Re: GM8 Question...
- From: mmd49@xxxxxxxxx (Mark D)
- Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2005 21:52:10 -0700
Doink,
Others have brought up some good points, particularly mentioning the
qualties of a larger mount, and the greater degree of difficulty putting
it into operation.
However that being said, I can't recall what FL 6" refractors you have,
and what they weigh?
While the GM-8 may have better qualities/machining/etc from the mounts
you mention you have, I myself would be hesitant placing even a 5"
refractor on a GM-8, as this really isn't all that heavy duty of a
mount.
While a C-8", and even a C-9.25" are doable on a GM-8, consider too,
that these scopes have a shorter length, and less torque arm movement
than a 5"-6" refractor, thus placing a bit less demand on a mount.
5" Apo Refractors such as the TEC 140, and AP-130, while very compact,
and relatively short, are two pretty solid instruments.
While a GM-8 would no doubt work for the two refractor scopes I mention
above, I'd personally prefer myself either a G-11, or AP-600 to mount
these scopes. Factors like wind, high magnification viewing, and
imaging will place great demands on a GM-8.
As you know, there's two basic parts to a GEM Mount, the Head, and then
the Tripod/Pier.
When you mention the "shakes" most of this problem is probably
attributed to the Tripods you have your present EQ mounts sitting on.
An alternative if you have found that the present EQ heads do work for
the present scopes you have, have adequate counterweights to balance
them, then a more solid Tripod may be a less expensive option than
another mount?
But if you have any future thoughts about one day owning something
larger, let's say a C-11 SCT, a Meade 10" SCT, a 10" Reflector, a 6", or
7" MN, or the like, the GM-8 will be surely inadequate for any of these.
There's about a $500-$600 or so difference between the GM-8, to the
G-11.
About 5 years ago, my best friend contemplated a GM-8 for a Intes MN-61
MN Reflector, handed me the $1300 to pass on to a friend of mine, who
was a Losmandy Dealer at the time, and I secretly supplemented the $1300
with an additional $500, to see that he got himself a G-11 instead!
(They're about $2K now for the basic G-11) Boy, was he surprised when
the UPS Man came! (That was the good ole days, when I had lots of
disposable income in my pockets! lol)
This sure wound up being a very sweet combo for him, and he's been very
happy with both.
One way you could possibly ease the hassles of set-up with a G-11, is if
you can somehow leave the 3 Tripod Legs (Collapsed), and Semi-Pier
intact-together. The whole assembly, while not feather-light is not too
hard to lift, and carry by an average person out from say a
garage/storage shed to the yard. Then the EQ head set on top, bolted
down, Cables, and power source, and you're ready to roll. Mark
.
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