Neq6 upgrade (to accommodate 21kgs)

[mbalkham]

I'm sure this has been asked before so very happy to be redirected. 

My rig is now over 20kg which is prob the limit of my neq6 (belt modded with wedge). Tracking pretty well (<1" RMS) with the right conditions. 

Mostly tear down each night but considering a permanent setup in the future. 

Looking for upgrade options. Eq8, CEM60, something else?

Thanks in advance. 

 

[7170]

A couple of questions,  does it have to be new or would you consider second hand, and do you need a tripod as well or not?

The reason I ask is you have noted the EQ8, the cost of which including the pier tripod is c£3,700. I have seen a used 3 year old Gemini G53F advertised today going for £3.3k (though without a tripod)., and back in 2017 was >£6,500. I guess I'm saying if you budget stretches and are ok with a used mount, second hand maybe worth thinking about?

Then again £3,700 is close to £3,998 which is the cost of a Losmandy G11 (including the excellent tripod), doesn't hold as much as a EQ8, but very popular for many years. Lots of people stick C11 and C14s onto them...

p.s very nice (and neat) setup 😀

Edited April 17, 2020 by 7170

[JamesF]

I'm not sure the CEM60 would be a significant improvement for imaging, if at all.  The quoted maximum payload is for visual I believe, though iOptron do seem a little coy about payloads.  I've read suggestions that perhaps the largest payload for imaging should be nearer two thirds of the quoted maximum which puts it around the same as the NEQ6.  A CEM120 on the other hand...

James

[mbalkham]

Very happy to look at second hand. Shipping to NZ might be an issue for some though!

Potentially prepared to invest a reasonable sum. Had the neq6 for about 6 years now and happy with the mods. Will be a great mount for someone with a lighter setup. 

[Starflyer]

I have a similar setup on a CEM60 EC, but guided with an OAG.  It performs well but if I was doing it again I wouldn't have spent the extra on the EC version, I'd have most likely opted for a CEM120.

I've heard that G11s can be great mounts but very often not out of the box,  there are plenty of threads on CN detailing problems with these mounts.