Advice re mount

[molecatcher]

I currently own an orion optics (uk) 8  inch Newtonian with a focal length of 1200 mms mounted on a Vixen gp mount on a pedestal. This set up is not motorized.  In 2015 I sought advice about an upgrade and was informed that an eq3 upgrade would fit my mount and give me goto facility. I did not go ahead with the upgrade but wish to do so now. The upgrade costs  £300 from rother valley optics. My question is should I do the above upgrade or bite the bullet and get a new mount. I am toying with the idea of the heq5 pro. Would that be a suitable mount or would something else be better suited.

[Anthonyexmouth]

HEQ5 all the way, second hand one will only set you back £500ish

[lenscap]

Hi molecatcher,

If you want to move to GoTo at minimum cost & are into DIY, you could  build an Onstep or AstroEQ GoTo system for less than £100.

https://groups.io/g/onstep/wiki/home

https://www.astroeq.co.uk/tutorials.php

 

[Carbon Brush]

My advice is to buy the biggest mount your wallet, and your back, will handle.
The comment about your back can be ignored for a permanent installation.

This gives you maximum flexibility on future scope purchases.

Should you succumb to aperture fever when offered a 10" or 12" newt, a bigger mount will handle it.

The 'portable use' TAL200K I have weighs in around 12Kg.

My MN78 tips the scales at almost 20Kg with finder, eyepiece, etc. Definitely a fixed installation.

Hope this helps, David.