AZ EQ6-GT Payload in Alt Az Mode Question.

[tich]

I've recently brought an AZ EQ6-GT to use at star parties, outreach events or to use at the darksite & after a video popped up on youTube about the AZ EQ5 when they said you can double up the payload on AZ mode it made me think, is the same thing possible with the 6?  As there is no mention of it in the instruction manual. As I own a Skywatcher 250P, in AZ mode having the eyepiece at a respectable level is a big plus rather than contorting your head & neck in silly positions. I did a bit of Googling & found this link with them saying the payload can be doubled in AZ mode; https://www.myastroshop.com.au/guides/sky-watcher-azeq6gt.asp

Here's the link for the youTube video about the AZ EQ5;

So from what I've read online would it be ok for me to operate my mount to be set up like this?

[Owmuchonomy]

I have one of these. I use my SCT 9.25 one side and my 130p the other. It is very nice for visiting neighbours and friends.  As long as it is balanced well I think it will cope with your set up no problem.

[Stu]

Can't see a problem with that. Depending upon the relative weights of the two, you could extend the counterweight shaft on the C9.25 to even things up.

I used mine quite successfully with an 8" EdgeHD on one side and an 18kg 6" f9 refractor on the other.

[tich]

Thanks guys, I should have mentioned that the other scope on mine is a C6 so only weighs approx 4.5KG's so might have to look at trying to balance the weight better across the mount somehow as the 250P weighs around 16KG's, maybe a weight & extending the bar would do it?
I'll be bringing it to Hereford next month so I'll apologize  beforehand for the questions I may be asking about it.

[tich]

@Stu Hope you don't mind me asking but if you use this in the daytime for solar stuff, After setting up the handset do you just point the scopes at the Sun then put in the solar sidereal rate? also how well does it track? I'm only asking as I'm helping out at an outreach event with the Mercury transit in May & I want one scope taking pictures while the other is for viewing.

[Stu]

1 hour ago, tich said:

@Stu Hope you don't mind me asking but if you use this in the daytime for solar stuff, After setting up the handset do you just point the scopes at the Sun then put in the solar sidereal rate? also how well does it track? I'm only asking as I'm helping out at an outreach event with the Mercury transit in May & I want one scope taking pictures while the other is for viewing.

Of course, no problem.

I did use it occasionally for solar. Basically it is as you say, but the accuracy is defined largely by how accurately you set the initial position is level and pointing north. It's certainly a lovely mount, and one I will own again in future.

[tich]

Thanks @Stu hope to get to grips with it more next month in Hereford as I haven't managed to get out much to try it out, I did have it in EQ mode a few weeks back at a stargazing live event & it tracked the Sun & Moon really well just a shame the clouds came in just as it were getting dark so never got to see anything else.

[Stu]

Good stuff. Might try and persuade you to stick my Vixen on it if I'm struggling for a mount still!!

[tich]

No problem Stu, if I had room in the car I could bring down the NEQ6 too & we could have a scope fest lol.

[Occy]

On 06/02/2016 at 12:33, Stu said:

Can't see a problem with that. Depending upon the relative weights of the two, you could extend the counterweight shaft on the C9.25 to even things up.

I used mine quite successfully with an 8" EdgeHD on one side and an 18kg 6" f9 refractor on the other.

What is the black device you used to attach the EdgeHD to the AZ-EQ6 in the dual setup above?

[david_taurus83]

11 minutes ago, Occy said:

What is the black device you used to attach the EdgeHD to the AZ-EQ6 in the dual setup above?

Looks like the Skywatcher guidescope mount. Can make fine adjustments to alignment.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/guide-cameras/skywatcher-guidescope-mount.html

[Occy]

Pretty capable device, to be able to hold the 8" EdgeHD!  I might get one to mount a second telescope on the AZ-EQ6.  Thank you for the information.

[Robindonne]

17 hours ago, Occy said:

Pretty capable device, to be able to hold the 8" EdgeHD!  I might get one to mount a second telescope on the AZ-EQ6.  Thank you for the information.

or: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/misc/jtd-dual-rig-telescope-alignment-saddle.html