Smashing the piggy bank for a motor drive

[Ivor Scope]

Afternoon skywatchers,

I have decided to bite the bullet and buy a motor drive for my skywatcher 200p on an eq5, in the hope of trying a bit of DSO piccy taking.

I've seen the dual motors on harrisons, and on FLO, generally a 100 beer tokens for the two. My question is, are there any other options, and what are your views on the options available.

Any help gratefully received.

[Cornelius Varley]

Here is a recent thread on the same subject http://stargazerslounge.com/discussions-mounts/163128-eq5-motor-options.html

Peter

[johninderby]

The basic SkyWatcher drives are OK and do work quite well, however the DK3 system has better and quieter drives and a better hand control and uses better cables with proper connectors, but unfortunately is twice the price. You get what you pay for I suppose.

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p434_Dual-axis-motor-drive-for-GP-EQ5-mounts-and-equivalent.html

If you want to keep the cost down you could just use an RA drive which would allow you do some photography. The DEC drive isn't needed for tracking.

The next step up would be the SkyWatcher SynScan upgrade, but that's even more at about £295.00, but would give you full GOTO.

John

[fbassett]

Keep an eye out in the for sale section and UK Astro buy and Sell, I managed to pick up a BNIB set of celestron drives very cheaply. I hope to fit them to my CG5 when I have re-greased it.

[Ivor Scope]

Thanks for the advice

[Rustysplit]

I wouldn't bother with the dual drives, just RA if not going goto. Worked well on my eq5 with 200p for photography.