Anyone seen that new Avalon Instruments mount?
http://www.avalon-instruments.com/prodotti.asp?cod=AR
It uses pulleys and tooth belts instead of worms and gears. Sounds very interesting indeed, and also uses the Synscan controller so is EQ-DIR compatible.
Interesting concept.
it will be good to see the PE graphs.
Mac.
I beleive Ian King has one and is thinking of replacing the AP900 with it.
It certainly looks well engineered and if it performs as well as advertised it will fill the gap nicely between the EQ6 and mounts like the AP900. Only time will tell if it has any bugs to iron out first.
Interesting concept and seems to have promise as a portable mount especially the single arm fork version. As you say Mike it is early days but talking to the designer at astrofest they seem to be very dedicated to getting it right. Not sure about an observatory though especially with the HEQ8 on the way. The price is quite high for a 20kg rated mount which may deter most but they seem beautifully made, certainly as good as the Paramount and 10 Microns on display
Robert