drive options on 10re old orion scope

[greencat]

I have a 6" Orion Optics reflector bought about 10 years ago on an equatorial pillar mount.

Does anyone know if I could attatch(?) slow motion controls or if a CHEAP drive could be used?

[FLO]

I think we need more info about the mount GC,

Do you have a pic' or perhaps post a link to a similar mount.

Steve

[russ]

Ah that sounds like the Orion Optics GEM1 mount which Orion Optics stopped using 3-4 years ago in favour of the EQ5 (and now the Vixen GP-E). Perhaps your best chance of getting an original drive would be placing a Wanted ad on UK Astro buy'n'sell. Failing that perhaps the Astro 4 RA drive can be adapted to fit. The mounts look quite similiar (see pics below). Maybe worth dropping Telescope Service (http://www.telescope-service.de/mounts/start/mountsstart.html#skyview) an email to enquire. Their Astro 4 RA drive is €98.

Here's a pic of the GEM1

And here's a pic of the Astro 4

Hope this helps

Russ

[russ]

Actually looking at those pics I would say they are the same mount.

Russ

[Jamie]

Who's the guy with the waxed legs? :clouds2:

[greencat]

Thanks for advice,

My mount is the same as this but without the drives

Have contacted Orion & they say its not possible.

Doesn't have to be electric or battery, I'd be quite happy with manual slowmo stuff.

[russ]

Hi Greencat,

That's the Orion MkII mount and your best chance of a drive could be Beacon Hill Telescopes. But perhaps a better bet would be a newer mount, something like an EQ5.

Regards

Russ

[russ]

Jamie, that guy is the programmer of K3CCD. Can't say i noticed the waxed legs though.

[greencat]

Had a look at EQ5 seems good, but what about the EQ3-2, would that be ok?

You can get 6" f5 skywatcher on EQ3-2 for 250 squid at Stockport center, then tube assy. Buy duel axis motor @ 119 squid.

Anyone know if EQ3-2 is any good.?

[daz]

GC - russ uses an EQ3-2, I'm sure he'll pick this thread up and give you some feedback on it