Hi guys,
For those of you who are familiar with the above, would like to ask for your advise. I currently own a c5+ scope and was thinking of "computerizing" it.
THe NGC-max looks like a good solution. THe price is US$619. The price of US619 then prompted me to check up on the CG-5GT mount. Its only US699 and it is a computerized mount which would definitely be a better option for an extra US90! plus it comes with a tripod. BUT i haven't factored in the shipping costs. The JMI NGC-max would definitely be much cheaper to ship over than the CG-CG5.
What do you guys think?
THanks alot,
Colin
JMI NGC-max or CG-5GT-computerized mount
the cg5-gt will give you BOTH goto and tracking, but the cg5-gt tripod is overkilled for your c5. if possible, get without the tripod and counterweight (check astromart) and ship to vpostusa, vpost shipping cost to singapore for this should be around S$120 (ask for the actual weight and dimension of the package). buy the tripod adapter and c/w locally (use your existing tripod). also read this http://www.singastro.org/viewtopic.php?t=1725
howabout i keep my c5+ mount and add the jmi ngc-max? do u guys think its worth it? it saves me the effort of having to find the appropriate adapters to fit the scope to the cg5-gt plus if i purchase the new mount it'll render my c5+ mount wasted.
btw, i have a 400mm short refractor which i'll want to use as a guide scope. not sure if this would be overweight for my c5+ mount. i have the appropriate counter weights tho. not sure if these weights help?
THanks again
btw, i have a 400mm short refractor which i'll want to use as a guide scope. not sure if this would be overweight for my c5+ mount. i have the appropriate counter weights tho. not sure if these weights help?
THanks again
Hi Colin,
I just got my CG5-GT, load it with a C8 last Saturday night under a clear night sky. Wish to share my 2 cent view about this particular mount that I have with you
..I am not expert, just a learnig observer…
1) Tripod
I guess after many complain about the old aluminium tripod, this one come with a heavy and solid 2” stainless steel tripod leg. The tripod is about 85cm long when collapse, you need this info if you want to get a bag for it.
Accessory tray: screw on from the bottom, solid steel with holes to put your accessories. Looks like a big Ninja flying saucer with 6 spikes ;)
2) Counter weight:
Come with one 11 lb thin and flat shape counter weight, enough to balance a C8. Due to its large diameter, it will hit the tripod legs if you load it with C8 or with something similar weight. I own a 5” Mak, position of the counter weight for the Mak if higher up and I can clear the legs.
To get around this: use other counter weight that have smaller diameter or set the Latitude of the mount to min. 8 degree for more clearance.**
**I do not have other counter weight, I know this is not optimum but the 3 star alignments seem to compensate this error. No problem in tracking. (Or I am not good enough to spot the error, possible hmm…)
3) Mount
Two “cute” plastic housing for both motors and PCB, I guess it help to bring the price down but not the weight. The mount is steady enough.
It Come with Plastic Polar scope cap: I wish I get a metal cap.
Latitude setting:
This mount is ideal for US. The default setting is 30~60 degree. They add a metal bar to prevent you go lower than 30 degree. I believed it is to prevent the counter weight hitting the legs when loaded heavily. Take that bar and the two Latitude adjustment screw away and you can set from 10~70 degree. I replace the two original azimuth alignment screws with hex screw that does not block the RA motor casing. I can lower it to 6 degree. Have not try using the tripod to lower the latitude, but it is possible.
4) Goto
This is my first mount, so I learn it fresh. Not that hard to learn, easy to use. All you need is 3 stars for alignment. Changing the slew rate and slew to the oblect is easy as 123. Press “Enter” & “Align” for 3 times and I am done. You can use Tour funtion to see different object in the sky at that time.Keyed in M57 and it locate that object near the center of FOV.
Bad thing: if you accidentally power off the mount, you lost your setting. I did that and I have to reset to home position and redo 3-star alignment. It come with plastic controller holder, I prefer a soft hanging pocket for that.
5) Noice
Motor sound is a bit loud, every one know I am slewing. A CD player with light music will be good ha ha .
6) Value
I get this mount for my 5” Mak knowing it is overkill, but I have plan to upgrade to 8” down the road and I want to avoid buying another mount for an 8”. S$1400+ for motor mount, mounting plate, tripod, controller, shipping from US to Singapore, 5% GTS. If I have chance to do it again, I will still buy this mount and try to minus the mount for some discount. Shiping a block of steel from US to here is crazy to me.
enjoy your clear night, with what ever you have...
river
I just got my CG5-GT, load it with a C8 last Saturday night under a clear night sky. Wish to share my 2 cent view about this particular mount that I have with you
..I am not expert, just a learnig observer…
1) Tripod
I guess after many complain about the old aluminium tripod, this one come with a heavy and solid 2” stainless steel tripod leg. The tripod is about 85cm long when collapse, you need this info if you want to get a bag for it.
Accessory tray: screw on from the bottom, solid steel with holes to put your accessories. Looks like a big Ninja flying saucer with 6 spikes ;)
2) Counter weight:
Come with one 11 lb thin and flat shape counter weight, enough to balance a C8. Due to its large diameter, it will hit the tripod legs if you load it with C8 or with something similar weight. I own a 5” Mak, position of the counter weight for the Mak if higher up and I can clear the legs.
To get around this: use other counter weight that have smaller diameter or set the Latitude of the mount to min. 8 degree for more clearance.**
**I do not have other counter weight, I know this is not optimum but the 3 star alignments seem to compensate this error. No problem in tracking. (Or I am not good enough to spot the error, possible hmm…)
3) Mount
Two “cute” plastic housing for both motors and PCB, I guess it help to bring the price down but not the weight. The mount is steady enough.
It Come with Plastic Polar scope cap: I wish I get a metal cap.
Latitude setting:
This mount is ideal for US. The default setting is 30~60 degree. They add a metal bar to prevent you go lower than 30 degree. I believed it is to prevent the counter weight hitting the legs when loaded heavily. Take that bar and the two Latitude adjustment screw away and you can set from 10~70 degree. I replace the two original azimuth alignment screws with hex screw that does not block the RA motor casing. I can lower it to 6 degree. Have not try using the tripod to lower the latitude, but it is possible.
4) Goto
This is my first mount, so I learn it fresh. Not that hard to learn, easy to use. All you need is 3 stars for alignment. Changing the slew rate and slew to the oblect is easy as 123. Press “Enter” & “Align” for 3 times and I am done. You can use Tour funtion to see different object in the sky at that time.Keyed in M57 and it locate that object near the center of FOV.
Bad thing: if you accidentally power off the mount, you lost your setting. I did that and I have to reset to home position and redo 3-star alignment. It come with plastic controller holder, I prefer a soft hanging pocket for that.
5) Noice
Motor sound is a bit loud, every one know I am slewing. A CD player with light music will be good ha ha .
6) Value
I get this mount for my 5” Mak knowing it is overkill, but I have plan to upgrade to 8” down the road and I want to avoid buying another mount for an 8”. S$1400+ for motor mount, mounting plate, tripod, controller, shipping from US to Singapore, 5% GTS. If I have chance to do it again, I will still buy this mount and try to minus the mount for some discount. Shiping a block of steel from US to here is crazy to me.
enjoy your clear night, with what ever you have...
river
http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=439-278-2060 , ship by VpostUSA.
Hi river,
Came across your conversation with oxygn on this website which u bought ur c8. I'm interested in getting a C6 SCT too, cheaper than what we can get locally.
Other than the shipping cost, is there any other hidden cost? How does this VPostUSA work by the way?
Advise... thanks!
Came across your conversation with oxygn on this website which u bought ur c8. I'm interested in getting a C6 SCT too, cheaper than what we can get locally.
Other than the shipping cost, is there any other hidden cost? How does this VPostUSA work by the way?
Advise... thanks!
~Clear skies don't occur every night, so date your BIG LENS out when the chance comes~