Re: GM8 Question...

No one really addressed the original question. Is the GM8 a vast
improvement over a Skyview pro? in pictures, they look about the same
though I am certain the mechanics would be a bit better. But would it be
worth getting rid of 2 SVP mounts and a CG-5 to get a GM8?

Doink

"Mij Adyaw" <mijadyaw@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:ka0if.4987$pF.1203@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> The problem with the G11 is the weight. I agree that the G11 is much more
> stable than the Gm8, however in my case, if I had purchased the G11 I
> would probably use it maybe once per year because of the excessive weight.
> If you are eat your Wheaties or are Arnold Schwartnegger it will not be a
> problem, but for most folks it is a "back breaker". Always remember that
> the best telescope and mount is the one that you will use the most.
>
> -mij
>
>
>
> "Mark D" <mmd49@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:11348-4386987A-149@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> 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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