Neq6 load capacity..Counterweight counts?

[emadmoussa]

The NEQ6 has a load capacity of 25Kg, that including or excluding the counter weights (10kg)?

[Cornelius Varley]

The counterweights should be considered as part of the mount, therefore, they are not part of the payload. The payload is anything that is attached via the dovetail.

[Velvet]

25kgs..... only for visual i would suggest. Imaging rig would be a lot less I would say.

Velvet

[emadmoussa]

25kgs..... only for visual i would suggest. Imaging rig would be a lot less I would say.

Velvet

Yes, for imaging I never go more than 2 thirds of the payload. I was asking because my frac is quite heavy, almost 12kg, and with counter wights, 2" diagonal and2" eyepiece it would reach the limit. Now I know the counterwights are not included in the payload...it is just fine

[laser_jock99]

25kgs..... only for visual i would suggest. Imaging rig would be a lot less I would say.

Velvet

I'm doing AP with 35kg (7 x counterweights). Not for the feint hearted - it's an experiment (so don't try this at home (or at least only at your own risk & not because I said it could be done!)).

That said - when well balanced the motors don't seem to strain. I have gone up to 20 minute guided subs with this rig.

EDIT- Oh and bear in mind I am using a non-standard saddle clamp which probably helps with the increased payload:

[Merlin66]

I regularly use up to four counterweights with the C11 + spectroscope + cameras etc etc on the NEQ6pro.

IMHO somewhere around 18Kg is a good telescope load for the NEQ6pro.

[ubertank]

Wow Jock. That made me almost wince when I saw it

Good on you. Makes my little ED80 and one counterweight looks like a kids toy.

[emadmoussa]

Gosh, Jock. You almost made my heart fall at heel

The only time I went extreme was when I mounted the SW 200p, the ED80 and the ST80 along with guide camera, DSLR and Hitech Astro...It seemed to work fine once properly balanced, but I didn't have the heart to continue doing it.

Usually for imaging I wouldn't go beyond this rig: