Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

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Ed217 United States of America
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Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#1

Post by Ed217 »


Currently I have a stock 8SE and Nexstar mount that came with. I am about 5 months in to astro area this time around. Efforts so far have been planetary in nature and that works pretty well with both Nikons and ZWO cameras.

About to enter into DSO world and think that a polar mount like the AVX would be a better choice. Any thoughts???
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#2

Post by Mac »


I have the AVX and it is working well but it wouldn't with that big of a scope and additional guide camera/filters etc. It will work but I would be thinking of something bigger for the 8SE.
Steve

Scopes : Explore Scientific ED102 Triplet APO - Radian Raptor Triplet APO - Orion 50mm
Mount : AVX EQ | Software : KStars - EKOS - Stellar OS | Cameras : ZWO ASI533MC ASI1600MM ASI120MM-mini
CPU : Mac Studio, iMac - Kstars-Ekos on Raspberry Rpi4/RPi5 | Misc : Thousand Oaks dew controller - DewNot straps - Optolong L-enhance - ZWO EAF
Image Processing : PixInsight - LightRoom - Photoshop - macOS 14 - Windows 11
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#3

Post by Ed217 »


I expert to do some of the DSO things with other optical gear. I have an existing Nikon and various long lenses. I also have an older shorter focal length 4.5 reflector. One of the purchase options is the addition of a 6" reflector with a 900 mm focal length that is much lighter.
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#4

Post by Lady Fraktor »


The AVX is a good starting point if you can keep your weight below 20lbs.
There are many people that use the AVX but people wanting to get into serious AP seem to outgrow it quickly.
The Skywatcher HEQ-5 is supposed to be a bit of a step up from the AVX.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#5

Post by stewe »


According to Celestron's and Skywatcher's specifications, the payload capacity of the AVX is 13.6 kg, while that of the HEQ-5 is 13.7 kg.
So if you have an AVX mount and want better stability, I discourage you from spending another grand on a mount of equal payload capacity.
A friend of mine uses an EQ-6R with more than 20 kg payload weight for AP, regularly doing 20-min single exposures at f/4. That mount seems rock solid, I guess it would handle a C8 at f/10 very well. Or there is the IOptron CEM-40 if you find the "classical" heavy-duty GEMs too bulky and heavy, although it costs more.
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#6

Post by coopman »


Lots of AVX's available "used" because people realize that they need more payload capacity.
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#7

Post by BigKahuna »


Ed, the AVX with the 6" C6N Reflector (F5) works fine for me. I also had my 8SE on it for a while but like the 6" better for Astrophotography. Only downfall is it is a 1.25" focused but doesn"t matter for AP because it fits the T-adapter for my Canon T6 perfectly and allows Prime Focus
Telescopes/Mounts : Explore Scientific ED102 or Celestron C6N on AVX, 8SE OTA on ASGT, NexStar 114GT/AZ, Meade ETX-90EC w/ Observer Base, Orion XT10i
Binoculars: Pentax 10x50
Camera : ZWO 533MC Pro, Canon EOS Rebel T6, ZWO ASI224MC

Clear Skies,
Ron
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#8

Post by Lady Fraktor »


stewe wrote: Sat Feb 22, 2020 6:53 pm According to Celestron's and Skywatcher's specifications, the payload capacity of the AVX is 13.6 kg, while that of the HEQ-5 is 13.7 kg.
The Skywatcher has a better build quality with the mechanicals making it a more stable mount than the AVX.
Capacity is only one part of the specifications.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#9

Post by Ed217 »


Decided to give the AVX a try. We;ll see how it goes. Since I've having issues with my NexStar mount, anything would be a step forward.
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#10

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Ed217 wrote: Mon Mar 02, 2020 6:38 pm anything would be a step forward.
Take a huge leap forward and buy a Vixen :D
Enjoy the new mount when it arrives :)
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#11

Post by UlteriorModem »


*COUGH* CGX.. ;)
Tom

Current Equipment:
Mount: Celestron CGX-L
Scope: 130mm f7 APO
Cam: ASI071mc-pro
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#12

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Bigger is not always better ;)
Build quality goes further in the long term.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#13

Post by UlteriorModem »


There is no substitute for payload capacity. I learned that the hard and expensive way!

Besides the CGX is a decent build quality, now that they have worked out the drive belt issues.
Tom

Current Equipment:
Mount: Celestron CGX-L
Scope: 130mm f7 APO
Cam: ASI071mc-pro
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#14

Post by Lady Fraktor »


My Vixen is rated for 35lb voodooo and 55lb visual so not to shabby.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#15

Post by BigKahuna »


Good luck, Ed with the AVX mount. New AVX mounts just went on sale for $100 off list. :dance:
Telescopes/Mounts : Explore Scientific ED102 or Celestron C6N on AVX, 8SE OTA on ASGT, NexStar 114GT/AZ, Meade ETX-90EC w/ Observer Base, Orion XT10i
Binoculars: Pentax 10x50
Camera : ZWO 533MC Pro, Canon EOS Rebel T6, ZWO ASI224MC

Clear Skies,
Ron
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#16

Post by Ed217 »


BigKahuna wrote: Mon Mar 02, 2020 10:11 pm Good luck, Ed with the AVX mount. New AVX mounts just went on sale for $100 off list. :dance:
Yes, the $ change happened the day before I ordered...which is good. Should be here tomorrow, so a new learning curve.
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#17

Post by Ed217 »


Unit arrived yesterday and seems to work well so far. May know more on Sat as first clear night.

The Quick Align option is very handy as makes it easy finding an object very quickly. Its not a full polar alignment, but still very useful.
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

#18

Post by Kerry C. »


Ed,
Have you had an opportunity to get some time with the AVX?
What are your thoughts so far?
I want a new mount so stinking bad, but I just don't want to put out the $1,600 for a EQ6-R Pro or its equivalent.
Kerry

Scopes; William Optics GT 81mm Triplet, TS Optics APO 102mm f/7refractor, Cestron Nexstar 8SE, Gskyer 80mm x 400mm refractor
Mount; Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro
Cameras; ZWO ASI 2600MC Pro, QHY5iii462C, ZWO ASI224MC, Canon 600D DSLR T3i.
Guide scope; ZWO 60280 f/4.6
Guide camera; ASI290mm mini
Filters; Optolong L-eXtreme 2”, Optolong L-Pro 2”, QHYCCD IR/CUT, QHYCCD IR850
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