Max weight for guiding on a HEQ5?

[rocketandroll]

Hi folks

So, having looked around for a catagorical answer... I can't really find one...

So...

I am considering trying to put a heavy 5" refractor on my HEQ5 along with an 80mm guide scope and DSLR.

I have run a 5" frac on it before unguided and it's behaved just fine... I've also done guided with a 6" RC and it's been fine.

This is however a total payload weight of about 23lbs / 12kg once it's all on there.

Am I seriously asking too much of the HEQ5 at that sort of weight?

I will be upgrading to the NEQ6 in the new year, but may need to run that weight on the HEQ5 for a couple of months until that happens.

Thoughts?

Ben

[Stephen]

It will be fine at that weight Well at least I've not experienced any ill effects at around the same weight (200P+ST80+Cameras)

My ignorance of course aside, there are lots of other setups doing imaging from the HEQ5 at similar weights and there's some pretty cracking results

(Of course huge caveat, we all know we should go and buy NEQ6s )

[Keiran]

Had a look in here, and found a post saying max payload for HEQ5 is 15 KG, so you should be fine

http://stargazerslounge.com/discussions-scopes-whole-setups/100788-skywatcher-payload-limits.html

[Bizibilder]

You should be fine - although you are pushing the so-called limit for photography. At worst you may have to dump a few subs! As long as the whole lot is reasonably balanced no harm will come to the mount/gearing/motors etc.

[blinky]

I have got around 10KGS on my HEQ5 - an 8" F4 and a WO 70mm

[rocketandroll]

Excelent.

The HEQ5 hasn't let me down yet.... fingers crossed this won't be the proverbial straw ;-)

Ben