NEQ6 mount weight limit

[steve walsh]

Hi, I've just taken delivery of my new NEQ6 mount and I'm going to be using a skywatcher 150 PDS reflector and a skywatcher ST 80 as a guide scope that will be attached using the skywatcher guidescope mount. I will also be using a Canon 100 and a skywatcher synguider. Do you think this is too much weight for the NEQ6? Also would you recommend a extra counterweight or a extension bar?

Thanks

Steve

[VigdisVZ]

Hello

I'd say you're right in the zone with that setup. I think the NEQ-6 handle a 200pds for imaging, but the general consensus seem to be it's a bit on the large side.

Adding the 2nd counterweight might be needed since I'm using the 150pds without the ST80 at the moment, and I'm fairly close to the end of the bar with a single counterweight. But all that will become clear as you go through the balancing process.

[Merlin66]

I use a fully loaded C11 + three cameras + Spectroscope (about 17-18Kg total) on the NEQ6pro with five counterweights (!!?)

No issues, no drama.

[pete_l]

 Also would you recommend a extra counterweight or a extension bar?

It's generally considered better to have more counterweights, closer to the point of rotation rather than fewer weights further out.

[CodnorPaul]

It's generally considered better to have more counterweights, closer to the point of rotation rather than fewer weights further out.

Less open to vibration and being knocked that way

[Tinker1947]

I have 5 on the NEQ6 bar tucked right up to the mount, on the mount a 250 P-DS, ST-80, DSLR, Telrad, nice and stable if i don't bump into it...

[Baffa]

I have a 200PDS, ST80, finder scope, cameras, auto focuser, dew controller, usb hub, three counter weight and other stuff attached to my mount. The only thing that seems to suffer is my back having to carry around all the stuff, haha.

[AndyKeogh]

It's generally considered better to have more counterweights, closer to the point of rotation rather than fewer weights further out.

There is a nice little animation in wikipedia that explains why that is http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rolling_Racers_-_Moment_of_inertia.ogv

The imaging rig I am testing at the minute weighs around 18Kg and I am using 4 5Kg counterweights and do not require an extension bar. I have had 6 weights on the bar!

Are you mounting the 2 scopes side by side? If not you may require a 3rd weight. Does the NEQ6 already have an extension bar?

Andy

[steve walsh]

Hi Andy,I'm not going to mount side by side,and i don't have a extension bar. Im going to fully load the mount later and see how it balances up.

[Earl]

A NEQ6 will take a 250 and ST80 without much drama, maybe a little carfull balancing but thats essential anyway.

Dont forget that you also ned to rotate the OTA to get balance with the camera attached.

[steve walsh]

I have now attached everything to the mount and it takes it all without any problem. thai you all for your help,i just couldn't wait until i got home 

[laser_jock99]

Been using my NEQ6 with 12" scope for several years now. Seven counterweights- no worries!

[Earl]

Been using my NEQ6 with 12" scope for several years now. Seven counterweights- no worries!

The Bar is a litttle bannana shapped now though