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?
SW AZ5 versus Twilight 1
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SW AZ5 versus Twilight 1
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?
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?
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AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
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AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
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Re: SW AZ5 versus Twilight 1
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?
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Re: SW AZ5 versus Twilight 1
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'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.
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I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
=============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
=============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
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Re: SW AZ5 versus Twilight 1
I like to use google images to see what scopes are being used with a particular mount. Click the image.pakarinen wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2019 11:39 am 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.
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Re: SW AZ5 versus Twilight 1
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 theSW AZ-EQ6 GT and let it do the tracking.
Please keep us updated on your search.
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
Please keep us updated on your search.
AD10, SV102T, AR127 & ST80
M2 & SW AZEQ6 GT Mounts
ES82 11 18 24, ES100 5.5 9 14 20, KK Orthos, BCO's, Vixen HR 2.4, 3.4 Vortex 10X50,
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"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." - Robert A. Heinlein
M2 & SW AZEQ6 GT Mounts
ES82 11 18 24, ES100 5.5 9 14 20, KK Orthos, BCO's, Vixen HR 2.4, 3.4 Vortex 10X50,
ACD 75 Astro Mutt - Rest in Peace Wubby
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." - Robert A. Heinlein
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Re: SW AZ5 versus Twilight 1
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.
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.
=============================================================================
I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
=============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
=============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
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Re: SW AZ5 versus Twilight 1
120mmpakarinen wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2019 7:25 pm 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.
https://agenaastro.com/vixen-porta-ii-m ... -plus.html
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