SW AZ5 versus Twilight 1

[pakarinen]

Curious if anybody has experience with the SW AZ5 (not the AZ5 that's a TW 1 clone) compared to a TW 1.

The AZ5 looks like it has a shorter arm on it than the TW so I'm thinking it's more stable than the TW?

[Refractordude]

Curious if anybody has experience with the SW AZ5 (not the AZ5 that's a TW 1 clone) compared to a TW 1.

The AZ5 looks like it has a shorter arm on it than the TW so I'm thinking it's more stable than the TW?

First mistake I made in the hobby was buying a Twilight I for my 120mm f8 refractor. It just did not work. Wobble time was about 12 seconds. Highpoint Scientific would not take it back. Luckily I was able to sell it close in price of what I paid. What size scope will you be using?

[pakarinen]

I'd use it for my ST120 - 120mm f5, about 10-11 pounds fully loaded. I could swap the 8x50 finder for an RDF to save some weight but I really prefer an RA finder to hunching down behind the scope. And maybe a 102mm Mak that's yet to be acquired.

I've been looking at an M2C also, but I'm not sure I want to give up slo-mo controls. Thought i might get an M1V for my ST80 to see how I like the lack of slo-mo, but that's $150 I could put toward an M2C. Guess I could always sell it if I didn't like it.

The other issue is encoders. I have Astro Dev's on the TW 1 and love 'em; I could buy a kit for an M2C for sure.

[Refractordude]

I'd use it for my ST120 - 120mm f5, about 10-11 pounds fully loaded. I could swap the 8x50 finder for an RDF to save some weight but I really prefer an RA finder to hunching down behind the scope. And maybe a 102mm Mak that's yet to be acquired.

I've been looking at an M2C also, but I'm not sure I want to give up slo-mo controls. Thought i might get an M1V for my ST80 to see how I like the lack of slo-mo, but that's $150 I could put toward an M2C. Guess I could always sell it if I didn't like it.

The other issue is encoders. I have Astro Dev's on the TW 1 and love 'em; I could buy a kit for an M2C for sure.

I like to use google images to see what scopes are being used with a particular mount. Click the image.

[SKEtrip]

Parkerinen - I'd be wary of putting a scope that size on that mount. Not the same mount for sure, but my experiences mirror Refractordudes's with
the Twilight I. Used with the SV102T & it took 6-10 seconds to settle & any wind made it unusable. I went with a M2C mount & it handles the load
well, but - I very much miss the slow motion controls to the point I rarely use it. Should note here the MC2 with extension is on the Twilight I tripod
with no problems. At higher magnifications it is difficult to track. Keeping up with a crater on the moon is a challenge & though it is not my favorite way to observe visually I set it on the SW AZ-EQ6 GT and let it do the tracking.

Please keep us updated on your search.

[pakarinen]

I haven't experienced bad shakes with the 120mm on the TW1. Damping time is on the order of 1-2 seconds. It's tolerable, but I'd prefer something a little more stable if there's something better that doesn't weigh a ton.

I have yet to try the plywood plate arm "fix" for the TW1. I do want to try that before buying anything new. Some claim it works wonders. Just have to get the impetus to set up my table saw.

[Refractordude]

I haven't experienced bad shakes with the 120mm on the TW1. Damping time is on the order of 1-2 seconds. It's tolerable, but I'd prefer something a little more stable if there's something better that doesn't weigh a ton.

I have yet to try the plywood plate arm "fix" for the TW1. I do want to try that before buying anything new. Some claim it works wonders. Just have to get the impetus to set up my table saw.

120mm f/5 makes a difference. My 120mm f/8 is 40 inches long. The Vixen Porta II Tall might work. There is also a motor for it.

https://agenaastro.com/vixen-porta-ii-m ... -plus.html