Flexible control cables

[Space Beagle]

Just bought these simple mount flexible control extenders from FLO - I don't know why I didn't a long time ago as they make it a great deal easier to, er, control my EQ5!!

Linky: First Light Optics - Flexible control cables for Skywatcher & Celestron mounts

Just thought i'd share...

Doc

[Matt2011]

Do you think that Flexible Control Cables are better than having a motor drive as I think FCC are handy and always look good on the mount!

[Space Beagle]

I do also have drives on my EQ5,, but I don't use them to be honest. I don't do imaging at the moment just visual stuff, so the FCC's work for me. They make all the difference when using the Tal on the EQ5, which is quite a long scope, so reaching for the standard control knobs can be a little awkward at times!!

Doc

[Matt2011]

I think they are a great deal easier than trying to get a Synscan to work, I have a Synscan on my AZ GOTO MOUNT and also a Supatrack Handset which came with my Skywatcher 127 Mak and have gone back to using that as its simple but yeah FFC are gr8!

[Nathan_Pembs]

I've recently added some to my EQ3-2, and found the movement to be quite jerky/stuttery? Not very good for webcam imaging.

They're great for those times when other controls are out of reach though

[Space Beagle]

Hi Nathan,

They shouldn't be too 'jerky/stuttery' to use, mine are actually quite smooth. I'd double check everything is balanced correctly on your mount as if not it can give those symptoms!

Doc

[newman]

I'm looking at getting two sets of these myself, so I can attach them from both sides. You can't beat simplicity. Yea motors are nice with the ability to track for a few minutes, but when I see problems people sometime have with motors, powetanks, or anything in between, resulting in unbelievably long setup times... no thanks. For just visual, which is what I use my scope for, you can't beat the practicality and simplicity of these. Plug them on, spend less time dealing with technicalities and more time looking through the eyepiece.

[Damo636]

I have them on the eq5 along with the motors. I mainly use the motors if viewing planets at high mags. The flexable cables are great though and do away with a lot of stretching around the ota.