Portable lightweight mount opinions...

[RobertM]

I'm seriously looking at something more portable than the Tak NJP for DSC's.  The recent trip to France with Mark has highlighted the fact that I may end up with a hernia in the not too distant future so pre-emptive action is necessary.

I'm thinking of something like the EQ5 Synscan, there is one on UK Astro BS for £300 which is very tempting but there's also the Celestron AS5-GT which comes up from time to time. 

Opinions (on this topic) anyone?

Thanks
Robert

[Mike]

H-EQ5 Synscan - Best value for money mount out there and nice and light.

[RobertM]

Thanks Mike but the HEQ5 is too big and expensive for my needs so it's the smaller EQ5 that I'm looking at.

[Mac]

Mark has highlighted the fact that I may end up with a hernia in the not too distant future so pre-emptive action is necessary.

This might help.
http://www.amerimark.com/cgi-bin/amerimark/postkey_find.html?cm_mmc=channel-_-engine-_-media-_-072720&keywords=072720&G62162&srccode=cii_16079562&cpncode=22-34837916-2

Mac.

[mickw]

Ooh that's handy, it's even got a gap to hang yer bits out.....................
Only a little gap though 

[mickw]

Robert I think you're confusing the HEQ5 Pro with the EQ6
Mark and Mike are using the HEQ6 me and Fay use the HEQ5 Pro
EQ6 - Heavyweight
HEQ5 pro - Lightweight but with goto etc

[RobertM]

Ooh that's handy, it's even got a gap to hang yer bits out.....................
Only a little gap though

Well that seals it, I could never wear one of those 

The HEQ5 Pro would indeed be great but unless someone is willing to sell me one for about £300 then it's unfortunately out of the equation; that's why I'm looking at the EQ5/AS5 size mounts. 

[mickw]

You know that EQ5 is not motorised ?

Perhaps "your bits" should go on a diet, or at least get some excercise 

[RobertM]

Like this one Mick ? http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/Products/EQ5_Synscan_Goto_Mount.html

Just seen an HEQ5 on fleabay so may wait to see what that goes for.

Not sure about the dieting part if your suggestion

[JohnP]

Well I never had any issues with my Meade LXD75 mount when I had it. Very portable - motors noisey when slewing though compared to the EQ6/ 5 motors... I say you could get one for £200 if you looked around...

[Tony G]

Mac,

This is a family website, and think that you should keep your perverted links to literature and near pornographic images to yourself.

Tony G

PS..............................Do you have to pay duty on these if ordering matching pairs for Husband and Wife, as Christmas is coming soon, and can you get them in camouflage 

[Mac]

 

[RobertM]

Thanks John, an LXD75 may be a good option.

[Ian]

that is a remarkably small gap. Gangrene is a definite hazard...

[mickw]

Robert this is the one I was referring to
http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/Products/HEQ5_PRO_SynScan_GOTO_Equatori.html

I'd forgotten about the EQ5 which seems like it's  lighter than the HEQ5 pro

[Mike]

Which is the one that Fay uses so surely if she can lug it around then you can too Robert. They are very light.

[mickw]

Which is the one that Fay uses

And Carole.

[RobertM]

Thanks guys,  I was looking something cheaper but if I can get one at a low enough price then an HEQ5 SynScan may be an option.

[MarkS]

At least it will be quiet.

Many others sound like coffee grinders - not ideal at 2am in a crowded camp site ...

[mickw]

not ideal at 2am in a crowded camp site

I would have thought the sound of people getting pissed and falling over would have drowned out the noise of the mount 

[Tony G]

Great reply Mick, I've either spilt my tea or pissed myself laughing 

Tony G

[Carole]

I've got a belly ache laughing at this thread.
I thought for one moment

Which is the one that Fay uses

that you were talking about the hernia truss, and was trying to imagine Fay wearing one, then I nearly got a hernia!!!!!

I think Fay has an EQ5 and I have a CG5 GT same sort of weight I guess and I don't find it heavy. 
Makes a bit of noise when it's slewing.

Carole

[Mac]

Many others sound like coffee grinders - not ideal at 2am in a crowded camp site

Mines the KPCG100OB Pro line onyx Black Burr.....

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/KitchenAid-KPCG100OB-Pro-Line-Onyx-Black-Burr-Coffee-Grinder/4013415/product.html?cid=133635

Sounds like a Meade lx200 GPS slewing.

Mac.