New skywatcher kit coming

[Rocket Pooch]

Skywatcher EQ7 (we assume) mount with 45kg payload, dual-encoders, permanent PEC and 0.9 degree step accuracy.
120ED and 150ED f/7 five-element (triplet at front plus doublet flattener) with new linear power focuser.
100ED f5 Petzval with carbon-fibre tube.
100mm guide scope.
300mm f/4 Newtonian.
8" and 10" f4 carbon fibre newtonians with new linear power focuser
14" and 16" Flextube and GOTO Dobsonians.

[MarkS]

0.9 degree step accuracy.

I wonder what that means or how it translates into something meaningful.

[Fay]

Are you saying you have ordered all that in one go Chris ?

[RobertM]

Well if all that's true it'll stur up some interesting comparisons, especially the Petzval and Carbon Newtonians...

How reliable was your source ?

[RobertM]

Some pics...

http://stargazerslounge.com/sponsor-announcements-offers/114910-new-skywatcher-kit-incoming.html

[Mike]

[Mike]

0.9 degree step accuracy.

I wonder what that means or how it translates into something meaningful.

It just means the stepper motor has 400 steps and so is a lot more accurate than the EQ6 which has a 1.8 degree stepper.

[Mike]

[Mike]

Why oh why do they keep using that crappy DB9 connector for the handset?!

Well it certainly looks interesting. The big question is going to be - what is the price?

[RobertM]

Is that tripod is supposed to carry 45Kg of equipment, probably 30Kg of counterweight plus the head 30Kg = 105Kg.  I hope it's a titanium tripod.

It looks very much like they've taken an AP1200 apart and taken the best bits of the design but also the worst bits like the connectors and no through mount cable routing like the Paramount.  I think there would be a lot of demand for a mini Paramount, most people that use them barely get to even 1/3rd their rated load capacity.  Undoubtably it will be a good mount but I just hope it isn't compromised by unnecessary shortcuts.

Robert

[Mike]

Indeed. Will have to wait until it is our in the wild for at least 6 months then read reviews of it from users. The first generation will no doubt have some issues anyway, they usually do.

But, it does look interesting and if it is in a price bracket somewhere between the EQ6 and a Losmandy G-11 it should sell well.

[Rocket Pooch]

Why oh why do they keep using that crappy DB9 connector for the handset?!

Well it certainly looks interesting. The big question is going to be - what is the price?

Whats wrong with a D connector?  I think the 2.5mm power lead is more worrying.

Apparently ish, or so some people think its going to be about G42 price ish, which I think would mean everyone would still buy USA or Jap stuff.

Chris

[RobertM]

I think the 2.5mm power lead is more worrying.

That's not for power, it's the stereo out jack so we can plug our ghetto blasters in ...

[MarkS]

Why oh why do they keep using that crappy DB9 connector for the handset?!

Maybe the designer has an Aston Martin fixation.

[Tony G]

I couldn't believe it, as I was looking for something on eBay this evening, they have actually got some of these for sale.

bit.ly/bdxCk9

Tony G