EQ Mount payloads calculation

[uk_friendly_fire]

Is it that simple? Scope + finder scope + eyepiece + RPi4 + balance weights  must not > quoted payload of mount?

Surely the balancing weights  for EQ mounts must = Scope + finder scope + eyepiece + RPi4 in order to balance? Or does quoted payload exclude balance weights?

Maybe someone knows a quadratic equation to sort this?

Edited August 24, 2023 by uk_friendly_fire

[Franklin]

I don't think it includes the counterweights, just the scope and other kit.

Also, aim for around 50% of quoted payload for best results (imo). If your mount carries 10kg just put around 5kg on it, overloaded mounts are frustrating.

Edited August 24, 2023 by Franklin

[malc-c]

I think its more to do with the max weight it can safely counterbalance. (before extension bars or additional weights are needed.)  Also it relates to mass.  Ignoring the slightly biasing for imaging, in an ideal world the scope and counter wrights will be perfectly balanced in all axis, but a setup with 8kg of equipment suitably balanced will put less of a strain on the gears and bearings than a 12kg load especially if the mount is driven

[Cosmic Geoff]

The quoted loadings exclude counterweights.  For visual use, you can load the mount up to the rated load (e.g 9Kg for an Eq-5). I put a 203p Newtonian (which weighed 9Kg+) on an EQ-5 and it worked well enough for visual use.  For imaging, one is recommended not to load the mount to its full capacity. I am now using the same mount for EAA with a 102mm Startravel (I had to buy a smaller counterweight), and that works well.

The counterweights on an EQ mount do not weigh the same as the scope and accessories (usually less) as you can position the weights anywhere on the counterweight bar as required. The actual weight needed depends on the physics of levers (q.v.)