How safe is the C11...

[beamish]

with a CG-5 dovetail compared to the CGEM dovetail??

C11 looks like a beaasty big scope when only attached via a synta type dovetail??

Experiences please!

[Whirlwind]

I have a CG5/Vixen SXD with C11 and for me it has never slipped when both screws are locked down tight. Can't say I'm slightly nervous when balancing though - could do with 3 hands at that point. They really need safety stops just in case things slip when balancing.

Ian

[Wobbly Bob]

They really need safety stops just in case things slip when balancing.

Ian

Put a socket head cap screw at either end of the dovetail, that should stop the lump from slipping out.

[beamish]

Cheers Ian,

How do you find the mount copes with the weight?

I notice there's not alot to hang onto with the OTA -nothing like a handle so yeah bit scary lifting it on I should think but good news about the dovetail.

[Merlin66]

I fitted the C9.25 with a wider Losmandy dovetail complete with balancing stop bar - makes it 100% easier to lift set and tighten.

[Whirlwind]

Put a socket head cap screw at either end of the dovetail, that should stop the lump from slipping out

Oh yeah....didn't think of doing that:BangHead:. Cheers

How do you find the mount copes with the weight?

The mounts are fine for visual at that weight - do take a bit to settle though when touched, but the C11 is too heavy for DSO imaging on these mounts.

My C11 does have a grab handle at the back which helps get it in place??? Have they removed this now?

Ta

Ian

[riklaunim]

I use C11 + HEQ5 (image, image 2) and it does work. It's even guidable at 2800 mm (image), but that's silly

[m.tweedy]

I use mine with an ambermile vixen type saddle on the dovetail bar set at the right distance just to slide the scope onto the bar and when it stops it is balanced

[Gina]

Personally, I wouldn't risk overstressing anything. It might seem alright but in my experience it pays to have a safety margin. After all, you have expensive kit there and if it were to break it wouldn't be just the mount, or bracket, that would suffer. You wouldn't want to replace that scope! Also, with that much weight you could injure yourself and you're worth far more than any equipment. Play it safe.

[beamish]

Oh yeah....didn't think of doing that:BangHead:. Cheers

The mounts are fine for visual at that weight - do take a bit to settle though when touched, but the C11 is too heavy for DSO imaging on these mounts.

My C11 does have a grab handle at the back which helps get it in place??? Have they removed this now?

Ta

Ian

Cheers WW, tho that ought not to be a problem since once it's on I shan't be touching at all.

[beamish]

Thanks for that Rik, I was hoping you might have a pic ! that's pretty much how I imagine it would look for me. Have you got a motor focuser on your crayford?

Gina thank you for concern- I am getting older I know hoiking up 13Kgs onto a pier may prove too much, but not yet and I appreciate that perhaps a Losmandy dovetail may be better but I have yet to hear or read about a vixen type failing with catastrophic results but worth bearing in mind. And I really wanted to hear peoples' experiences with the scope too.

As for the weight- well the mount seemed to cope adequately when the Cape and Canon plus accessories was on it and I reckon that actually weighed more!

Umm stuff to think about for the future

[beamish]

Oooh, has anyone modded theirs to take a couple of 12v fans to aid cooling ??

And the dreaded mirror flop ?????

[riklaunim]

I use JMI motocryford to focus on planets/moon. To cool the OTA to ambient at start if needed (like in winter) I use my own cooler (this one). The mirror is rather stable too.

[beamish]

Cool, if you pardon the pun