Basically it is a computerised alt-azi mount that is suppose to take a load up to a 8" SCT.
Having tired with GIRO-like mounts, I decided to take the plunge and get this mount. I have big issues with GIRO-like mounts and that is I find the lack of slow motion control a really big pain (some people are ok with that, but not me..I like to feel the slow motion for high power tracking). And sometimes, I still find jerking motion in these mounts and changing of eyepieces could sometime throw the scope off balance. Probably mount like DM6 will give me less issues but it weighs like the scope itself.
So out goes the giro-like mounts and enter the Half Hitch II. When I first receive the box, I was like.....did he forgot to put the mount head inside? It is extremely light. I mean for those who always receive astro items in a big box, feeling light is probably strange.
Anyway, opening up the box reveals a packaging, that wow....his bubble wrapping is so phenomenal you could drop that thing 10 floors down and I don't think the mount would even get a dent. It is a good thing, except that it took me half an hour to patiently cut open the wraps. You need to be patient; if you use brute strength, you may just tear off some sky commander cables or something.
After opening the wraps, the mount look smaller than expected. It is also extremely light. But the workmanship is just world class. The attention to details are just everywhere. And that sky commander you see in the photo can be "fold back" to save more space during transport. Really cool.
You need to see this mount to appreciate it, very hard to describe the attention to details because there are so many of it. But the best part is the slow motion knobs(altitude and azimuth knobs). These are really feathertouch smooth. This is no rack and pinion or whatever, just a very simple turning pin rubbing against a special bearing material. But it's so darn smooth and no backlash. There is an altitude brake that really uses a disc caliper (just like your car brakes) which you can use when changing eyepieces or you can use it as a drag control if you want more friction to the slow motion controls.
This mount make giro-like mounts look like an ancient piece of hardware. No kidding.
The only cons from the first impression is a really bad instruction manual. I have a hard time trying to link the manual with the parts on teh mount. There is no photos....just words. But the vendor said he will put out a really nice manuall soon with the Mark III.
I will next put a 8" Meade RC on it and severely stress test the mount and the Sky commander. From the quality of the machining, I think it will handle well. Amazing for such a light mount. I think it's around 3kg or less.
I also like to comment on the service level of Charles from Half Hitch telescope. His service level is just plain excellent, among some of the best in this business. His response is lighting quick and he even drills my losmandy plate for free so that I can use it on his mount. I really have no other suggestion on how he can further improve his service level because he is really right at the top.
Ok...watch this thread for the 8" to be on it.
