Here is the place to talk about all those equipment(Telescope, Mounts, Eyepieces, etc...) you have. Not sure which scope/eyepiece is best for you? Trash it out here!
Yes, the setup time is usually longer than a fork mount... I usually take around 30min (no hurry speed) to setup for visual.
Just for comparison, these are my estimated setup times for
-solid-tube dob: less than 1 minute
-refractor (small) on manual alt-az tripod: less than 5min
-truss dob: 3-5 min
-big SCT/refractor on GOTO alt-az mount: 5-10 min
Again, it boils down to individual preference and enthusiasm I suppose. I must admit I am far less patient and meticulous enough to properly setup an eq mount :oops:
weixing wrote:
But the one advantage EQ mount over most fork mount is that it can break up into smaller unit easily for transportation and storage.
Good point, never thought about that before... At least it wouldn't be an issue finding a drybox big enough for the OTA.
cheers
cc
We do it in the dark...
Portaball 12.5"
Takahashi Mewlon 210
William Optics 110ED
...and all night long!
weixing wrote: Actually, I don't quite agree... Yes, the setup time is usually longer than a fork mount... I usually take around 30min (no hurry speed) to setup for visual. .
Bro..you are one very patient guy. I suspect many here would consider 30 minutes a very long time for visual!!
Bro..you are one very patient guy. I suspect many here would consider 30 minutes a very long time for visual!!
Ha ha ha... Usually I take my time to follow my SOP for setup and packup even for visual mode, so that I can convert from visual to imaging mode at a short time if weather turns out to be very clear. Also, this will reduce the chances of damaging or lost any equipment in the field.
Anyway, if I can enjoy the rest of the session without any major problems, I don't mind spending 30min to setup properly... this is a hobby ma, so suppose to be a relaxing session... take my time and enjoy the night...
By the way, take this opportunity to say a big sorry to those who kind enough to pick me up for observation, but need to wait for me to pack up... will try to pack up faster next time... ha ha ha :oops: :oops: :oops:
Have a nice day.
Yang Weixing "The universe is composed mainly of hydrogen and ignorance."
Fuzzball, I think one should carefully consider a few important factors first before jumping from 8" to 9.25" and then to 11". Apart from the increase in cost, you have to consider the bulk & weight & practicality of moving a CPC 11". Have you seen how wide the fork arms are? Go down to our neighbourhood astronomy shop and take a realistic look. Have you got a way to move this scope and all necessary accessories around by yourself? Can you fit that into your car boot or back seat all by yourself? Have you tried lifting the optical tube with fork arms and base onto the tripod? Not that I want to dampen your spirit, but if you are not prepared to answer 'yes' to this and some other questions, buying a CPC 11" can dampen your enthusiasm in the long run. Also remember that a smaller scope frequently used is much better than a CPC 11" home showpiece that becomes a white elephant.
Rlow,
thanks for the reminder..yes, I have gone to the astro shop to check out the cpc 8, felt the weight and the accessories and think so far it is comfortable for me to transport around. My inclination is the c8 or 9.25 and I am not serious thinking of 11 cpc as practically 60++ pds for a scope is not what I am ready to consume from both transport and finance wise. Anyway I am waiting for the 9.25 to come in to the shop to do some weight/logistic testing..
btw, does anyone know if beside the science center astro shop...is there any other place that bring in the full range of celestron telescopes...
:oops: 
"The universe is composed mainly of hydrogen and ignorance." 