Converting Dobsonian to EQ mount

[garyc]

If I were (say) to get a SW 150P dob to begin with, is it easy enough to convert to an EQ mount?

It is just a case of buying the mount plus a pair of rings? How exactly is the dob mounted - are there just threaded holes or some other connectors fixed on the tube?

I looked at EQ platforms for dobs, including DIY designs but the looked just a bit too daunting for my woodworking skills. The idea would be to get a dob as a starter, then mount on something like EQ3-2 if my simple webcam images were successful enough to make me want to progress.

[russ]

It's a dead cinch to retro fit the dob to the EQ. Just a set of rings and a dovetail. There are some altitude bearings fitted to the dob tube but i never bothered removing them from either the 150P or the 200P. They did restrict the movement in the tube rings but not too bothersome. Besides i still wanted to use the tube in it's original dob configuration more often than not.

[Parus major]

Yes indeed, from what I've seen on here it's very common to do it as well. For what it's worth and the money in buying a brand spanking new EQ3-2 you might as well think about the EQ-5... Skywatcher - Skywatcher EQ5 Deluxe .

[russ]

The secondhand values of the EQ5 are sometimes not much higher than the EQ3-2, so definitely worth looking out for the EQ5.

You'll definitely need the Skywatcher Autofocus (electric focus) on the focuser for the imaging. Even with the EQ5.

[garyc]

This is all good to know, thanks.

[John]

You might look out for a Celestron CG5 mount. It's basically the same as an EQ5 but a bit more stable in my opinion. I've seen them sell for as little as £125 used (without motors). The same motors that work with the EQ5 work with the CG5.

[Parus major]

I was thinking of upgrading to the CG5 GT given it's had a bit of a price crash lately. Being a bit of a tech fiend the idea of computerization does appeal to me. I'll be using the 150 for a while but given celestron sell it packaged with 200mm scopes is that an ideal mount/scope size pairing?

I'm thinking of this is a mid step, maybe going for a 200mm before my aim of a 350 Dob auto.

What do you think, John?

[John]

I don't know about the GOTO version as I just use the dual axis drive version.

What the major brands match with certain mounts is not a good guide really as almost invariably they will undermount a scope to get it to the market at a certain price point (in my opinion).

That said, I think a CG5 carries an 8" F/5 newtonian, an 8" F/10 SCT, or a 6" F/8 refractor fine for visual work but it's not stable enough for imaging with the same scopes - you would really need to go to an EQ6 for that.

[Lurker]

Jahmanson, What Mount would fit my scope? if I decided to get one.

p.s sorry to hijack your thread, You just made me wonder about a mount on my dob too for the future.

[russ]

The EQ5/CG5 would be the minimum to mount the XT8 tube. You would need the Skywatcher Autofocus or Orion Accufocus to go with it though....more essential than optional.

[Lurker]

Thank you Russ

[Parus major]

I don't know about the GOTO version as I just use the dual axis drive version.

What the major brands match with certain mounts is not a good guide really as almost invariably they will undermount a scope to get it to the market at a certain price point (in my opinion).

That said, I think a CG5 carries an 8" F/5 newtonian, an 8" F/10 SCT, or a 6" F/8 refractor fine for visual work but it's not stable enough for imaging with the same scopes - you would really need to go to an EQ6 for that.

Excellent, cheers!