not turn off your computer" seems to be there forever. With Windows up to date I installed Chrome Remote Desktop which I used for control and to instal all the software I would require for DSO imaging. The installing of ASCOM through to NINA together with all the drivers all went without a hitch and surprisingly quickly. Then to transfer as much of the configuration files from my laptop to the mini PC as possible; easy process more or less. ASCOM was a little more troublesome, so I needed to configure it all manually once the equipment was attached. Allow a good few hours to configure and check. When everything was installed 20GB or free space remained for capturing images. The device was now ready to attach to my mount. I attached it via a homemade support behind the guide scope. The power supply is via a standard 5.5mm 12V jack, so I soldered in a cable run and jack from the 12V power supply to the rest of the equipment. Powered up the kit and waited to see what happened. First thing I discovered was that which USB cable needs to go to which USB socket. In my case the EQDIR cable needed to be in the lower USB2 socker, the ASI1600MM in the USB3 socket adjacent to the memory card socket and the guide camera to the other USB3 socket. Once I discovered that foible everything connected up and the software could see all the bits of kit. All that was left to do was do an imaging run, skies were clear and wind gusting to F7, but good enough to see how it would go. I set it to do a 4 panel mosaic of the Rosette nebula which included a meridian flip. There are only 4 subs per NB filter for each panel, but with a quick bit of processing I can see that the mini PC performed brilliantly. The imaging was done with a SW 200pds, ASI1600MM-cool, HEQ5 with belt mod, QHY5l-II-C guide camera., NINA, PHD2 and ASTAP sky maps for plate solving. I transfered the images by attaching a USB3 hard drive to the mini PC as transferring 4GB of data by wireless means would take forever! An invertment in a fast memory card would make that task easier. I hope someone finds this interesting and/or helpful. I'm happy to respond to questions. Adrian

Hallo, These days I try to get some photos of the comet ZTF C/2022 E3. Soon it starts to move faster relative the stars and there is a need to change the motor speed in the mount. How much the comet's or astroid's speed (dRA, dDEC) are you can get from NASA or CdC (Skychart) but the information is in wrong format. I did a complement to my calculater of angles with a relative speed calculator. From degrees/hour to arcsec/sec: http://www.astrofriend.eu/astronomy/astronomy-calculations/angle-conversions/angle-conversions.html I haven't got a clear sky after I finished this calculator and haven't a chance to test it so maybe something wrong, but looks to do the right calculation. Let me know if you have a clear sky somewhere and can test on a comet. /Lars

Hi Folks, I need a wee bit of advice, please. I'm getting a Coronado PST in the new year and wondering what would be best to mount it on. I'm considering a SkyWatcher PRONTO alt az or a decent fluid head on a camera tripod. Any thoughts/ suggestions? Thanks and clear skies for 2023. Rob.

I recently bought a 130mm Skywatcher scope, and with it came a motor drive. I have so far attached the motor drive to the telescope, but i am not sure if i can get long exposures with it. The motor drive works fine, but i am questioning its ability to track deep space objects, or if the motor drive is even moving.

Has anyone tried one of these with a 12" Dob? I'm waiting for Bresser's Messier 12" Dob (which was rumoured to be released around now) and although I've only ever used telescopes manually, I can imagine that in my dotage I might find it frustrating to have object drifting out of the FOV every few seconds(!). These platforms would seem to be the answer and this particular one seems heavy duty enough for the size of my chosen telescope/base. If only it had wheels.... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/equatorial-astronomy-mounts/asterion-ecliptica-pro-tracking-platform-for-dobsonian-telescopes.html

Hi, I am a totally noob person in stargazing looking to enjoy the night sky, have been interested since I was little, but only until now I am able to get myself something, after some googling, I came up with this telescope, Explore Scientific ED 127mm, and I really like it, plus in pages like telescopicwatch it is rated as very good, plus it is mentioned that it is good for astro photography, which I want to do at some point once I am comfy with the telescope, so why not already have something capable of it(OFC if there is any recommendations for something good that is a bit cheaper, I might look into it, the cheaper[for a good device] the better What I thought of asking for help about is mounts, what mount would you recommend for it, I was advised by B&H to buy these with the telescope(I hope it is ok to put links to other stores, I know this forum is sponsored by a specific store, if it is not allowed, I'll remove them): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/917599-REG/celestron_91519_advanced_vx_computerized_mount.html, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/761387-REG/Celestron_18780_AC_Adapter_5.html and https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/285704-REG/Celestron_18774_Power_Tank_12_Volt_7_Amp.html So I want to know if that is good(I mean, at least the mount, already paying the 2k for the telescope and 1.2k for the mount is WAAAY over the budget I planned(750USD +/-) but I am willing to pay that if it is really that good I really appreciate your recommendations and any other advise you can give to a complete noob Thanks!

Hello everyone, I just found a second hand NEQ6-Pro, in good conditions (with transport bags etc), paired with a Meade SCT 200 EMC (the old version). The price is interesting but I don't know if the Meade will be good for AP, I will sell it if not. My main concern is about the tracker. Is it any good for AP? I own at the moment a SW 72ED, and will probably upgrade one day for something a little better in terms of IQ, but I know I will not go for really heavy stuff, the payload probably wont be an issue for the NEQ6-Pro. So what are your thoughts about the mount in terms of AP? Thank you PS: heavy duty mounts such as the HEQ-5, EQ6 etc. are really difficult to find in second hand at the moment (and I'm on a budget).

After a response from a few people, I am thinking of getting a alt-az mount w/slow-mo controls but the prices are very high, so can I make one at home? Also, the other reason is that the one I was looking at was suspicious looking like it could be displaced by a simple breeze, so can I make a slow-mo control mount or will it be an uncompleted dream?

Hi, I just want to clarify something before buying my next mount (iOptron GEM28). https://www.ioptron.com/product-p/g281b1.htm On iOptron's website, it states the max payload of the GEM28 is "28 lbs (12.7kg), exclude counterweight". So I'm guessing that with it's 4.5kg counterweight attached, the max payload is then 8.2kg? So for my soon to be 6kg setup (scope, camera, guider etc) this will be ok. I then came across a forum on Cloudy Nights reviewing this mount... They say their setup weighs a total of "9kg. Which is 70% of max payload". He also has two 4.5kg weights (9kg). So would it not be a case of a total weight of 18kg on the mount (5.3kg over the max payload)? Or am I wrong to include the counterweights in the total weight? I currently have an iOptron Skyguider Pro with a max payload of 5kg. My current setup comes to 3.7kg (excluding counterweight) the counterweight weighs 1.35kg which together adds up to just over 5kg. I know it definitely can't take more as it struggles with exposures over 2mins (guided) which makes sense. But to say it could take 1.35kg more seems crazy. Not sure if this is different with a star tracker though so though I'd check with everyone else. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks, Dean

So, as the title explains I need a mount for my 70mm F/10 refractor, It has a fork mount (Alt-az) and the tripod head fell with crash to the ground. So, it wobbles a lot and it causes frustration to even point at Jupiter, I don't want to throw It away, It is a nice scope and my first scope, so I need some easy mounts to make. There are some threads (Forums) but I would like to make a custom mount!

I want to do some astrophotography, I have tried without a mount so far not terrible, though it is quite annoying that I have to take so many pictures with just the lens, also my tripod is tiny and keeps falling over. I know that I will enjoy photographing night sky so I'm committed. Is the Skywatcher Mount EQ5 good enough? Do I need to buy separate parts for it to work? Like adapters etc? Also any other better mount recommendations? I'm not so familiar with mounts and their types. All advice is welcome Edit: Just in case I'm from Europe and I mean 500Eur

After many hours spent tweaking and playing around with my AZ-GTi for the past year or so, I'm ready to move up to a more long-term mount and plead the wisdom of this fine group for some considered recommendations. Things I care about: Equatorial GoTo Imaging, guided for both DSOs and planetary Portable, so low weight is paramount* Minimum imaging payload of ~10kg** Good track record of reliability, both hardware and software I'll continue to be using my AAP for a while so software compatibility is important < €2.5K I've got a shortlist which looks like this: iOptron Vixen iOptron CEM40 / GEM45 SXD2 CEM26 / GEM28EC Payload (sans cw) 18 15 12.7 Weight (head) 7.2 8.8 4.5 Price 2400 2600 2430 Comment Seems like the best option, on paper, at least. Portable enough with payload that'll last me a while and generally seems like I it's unlikely I'll get a lemon. Not the greatest payload to weight ratio, and the priciest of the bunch, but there's an assumed inherent quality, it coming from Vixen. In their EC variant, the 26/28 reach the same price as the 40/45 series. I'm going to guide anyway so wondering if that RA encoder is worth it? Lightest of the bunch, but also flimsiest from what I read. But I'm very open to other options, so please do recommend! * In an ideal world, I'd go for the RST-135 in a heartbeat. But it's near twice my budget so it's a non-starter, sadly. ** A C8 equivalent is the heaviest I'll ever put on it. Not because I don't want to go heavier, but because my bad back would have words with me if I would dare huck a chonker around.

Hello, thank you in advance for your assistance! I recently received a Konus Super Polar System equatorial mount as a gift, which I will use with my 114mm/900mm reflector scope. The mount is in great shape, but it is missing the counterweight shaft, nut, and flange. I would really appreciate your advice on replacing these! You can see a lot of pictures of the exact type of mount I have here. I believe that this mount is similar to an EQ3.2, or the same as a Celestron CG4 or CG5. The hole in the mount where the counterweight shaft screws into is 15mm across, and the interior holes in the two counterweights that came with the mount are 25mm across. Here is a picture of my mount: Here is a picture of the manual, showing the pieces I am missing: And here are a few pictures from the internet of the same mount, but showing what I am missing: the counterweight shaft, "toe-saver" nut, and the flange (the reverse cone shaped connector): I have found a 25mm diameter counterweight shaft that I could order online, at this link. But, will this be able to screw into the 15mm hole in my mount? Additionally, the flange on this looks entirely different, but to be honest I am not sure how necessary the flange really is. I would appreciate your input on if I should even worry about finding a similar flange. I did find a replacement counterweight shaft that I could order that has a similar looking flange, but this is only 20mm in diameter, linked here, but I assume that would not work with my counterweights that have a 25mm hole. Please be aware that I am located in Italy, so I am intending to order from a European site to make shipping easier. I have also seen some people with the same mount who have done a DIY counterweight shaft, and this is why I am posting on this forum. If the options above won't work, how would you recommend that I make a new shaft and flange myself? In this image, I see someone using two large nuts where the flange goes, but does this give the necessary stability? TLDR: What do you recommend I do for a mount with a 15mm hole for the counterweight shaft, and two weights that have 25mm holes in them?

Just as the title, I want to ask just how stable is 80mm refractor with 400mm diameter on a EQ 1 mount and is it good (The mount) for visual observation? Any help is appreciated! (P.S I am looking for a good grab n' go scope, so please no comments like 'The telescope is useless!!') Starry nights

Hello I need reviews on Celestron CGX L. Is it a good mount ? My scope is Celestron cpc EdgeHD 1100. reliabilty ? disconnetions ? tracking ? My current mount is Celestron Alt Azm Mount and I have all my accessories from Celestron like focus motor, Starsense, Skyportal, All Star Polar. Allignment etc, these have made my life very easy. Else I do have option to buy ioptron CEM70 but I’m not familiar with the product but most of my Celestron accessories which can be connected to CGXL will go in waste. Secondly how important is the GPS that I will have to buy separately because CGXL doesn’t have built in. Thirdly I can buy CGXL without mount. Is there any way I can fit this on to my current Alt Azm Mount? Or Pier. I can easily save 1100 USD. Right now my Telescope is fitted on the Alt Azm Mount and giving me lots of disconnections on WiFi. That’s the problems I am facing. If it’s no more in new CGX L I would go for it. im confused.

I've recently obtained a second hand TQ5 equatorial mount and tripod, motorised in both RA & Dec, but unfortunately without the hand controller. Both motors have individual RJ12 (?) type power connections. I tried connecting a Celestron dual axis G4 controller (Celestron CG4 mount looks almost identical!), which is working fine on the Celestron mount, and I can hear the digital pulses clicking the TQ5 motors, but no movemement! Upon opening the units for closer inspection, the TQ5 motors are simply oscillating tiny movements back and forth and not rotating. Can anyone suggest a hand control unit that may operate a dual axis motorised TQ5 correctly? Many thanks in advance.

I've seen a Celestron FI 130 come up locally for pretty cheap. Had a close look at it, and since it has a dovetail mount I can remove the scope and put my DSLR rack on it. The aluminium legs are very slightly wobbly, but I'm pretty sure I can stiffen the tripod with a few extra bracing members. At first glance it looks like a cheap and easy way of getting motorised tracking for my Astrophotography, but my main question is how good is the tracking on the mount? Is it accurate enough for wide field Astrophotography up to about a 400mm lens?

Hi everyone, I'm looking to get a reasonably portable astrophotography set-up, using a 60-100mm refractor, with a suitable goto mount. I spotted the Explore Scientifice exos2-gt with pmc-eight goto system, which looks like quite an elegant solution, and wondered if anybody in the forum owns this mount, and what they think of it's performance & usability?

Hi All, i am looking for my first astrophotography rig and i have limited it down to the two trackers. I know these can only take a limited payload and are there not good value for money in terms of upgrading to a bigger telescope later. But, i really want something portable, quick, and easy to get started. I currently have a 12 inch dob so i really want at least something other than my binoculars that is much easier to get outside quickly when the clouds break. I will also be buying the z61 william optics telescope (yet to buy) as i feel this is a good scope for these type of mounts from what i have read. Therefore, here is my question. Which moint should i get? I know they essentially do the same thing but there is some differences including price. I believe the skyguider pro is much more exspensive given from what i hear the vixen wedge would also be needes at a much greater cost that what is provided. Also, the star adventurer does not have a built in battery but instead uses AA's or i hear sometimes people use a power pack. As a result, it appears that the sky guider pro works out much more exspensive when all is said and done. However, is the skyguider pro worth the extra money with the wedge or is the star adventurer the better option? Any tips, advice, or first hand experience welcome kind Regards Gary

Setting up my new HEQ5. The same issues are present (by design) on RA setting circles on the other mounts? Instructions missing for RA setting circle thumbscrew Can the RA setting circle actually be used as a normal setting circle - it seems just "cosmetic". It's either locked or slips when free to rotate. Simon