Thanks
Lightweight Motorized Mount
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Lightweight Motorized Mount
Are there any motorized mounts that can be controlled by software or handheld device that can automatically slew and weighs under 3 pounds? The load would be about 3-4 pounds (DSLR ).
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by hatflyer on Sun Jul 31, 2022 3:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
Well, there is this: Star Adventurer mini WiFi
You'd need to get a tripod, but that would give you a broad choice.
Hope this helps,
You'd need to get a tripod, but that would give you a broad choice.
Hope this helps,
Mark
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"The Hankmeister" Celestron 8SE, orange tube Vixen made C80, CG4, AZ-EQ5 and SolarQuest mounts.
Too much Towa glass/mirrors.
Solar:
H/A - PST stage 2 mod with a Baader 90mm ERF on a Celestron XLT 102 (thanks Mike!)
Ca-K - W/O 61mm, Antares 1.6 barlow, Baader 3.8 OD and Ca-K filters with a ZWO ASI174mm.
W/L - C80-HD with Baader 5.0 & 3.8 Solar film, Solar Continuum 7.5nm and UV/IR filters with a Canon EOS 550D.
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
I need 1 that I can aim at any given coordinates (slew), in part to use polar alignment software. I already have the Skyguider Pro.Thefatkitty wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 2:24 pm Well, there is this: Star Adventurer mini WiFi
You'd need to get a tripod, but that would give you a broad choice.
Hope this helps,
thanks.
Last edited by hatflyer on Sun Jul 31, 2022 3:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
Out of curiosity why does it have to be less than 3 pounds?
Reflectors GSO 200 Dobs
Refractors None
SCT C5 on a SLT mount
Mak 150 Bosma on a EQ5
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SCT C5 on a SLT mount
Mak 150 Bosma on a EQ5
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
Another option - AzGti
https://www.skywatcherusa.com/products/az-gti-mount
You can also get the wedge for it and run inEQ mode.
https://www.skywatcherusa.com/products/az-gti-mount
You can also get the wedge for it and run in
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Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.
Solar: HA: Lunt 50mm single stack, W/L: Meade Herschel wedge.
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
I do not know of any mount under 3 lbs that have the Go-To capabilities you are asking for.
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Scopes: Celestron EdgeHD14", Explore Scientific ED152CF & ED127 APO's, StellarVue SV70T, Classic Orange-Tube C-8, Lunt 80mm Ha double-stack solar scope.
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
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Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
How about an iOptron Cube? Weighs 3 lbs. This link is for the Alt/Az version, but it may have a built-in wedge, not sure. Of course, with the tripod it is heavier - this is just the mount's weight.
... Henk. Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
Is it any good?SkyHiker wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 7:38 pm How about an iOptron Cube? Weighs 3 lbs. This link is for the Alt/Az version, but it may have a built-in wedge, not sure. Of course, with the tripod it is heavier - this is just the mount's weight.
Btw, are electronic mounts better than manual? Seems once u are aligned, the mount is locked in place. Unless electronic ones make PA much easier, or help with a guiding scope?
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
It's the only 3 lbs. motorized mount that I know. On the old astronomy forum there was somebody who modified it to get decent performance for some
I thought you wanted a motorized mount with
If you want performance you will need to get something much heavier.
... Henk. Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
Yeah, I thought I wanted aSkyHiker wrote: ↑Mon Aug 01, 2022 4:01 pmIt's the only 3 lbs. motorized mount that I know. On the old astronomy forum there was somebody who modified it to get decent performance for someAP IIRC. Don't expect too much of it.I thought you wanted a motorized mount withgoto capability. Those usually have electronkcs.
If you want performance you will need to get something much heavier.
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
For a person with physical limitations though, the last thing you want is something that doesn't work out of the box because getting something sub-par to work also takes a lot of physical work, not to mention the frustration in trying to improve it and failing. If you can go one step up in weight maybe this ES mount will work. The PMC-eight system will hopefully have its user interface and reliability ironed out by now. Even this is not a sure bet, I don't know anyone who has this scope on this forum. Next up is something like an AVX but then we are talking about another weight class higher up. In that case, iOptron has some nice light weight mounts as well to look into.
If that is out of the question, how about a portable scope that you can simply plunk down and that does all the alignment and tracking by itself such as the Stellina or evScope? The only reason I mentioned the iOptron cube is because it meets your weight limitations. Keep in mind that there is a big difference ingoto for visual and goto and tracking for AP - the latter needs to be much better than a cube.
If that is out of the question, how about a portable scope that you can simply plunk down and that does all the alignment and tracking by itself such as the Stellina or evScope? The only reason I mentioned the iOptron cube is because it meets your weight limitations. Keep in mind that there is a big difference in
... Henk. Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
Doing astrophotography is very rewarding, however the greater majority of folks doing AP are using very heavy and expensive equipment. What you are asking for, more than likely will not give you the results you are looking for.
I will make a suggestion that will hopefully help.
Have you considered doing 'remote astrophotography'? We have members that do quite a bit of remoteap work member dcrowson @dcrowson does much of his work using a remote telescope. The advantages are you don't have to buy any equipment, and the equipment they allow you to use is very high end. Plus the areas the scopes are located are some of the best dark sky locations in the world.
It's just another option.
Here's some links:
This is the one Dan (dcrowson) uses:
https://darkskynewmexico.com/
and here's a few others:
https://telescope.live/home
https://www.insightobservatory.com/p/home-page.html
Hopefully this is another option for you.
I will make a suggestion that will hopefully help.
Have you considered doing 'remote astrophotography'? We have members that do quite a bit of remote
It's just another option.
Here's some links:
This is the one Dan (dcrowson) uses:
https://darkskynewmexico.com/
and here's a few others:
https://telescope.live/home
https://www.insightobservatory.com/p/home-page.html
Hopefully this is another option for you.
Gordon
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
Primary software: Cartes du Ciel, N.I.N.A, StarTools V1.4.
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
Yeah, theSkyHiker wrote: ↑Mon Aug 01, 2022 4:26 pm For a person with physical limitations though, the last thing you want is something that doesn't work out of the box because getting something sub-par to work also takes a lot of physical work, not to mention the frustration in trying to improve it and failing. If you can go one step up in weight maybe this ES mount will work. The PMC-eight system will hopefully have its user interface and reliability ironed out by now. Even this is not a sure bet, I don't know anyone who has this scope on this forum. Next up is something like an AVX but then we are talking about another weight class higher up. In that case, iOptron has some nice light weight mounts as well to look into.
If that is out of the question, how about a portable scope that you can simply plunk down and that does all the alignment and tracking by itself such as the Stellina or evScope? The only reason I mentioned the iOptron cube is because it meets your weight limitations. Keep in mind that there is a big difference in goto for visual and goto and tracking for AP - the latter needs to be much better than a cube.
So right now the set-up would be to roughly PA with compass/inclinometer, then use
Btw, I'm in
Thanks.
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
Will check those out. Thanks!Gordon wrote: ↑Mon Aug 01, 2022 5:48 pm Doing astrophotography is very rewarding, however the greater majority of folks doing AP are using very heavy and expensive equipment. What you are asking for, more than likely will not give you the results you are looking for.
I will make a suggestion that will hopefully help.
Have you considered doing 'remote astrophotography'? We have members that do quite a bit of remote ap work member dcrowson @dcrowson does much of his work using a remote telescope. The advantages are you don't have to buy any equipment, and the equipment they allow you to use is very high end. Plus the areas the scopes are located are some of the best dark sky locations in the world.
It's just another option.
Here's some links:
This is the one Dan (dcrowson) uses:
https://darkskynewmexico.com/
and here's a few others:
https://telescope.live/home
https://www.insightobservatory.com/p/home-page.html
Hopefully this is another option for you.
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
With an equatorial mount thehatflyer wrote: ↑Mon Aug 01, 2022 5:56 pm Yeah, the goto would be for PA it seems. I think I was mixing up goto to find other stars, but once u have PA, your mount stays put, right, so u don't lose PA? So the Goto is not usable once u have PA, or can u still use the Goto function without ruining PA?
I see, you just want accurate polar alignment for your Skyguider? What you describe should work, I think. Alternatively, for ease of use maybe this this iPolar device is the way to go.hatflyer wrote: ↑Mon Aug 01, 2022 5:56 pm So right now the set-up would be to roughly PA with compass/inclinometer, then use NINA and make micro-adjustments on my manual mount, then use Skyguider Pro to track? I'm looking for a minute or so exposure up to about 100-150mm lens on a crop sensor. Would this set-up work ok?
Keep in mind that the Skyguider is a single-axis device so you will need a ball mount for your camera. It may still be hard to align the camera your target if you can barely see it (most targets are like that). This is what I found when I was using my G11S with (quite good) setting circles, finding targets that you can't see is pretty frustrating. Of course, with the focal lengths that you have in mind it gets a bit easier.
... Henk. Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
I saw that iPolar device. Wasn't sure how hard that is to install (u have to open up the SG Pro and play with the electronics). Any sense of how good it is?SkyHiker wrote: ↑Mon Aug 01, 2022 6:48 pmWith an equatorial mount thehatflyer wrote: ↑Mon Aug 01, 2022 5:56 pm Yeah, the goto would be for PA it seems. I think I was mixing up goto to find other stars, but once u have PA, your mount stays put, right, so u don't lose PA? So the Goto is not usable once u have PA, or can u still use the Goto function without ruining PA?goto is independent of the polar alignment. That is, first polar align the mount then calibrate thegoto and thegoto will not interfere with the polar alignment.
I see, you just want accurate polar alignment for your Skyguider? What you describe should work, I think. Alternatively, for ease of use maybe this this iPolar device is the way to go.hatflyer wrote: ↑Mon Aug 01, 2022 5:56 pm So right now the set-up would be to roughly PA with compass/inclinometer, then use NINA and make micro-adjustments on my manual mount, then use Skyguider Pro to track? I'm looking for a minute or so exposure up to about 100-150mm lens on a crop sensor. Would this set-up work ok?
Keep in mind that the Skyguider is a single-axis device so you will need a ball mount for your camera. It may still be hard to align the camera your target if you can barely see it (most targets are like that). This is what I found when I was using my G11S with (quite good) setting circles, finding targets that you can't see is pretty frustrating. Of course, with the focal lengths that you have in mind it gets a bit easier.
So what do u do when there is a hard star to find?
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
I have seen the iPolar for a Losmandy G11 and was impressed. You can talk to it with a mobile device.
I use an equatorial mount for my
I polar align my barndoor tracker by lining it up with a
While I don't advocate laser pointers, this is a case where it will work well to align a camera to a target if you know how to star hop. There are also small red dot finders that can help, YMMV. There are probably some that you can mount on a
... Henk. Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
- hatflyer
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Re: Lightweight Motorized Mount
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With an equatorial mount thegoto is independent of the polar alignment. That is, first polar align the mount then calibrate the goto and the goto will not interfere with the polar alignment.
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Just to be clear, agoto equitorial mount does not need a tracker? You PA with it, then u can still move the mount in any way u want, away from the orientation used to PA because it was calibrated? The mount now knows where stars should be?
With an equatorial mount the
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Just to be clear, a
Last edited by hatflyer on Mon Aug 01, 2022 11:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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