F/12 Set up

[odell]

Even though I knew I wasn't going to look at anything today (the reason will become obvious) I couldn't wait to throw my 6" f/12 that just arrived at my home (obvious now?) on my CGE mount . The CGE appeared to balk a bit (being used to much lesser tubes on its back) and I admit it wasn't the best of balance because of my unabashed enthusiasm. But, this got me to wondering how other owners of this big boy have mounted their scopes and with what equipment. I'm on a new learning curve with this scope so I would appreciate and ideas, hints, rumors, or blatantly self serving opinions .

Thanks,
Ian

[jamesling1000]

Hi Ian...

Your 6" F12, will be same length as my 8" F9, almost 6ft long.....

Your mount is CGE while mine is Losmandy G11, and I think they are quite similar in the load capacity, @ 50 to 60 lb......range (mine is 60 lb)

I believe your full setup can never exceed 50 lb, while mine is 70 lb for the complete OTA.....
Since I only use for visual, I do not bother so much.....
And losmandy mount is using clutch to hold the RA and DC axes, even overloading only stalled the motor axes, but unlikely to burn the motors....

In this forum, I think there are many users using celestron mount, like Mike , which is using the 90 lb capacity pro mount, he will be able to advice you more , especially celestron mounts.....

With 6 Ft length OTA, you will need a pier at least 18" length, I have 2 section, 1st section is 10" , and offsetting the mount and tripod holder by 1" , so that I can use 22 lb counter weight at zero degree latitude..., follow by another 12" extension pier...

The battery power is also very important, and you need battery that can provide 5amp, and must be above 12 volts DC.....
Otherwise the mount will not be able to work smoothly...
I used 17ah 12V DC portable power source in the field.....

last of all, enjoy you new Istar 6' F12, which has the same colour correction as mine, when I stopped down my 8" to 6"..........

Regards

James ling

[criverside]

HI Ian,

As one who has loaded and overloaded mounts, balance is key.

Craig

[Mike]

Ian, the CGE is rated at a 65 lb. capacity. Your new 150-12 will work just fine on that mount. However, as mentioned, good balance is very important. Good balance will not tax the mounts motors. The only problem is extending the legs completely does add a little instability. Nothing to worry about just a little more vibration than you want. Several people have added a pier extension. I've attached an image of this setup. If you don't mind getting very close to the ground when looking at the zenith you'll have no problem. I have tested several 150-12 on my personal CGE. I also have a CGE Pro but prefer the standard CGE. This is not a picture of me or my setup. A guy sent it to me that I got to know through CN.

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[odell]

Obviously I'm a neophyte in a land of very experienced astronomers. Instead of looking at endless combinations of various equipment I decided to approach this project by analyzing goals:

1. The mount had to support a total weight of 55 lbs (Istar 150 f/12, diagonals, eyepieces, etc.).
2. The set up had to have a beginning height of less than 50". I had horrors of lifting a 35lb telescope over 6' long above my head in the dark and placing it accurately in a mount.
3. The set up had to have vertical travel that would place the eyepiece at roughly 30" above ground level when viewing objects at zenith.
4. It had to be transportable and adaptable to dark sky site travel in my present vehicle (a medium sized crossover).
5. It had to be stable enough to allow full magnification (skies allowing) with as little vibration as possible.
6. With the exception of the mount, the set up had to be viable over a five to ten year life span and be able to be placed in an observatory (God willing and the creek don't rise).

So, after almost twenty hours of research and elimination this is what I came up with:

I kept my existing mount: Celestron CGE.
I added a Pier Tech Tri-Pier 2 portable pier with CGE adapter
I also added a caddy for the Tri-Pier 2 to move about my observing area at home.

I probably made this whole exercise a lot more complicated than it had to be, but like I said, I am a neophyte.

Anyway enough rambling. I very curious to know how you folks think I did?

Ian

[jamesling1000]

Hi Ian....

Great to hear what you will be planning for housing your new scope.....

For me, I am limited with many constraints.... and I need to split the OTA to two whenever I travel with it, and asm it on the spot to set it up....

REgards

James Ling

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[criverside]

HI Ian,

I agree with your priorities. I can't wait for your first Telescope report.

Craig

[Mike]

Ian, "neophyte or not you made some good choices in my opinion. PLEASE! Take a good picture. That's what I like. I built a caddy for mine earlier this year. It's great shoving it in and out of the garage. I should have done it years ago. I think my one setup of a CGE Pro and a C14 weighs about 225 lbs. However, it rolls in and out very easily. I'm going to build another for my refractor and CGE. Wow you really do get smarter with age...

Don't forget that picture!