Jump to content

Banner.jpg.b89429c566825f6ab32bcafbada449c9.jpg

will my mount take the weight ?


Recommended Posts

hi all i thinking of getting a skywatcher explorer 150 pl ota and was wondering if the mount that came with my celestron will take this scope

as i been having a look but cannot see weight and its only an inch bigger but longer tube

thanks star

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know, but I think it'll probably struggle. The 150p weighs 4.93Kg (shorter tube, therefore lighter), compared to the 130 which weighs 3.66Kg... that's the SkyWatcher version.. so the may be a little different, but probably not by much. The 150pl may well be nearly double the weight of the 130, and the longer tube will exacerbate any wobbles.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think it will work either. The 150PL tube puts the EQ3-2 mount at it's very limits and that's a heavier duty mount than the Celestron 130 has. You need to think about a CG5 or EQ5 mount for the 150PL really I feel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks for the reply's i thought as much anyway i wanted the eq5 at a later date but thought this might be a cheaper way to upgrade. so i will just start saving for the eq5

scratch that(not as expensive as i thought) will i be able to add syncscan and goto to this mount . or does adding synscan make it a goto ?

and lastly would i be able to use the celestron md for the time being until i can afford duelaxis motors. would this mount be better for use with my 130(for imaging lunar and planets) than the mount i got as at the moment i cannot afford both

Skywatcher - Skywatcher EQ5 Deluxe

is this the one

as always a big help thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have the CG5-GT (basically an EQ5 with better legs, bearings and a goto) and the 150P.... And to be honest (for imaging) its really pushing it once you factor in the tube rings, imaging rig, finderscope and guidescope - which would be 8 or 9 Kg in total. Every gram counts :)

If I were you, I'd hold out for an HEQ5 becuase it will save you a lot of hassle if/when you try autoguiding.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Following on from Uranium235.

I have a CG5-GT and SW200. 30seconds unguided is the limt in some parts of the the sky. On a good night (wind) in the right part of the sky (tracking & balance) I can get longer. But a CG5 with and 8" scope is really for visual, or bright (M42/M45) photo objects

Yet to try guiding on this setup. But I think it will end up being a smaller & lighter scope to get anywhere.

There i9s a lot to be said for buying the biggest mount that your wallet and back will handle. A solid mount gives flexibility in scope choice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not sure that's the most cost effective route... I think that the SynScan upgrade kit, actually replaces the motors too.

total is £617 for the eq5 and later upgrade, or £486 to buy the SynScan up front. It's £327 for the eq5 plus dual axis motors.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Or look secondhand. The EQ5/CG5 really do not fetch much secondhand, especially without motors. Even with dual drives and A1 condition, you shouldn't be paying more than £170-200. While standard HEQ5's come up for anything from £150 (rare) to £250 secondhand.

For planetary imaging the 150PL is highly capable and works well with the EQ5. But you'll need to factor in a Skywatcher Autofocus or Orion Accufocus. They attach to the focuser and allow hands-free focusing......huge benefit for imaging the planets.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"I think that the SynScan upgrade kit, actually replaces the motors too."

i just looked and says that synscan kit comes with 2x stepper motors so im guessing i just need the the eq5 mount and synscan pro goto upgrade kit.

"or £486 to buy the SynScan up front."

this price seems good but maybe will look for second hand mount tripod .then get goto upgrade as i have a little while saving some funds maybe something will turn up

thanks again all

star

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.