Pulled The Trigger On An SLT

[JayTee]

Just saw that a batch of used SLT mounts recently became available on eBay. I picked one up for $90 (HC included). It will be used for my AR102S comet hunter - my newest G&G set up. The GT mount I used for its first light is just a bit too weak for this OTA even though it weighs in at just above 5lbs (2.4Kg). Once I get it fitted to handle 2" EPs it will definitely need the SLT mount's greater weight capacity.

I'll report back once it shows up.

Cheers,
JT

[Lady Fraktor]

Enjoy the new mount, if you have a spare aluminium tripod it definitely improves the viewing comfort.

[JayTee]

Enjoy the new mount, if you have a spare aluminium tripod it definitely improves the viewing comfort.

It's interesting that with this new G&G set up, I have a Bresser OTA on a Celestron mount on a Meade aluminum field tripod! How's that for spreading the wealth.

Cheers,
JT

[helicon]

Congrats on the new mount JT!

[Juno16]

Good deal JT!

I think that you will like the SLT. The combo sounds like a great combination.

Enjoy!

Thanks,
Jim

[Kanadalainen]

Do you have a link for the sale JT?

How do these mount to a tripod? Does anyone have a pic... I have no experience with them.

Ian

[Lady Fraktor]

There are three tabs that protrude out from the bottom part of the mount where the legs attach.
The upper part (arm) of the mount has a 1/4" x 20 threaded bracket that holds it to the bottom portion so does not actually need the bottom piece to be mounted on a different style tripod.

[JayTee]

Do you have a link for the sale JT?

How do these mount to a tripod? Does anyone have a pic... I have no experience with them.

Hi Ian,

Here's the link to the eBay sale: https://www.ebay.com/itm/283432633219

This is the GT mount with 5/16-18 4" long screw attached to a DIY mounting plate (because I have temporarily misplaced the original) to affix it to the tripod. The SLT mount won't need the DIY cause I won't lose the attaching plate.


This is the Meade Tripod, notice the round piece of wood on top (with a hole in the middle) being used as a spacer/attachment point (a small DIY project). This tripod is also used for my nightscape setup using the GT mount so swapping the SLT for the GT is a non-issue.


Here is the GT (soon to be SLT) mount attached to the tripod


Here is the whole setup


Cheers,
JT

[Bigzmey]

Sweat deal, congrats!

[Kanadalainen]

Thanks JT!

Great info, much appreciated.

Ian

[Kanadalainen]

There are three tabs that protrude out from the bottom part of the mount where the legs attach.
The upper part (arm) of the mount has a 1/4" x 20 threaded bracket that holds it to the bottom portion so does not actually need the bottom piece to be mounted on a different style tripod.

Thanks Gabby!

I

[JayTee]

We have an update: The SLT mount arrived today.

It was promptly unboxed and was also nicely packed so it arrived ready to go. Part of the price included the HC and it was separately wrapped and was also ready to go.

This is a used mount so you can expect some marks will be visible. In my case, there were a few "scuff" marks on the exterior of the mount and that was it. They don't even detract from the overall appearance. All the connectors and switches were solidly in place, nothing loose. The same goes for the HC, some scuffs, but the screen was clear of any marks and all the buttons worked. So in the stable now I have the following HCs for their mounts: AVX, CPC, SLT, GT. Believe it or not, the CPC, SLT, and GT are all interchangeable.

So following my own advice I set it up this afternoon in the daylight! I attached my AR102S Comet Hunter, with an inserted Bresser 20mm 70° EP, to the Vixen clamp then I powered it up; there were no hiccups. I set up the HC will all the pertinent local information, then did a solar system align on the Moon. I got an align "success" right away after complying with the correct procedures. Then slewed over to Venus, it was a trifle left of FOV center but certainly well within the FOV for an easy find. Then I slewed back to the Moon and it arrived right back to FOV center. I slewed it over to Polaris and then put it to Hibernate and shut off the power.

All in all a completely successful first test. Not bad for a $90 investment.

Tonight I'll investigate running it from the laptop to see if that functionality is working. Shhhh, don't tell anyone but tonight may work for observing.

More, later,
JT

[radarsski]

[Thanx for the pix JayTee, I own a Celestron Nexstar 102 SLT and to me the weakest link of all is the tripod. I have been wanting to get a decent tripd for a builders level and you can get a real nice one for about $100. The setup that you showed and the one Gabby showed are great ideas and I will put one to work. I can see major vibration with the stock tripod.

Thanx to you both.
Radarsski

[Don Quixote]

This is great JT!
Are there any more put there?