Celestron Advanced VX 8" SCT

[Joshelerry]

Hi, did anybody have any experience on this SCT before?

1) 7-77° latitude range for tracking passed meridian - is it usable in Singapore without any modification needed?

2) Astrophography compatible at end of tube. Suppose tracking using the computerized drives for long exposure photography..?

3) Motor driven - so will need a power pack portable for outdoor use?

[ivan]

Hi, did anybody have any experience on this SCT before?

1) 7-77° latitude range for tracking passed meridian - is it usable in Singapore without any modification needed?

2) Astrophography compatible at end of tube. Suppose tracking using the computerized drives for long exposure photography..?

3) Motor driven - so will need a power pack portable for outdoor use?

1. Yes, but you'll have to extend one leg to make it go down to 1 deg. This can be slightly dangerous in that the mount will be less stable, but I've used a CG-5 (which only goes down to 10deg) for three years and nothing has happened.

2. The mount only tracks in RA. It will not compensate for DEC as far as I know. So you'll need excellent polar alignment for this. This also means that GOTO isn't necessary for AP, but it certainly helps in minimizing the time taken to hunt for the target which can save you time and frustration.

3. Yes you will definitely need that for outdoor use.

[Joshelerry]

Hi u mentioned that it need excellent alignment to continuously track during exposure. What is the common setup of people here for long exposure ap? Equipment...

[Gary]

Hi u mentioned that it need excellent alignment to continuously track during exposure. What is the common setup of people here for long exposure ap? Equipment...

You can read the posts at the astrophotography section: viewforum.php?f=7

Most of the astrophotos come with description of the equipment used. If you still have time, check the astrophotography sections in other astro forums and take note of the descriptions.

Base on very vague memory alone, the more common tracking mounts are from companies like Losmandy, Astro-Physics, iOptron, Software Bisque, Vixen. For refractors, Televue, Takahashi, Borg, Astro-Physics, William Optics, Stellavue. Apologies if other prominent brands use by local APers are not mentioned here.

[MooEy]

The mounts that are used locally and have been proven to work for imaging are Vixen GP/GP-D, Losmandy GM-8/G11, Astro-Physics Mach1GTO and Paramount MX. Modification is required for some of the mounts.

For someone starting out, look at Vixen or Losmandy. Those are more affordable. Whichever mount you get, make sure it has dual axis drives and an autoguider port. Avoid fancy marketing.

~MooEy~

[kochu]

The mounts that are used locally and have been proven to work for imaging are Vixen GP/GP-D, Losmandy GM-8/G11, Astro-Physics Mach1GTO and Paramount MX. Modification is required for some of the mounts.

For someone starting out, look at Vixen or Losmandy. Those are more affordable. Whichever mount you get, make sure it has dual axis drives and an autoguider port. Avoid fancy marketing.

~MooEy~

........and EQ6...

Kochu