250PX - which EQ mount to get?

[wizard007]

I've got a Skyliner 250PX dobsonian and I'm looking to get an EQ GOTO mount for it.

Anyone know or have any advice on which mounts I can use safely with this 10" lightbucket?

I'm looking at the Celestron CG5-GT second hand or the Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro secondhand. There are ones for sale on here but I want to make sure they are both up to the job as the Celestron one is cheaper!

Also I guess I'll need mounting rings but anything else to convert it?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Ben Ritchie]

EQ6, if you can afford it - i've just had a 250P DX OTA on mine, and it's a big setup with a large lump of counterweight needed to balance it.

You might get it mounted on a HEQ5, but I can't imagine it's ideal.

[ollypenrice]

No, the 5 is too small. You need an HEQ6 as a minimum in my view. A ten inch is a big scope. It is not just weight but length, with a big turning moment and an ability to harness the wind!

Olly

[Mr Spock]

Yep, EQ-6. For a while I had my 250 on an EQ-4 (EQ-5 with a rubbish tripod), it worked but was a trifle wobbly. Not recommended.

EQ-6 is the minimum.

[James]

I used to have my 10" on a CG5-GT which was at it's absolute limit for visual use (it did work though with careful balancing). As others have suggest I'd recommend at the least an HEQ5, preferably an EQ6.

James

[wizard007]

Thanks guys.

I'll look out for an EQ6 then. No point in getting something on the limit of it's use as I'll only be wishing I'd spent the extra on the larger one.

[PhoenixRising]

I agree mate, an EQ6 is a must for that scope.

[Demonperformer]

I have no personal experience of this, but my understanding is that if you get the Syntrak model and add an EQDIR module, you effectively get a Synscan but it works out about £50 cheaper.

[Sam]

I have a 250px on an EQ6. It's a Syntrek version and I use EQMOD to control it. The EQ6 needs four counterweights to balance the 250px, a ST80 guidescope and the cameras. I also have an HEQ5 which was pretty well maxed out with the XT8 (Orion 8" reflector) I used to use on that.

The EQ6 handles the scope really well but is not too flash if the wind is more than about 3 kts. I would recommend that you need a mount of at least the specs of the EQ6 or it'll be quite a frustrating experience.

Sam

[George]

I have a 250px on an EQ6. It's a Syntrek version and I use EQMOD to control it. The EQ6 needs four counterweights to balance the 250px, a ST80 guidescope and the cameras. I also have an HEQ5 which was pretty well maxed out with the XT8 (Orion 8" reflector) I used to use on that.

The EQ6 handles the scope really well but is not too flash if the wind is more than about 3 kts. I would recommend that you need a mount of at least the specs of the EQ6 or it'll be quite a frustrating experience.

Sam

We have a similar setup mine has the ED80 which is heavier, the EQ6 copes well and in a sheltered obsevatory copes well when its windy. Think from memory the 250 requires 3 5kg counterweights for the bare OTA.