Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks
Gavin

Hi Kent

Thanks for the suggestion. I (perhaps mistakenly) assumed that the AP

I'm happy to save money but not if it ends up causing frustration etc.

Regards
Gavin

--- In _ap-gto@... (mailto:ap-gto@...) ,

In a message dated 1/14/10 3:05:26 AM, gavbray@... writes:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently
considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS

$2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to

from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one

other.

Thanks
Gavin

Gavin:
Yes they are of high quality, to be sure.
But why have you not considered and included the AP Portable piers?
AP doesn't offer a 10x36 but have a 10x32 at $780 and 10x42 at $800.
Sure..they are not as 'flashy' as those you mentioned but work

The only feature they don't have is leg levelers but this may or may

of importance, depending
on where you set up.

Big differece between $800 and $3600.

Kent Kirkley
With AP1200GTO on 48inch AP Pier
With Paramount on 32inch AP Pier


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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In a message dated 1/14/10 3:05:26 AM, gavbray@... writes:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently
considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around
$2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear
from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the
other.

Thanks
Gavin

Gavin:
Yes they are of high quality, to be sure.
But why have you not considered and included the AP Portable piers?
AP doesn't offer a 10x36 but have a 10x32 at $780 and 10x42 at $800.
Sure..they are not as 'flashy' as those you mentioned but work perfectly.
The only feature they don't have is leg levelers but this may or may not be
of importance, depending
on where you set up.

Big differece between $800 and $3600.

Kent Kirkley
With AP1200GTO on 48inch AP Pier
With Paramount on 32inch AP Pier


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,
I have two ATS Piers that I use with AP 1200 and AP 900 mounts and they are super! They have enough adjustment for relatively level ground. I frequently set up with the ATS pier on large granite rock and it works fine. Here are pics of both in action on a flat surface:
http://www.wigginsfinearts.com/wigginsfineartstipstutorialsamptools/id1.html
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks
Gavin

Hi Kent

Thanks for the suggestion. I (perhaps mistakenly) assumed that the AP pier was fine for visual but the ATS or PWT would be better for imaging.

I'm happy to save money but not if it ends up causing frustration etc.

Regards
Gavin

--- In ap-gto@..., kgkirkley@... wrote:

In a message dated 1/14/10 3:05:26 AM, gavbray@... writes:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently
considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around
$2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear
from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the
other.

Thanks
Gavin

Gavin:
Yes they are of high quality, to be sure.
But why have you not considered and included the AP Portable piers?
AP doesn't offer a 10x36 but have a 10x32 at $780 and 10x42 at $800.
Sure..they are not as 'flashy' as those you mentioned but work perfectly.
The only feature they don't have is leg levelers but this may or may not be
of importance, depending
on where you set up.

Big differece between $800 and $3600.

Kent Kirkley
With AP1200GTO on 48inch AP Pier
With Paramount on 32inch AP Pier


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------------------------------

To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links

Hi Rick

Thanks for the pictures. Did you consider the PWT Pinnacle mount?

I'm trying to determine whether the Pinnacle is worth the extra money or whether the ATS is perfectly adequate.

Thanks
Gavin

--- In ap-gto@..., "Rick" <rickwiggins@> wrote:

Hi,
I have two ATS Piers that I use with AP 1200 and AP 900 mounts and they are super! They have enough adjustment for relatively level ground. I frequently set up with the ATS pier on large granite rock and it works fine. Here are pics of both in action on a flat surface:
http://www.wigginsfinearts.com/wigginsfineartstipstutorialsamptools/id1.html
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks
Gavin

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks
Gavin

Hi Gavin,

I've had 2 ATS piers and love them. The advantage the ATS and PWT have over the AP pier is that they require no tools, fold up very compactly, and set up literally in 1-2 minutes. I went with ATS versus PWT because I just couldn't see what another $1000-$1500 was getting me. The only real disadvantage the ATS has compared to the PWT is its limited range of leveling. But I've gotten around that by just carrying around some 1/2" thick boards. I have yet to run into a situation where I couldn't level.

Here are a couple photos:
http://www.californiastars.net/images/other/equip_ap900_m12_01.jpg
http://www.californiastars.net/images/other/equip_ap900_fsq_sv80s_01.jpg

Best,
Danny
http://www.californiastars.net/



--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks
Gavin

Hi Gavin,

I've had 2 ATS piers and love them. The advantage the ATS and PWT have over the AP pier is that they require no tools, fold up very compactly, and set up literally in 1-2 minutes. I went with ATS versus PWT because I just couldn't see what another $1000-$1500 was getting me. The only real disadvantage the ATS has compared to the PWT is its limited range of leveling. But I've gotten around that by just carrying around some 1/2" thick boards. I have yet to run into a situation where I couldn't level.

Here are a couple photos:

http://www.californ iastars.net/ images/other/ equip_ap900_ m12_01.jpg

http://www.californ iastars.net/ images/other/ equip_ap900_ fsq_sv80s_ 01.jpg

Best,

Danny

http://www.californ iastars.net/

--- In ap-gto@yahoogroups. com, "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks

Gavin

Let me chime in at this late juncture.
I purchased a PWT Monolith LT version for approx $1k less than comparable over 2 years ago.   I set my Mach1 on it. I simply fold the legs, put it in the trunk, reach a site, pull it out, use the built in compass for N. ut the head on it and in a few minutes am ready to go.  Leveling seems not critical -- I use the STV for guiding. But, polar alignment using the  Meridian delay  method which takes me about 10-15 minutes and is impt.
A side benefit -- my arthritic knees don't allow me to get up after squatting down to sight though my scope. so I use the mount as a crutch to pull myself up.  Its steady  as a rock, doesn't move a twitch.  I have it set up all summer in the same spot with no need to realign -- I use "recalib." and I'm off and running.
Mr Christensen, Howard and Shahin (PWT) are geniuses.
 
frank r. siroky

--- On Thu, 1/14/10, JTC <tagg101@...> wrote:

From: JTC <tagg101@...>
Subject: [ap-gto] Re: Portable piers - ATS or PWT Pinnacle
To: ap-gto@...
Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 4:28 PM







 









Danny,



I agree with you that both the ATS and the Pinnacle require no tools to setup, but also neither pier have to be assembled, hence no parts can be lost or left behind (happened to me once). Some carry the AP pier fully assembled in their vehicles, but that is not an option for me and many other people.



As far the difference between the two pier, I did quite a bit of research before deciding on Pinnacle. There are a number of other feature and advantage to Pinnacle over the ATS beyond the leveling. Even the clear coating is standard on Pinnacle but extra charge on ATS. The price difference between the two piers is only $500 if you do not get the FIA.



Bottom line, there are a number of choices available including all the piers mentioned here and all do a great job. It basically comes down to, budget and the level of features and comfort one requires.



JT



--- In ap-gto@yahoogroups. com, "dannysperry" <danny@> wrote:

Hi Gavin,

I've had 2 ATS piers and love them. The advantage the ATS and PWT have over the AP pier is that they require no tools, fold up very compactly, and set up literally in 1-2 minutes. I went with ATS versus PWT because I just couldn't see what another $1000-$1500 was getting me. The only real disadvantage the ATS has compared to the PWT is its limited range of leveling. But I've gotten around that by just carrying around some 1/2" thick boards. I have yet to run into a situation where I couldn't level.

Here are a couple photos:

http://www.californ iastars.net/ images/other/ equip_ap900_ m12_01.jpg

http://www.californ iastars.net/ images/other/ equip_ap900_ fsq_sv80s_ 01.jpg

Best,

Danny

http://www.californ iastars.net/

--- In ap-gto@yahoogroups. com, "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks

Gavin

Hi Rick

Thanks for the pictures. Did you consider the PWT Pinnacle mount?

I'm trying to determine whether the Pinnacle is worth the extra money or whether the ATS is perfectly adequate.

Thanks
Gavin

--- In ap-gto@..., "Rick" <rickwiggins@> wrote:

Hi,
I have two ATS Piers that I use with AP 1200 and AP 900 mounts and they are super! They have enough adjustment for relatively level ground. I frequently set up with the ATS pier on large granite rock and it works fine. Here are pics of both in action on a flat surface:
http://www.wigginsfinearts.com/wigginsfineartstipstutorialsamptools/id1.html
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks
Gavin

Hi,
Yes I did consider the Pinnacle. It is beautiful. It has more leveling capability than the other solutions, so if you will be imaging in spots where the terrain is severely sloped, you may need it; otherwise, there is no difference from the perspective of the load carrying or stability considerations. If money were no object, I would opt for the Pinnacle, however, the ATS is more than sufficient. Another other thing I like about the ATS and that is the ability to accomodate the AP trays. They fit perfectly and I always use them. I love those trays. Finally, the ATS dissasembles very quickly and allows you to maintain the leveling settings when stored. I use my AP 900 ATS on a granite rock all the time. It is not level, so I have my legs adjusted and spots marked on the rock. I set up the pier in less than 2 minutes and polar allignment takes 10 secs to 1 minute as the mount ends up nearly identicle to where I left it the previous month!
Good luck with your choice.
Thanks, Rick
--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@...> wrote:

Hi Rick

Thanks for the pictures. Did you consider the PWT Pinnacle mount?

I'm trying to determine whether the Pinnacle is worth the extra money or whether the ATS is perfectly adequate.

Thanks
Gavin

--- In ap-gto@..., "Rick" <rickwiggins@> wrote:

Hi,
I have two ATS Piers that I use with AP 1200 and AP 900 mounts and they are super! They have enough adjustment for relatively level ground. I frequently set up with the ATS pier on large granite rock and it works fine. Here are pics of both in action on a flat surface:
http://www.wigginsfinearts.com/wigginsfineartstipstutorialsamptools/id1.html
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks
Gavin

------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links

Hi,

Thanks Gavin, Kent, Rick, Danny for this interesting discussion about
tripods.

As I observe in the fields on uneven ground, I was wondering by how much
the ATS pier could be offet for verticality. I have made some quick
calculations : I typically need a 5 degree offset at my observing site.
Do you think it could be OK with a ATS Pier ?

Thanks

Best regards

Christian Viladrich



Rick a écrit :

Hi,
Yes I did consider the Pinnacle. It is beautiful. It has more leveling capability than the other solutions, so if you will be imaging in spots where the terrain is severely sloped, you may need it; otherwise, there is no difference from the perspective of the load carrying or stability considerations. If money were no object, I would opt for the Pinnacle, however, the ATS is more than sufficient. Another other thing I like about the ATS and that is the ability to accomodate the AP trays. They fit perfectly and I always use them. I love those trays. Finally, the ATS dissasembles very quickly and allows you to maintain the leveling settings when stored. I use my AP 900 ATS on a granite rock all the time. It is not level, so I have my legs adjusted and spots marked on the rock. I set up the pier in less than 2 minutes and polar allignment takes 10 secs to 1 minute as the mount ends up nearly identicle to where I left it the previous month!
Good luck with your choice.
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi Rick

Thanks for the pictures. Did you consider the PWT Pinnacle mount?

I'm trying to determine whether the Pinnacle is worth the extra money or whether the ATS is perfectly adequate.

Thanks
Gavin

--- In ap-gto@..., "Rick" <rickwiggins@> wrote:

Hi,
I have two ATS Piers that I use with AP 1200 and AP 900 mounts and they are super! They have enough adjustment for relatively level ground. I frequently set up with the ATS pier on large granite rock and it works fine. Here are pics of both in action on a flat surface:
http://www.wigginsfinearts.com/wigginsfineartstipstutorialsamptools/id1.html
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks
Gavin

------------------------------------

To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links

Hi,
Sorry I haven't looked on Forum in a while. Yes it will accomodate more than 5 degrees. If you are always in the same location, you may want to consider putting in a setup stone (basically a concrete block dug into ground).
Thanks, Rick
--- In ap-gto@..., christian viladrich <christian.viladrich@...> wrote:

Hi,

Thanks Gavin, Kent, Rick, Danny for this interesting discussion about tripods.

As I observe in the fields on uneven ground, I was wondering by how much the ATS pier could be offet for verticality. I have made some quick calculations : I typically need a 5 degree offset at my observing site.
Do you think it could be OK with a ATS Pier ?

Thanks

Best regards

Christian Viladrich



Rick a crit :

Hi,
Yes I did consider the Pinnacle. It is beautiful. It has more leveling capability than the other solutions, so if you will be imaging in spots where the terrain is severely sloped, you may need it; otherwise, there is no difference from the perspective of the load carrying or stability considerations. If money were no object, I would opt for the Pinnacle, however, the ATS is more than sufficient. Another other thing I like about the ATS and that is the ability to accomodate the AP trays. They fit perfectly and I always use them. I love those trays. Finally, the ATS dissasembles very quickly and allows you to maintain the leveling settings when stored. I use my AP 900 ATS on a granite rock all the time. It is not level, so I have my legs adjusted and spots marked on the rock. I set up the pier in less than 2 minutes and polar allignment takes 10 secs to 1 minute as the mount ends up nearly identicle to where I left it the previous month!
Good luck with your choice.
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi Rick

Thanks for the pictures. Did you consider the PWT Pinnacle mount?

I'm trying to determine whether the Pinnacle is worth the extra money or whether the ATS is perfectly adequate.

Thanks
Gavin

--- In ap-gto@..., "Rick" <rickwiggins@> wrote:

Hi,
I have two ATS Piers that I use with AP 1200 and AP 900 mounts and they are super! They have enough adjustment for relatively level ground. I frequently set up with the ATS pier on large granite rock and it works fine. Here are pics of both in action on a flat surface:
http://www.wigginsfinearts.com/wigginsfineartstipstutorialsamptools/id1.html
Thanks, Rick

--- In ap-gto@..., "gavingbray" <gavbray@> wrote:

Hi

I'm after a portable pier (10"x36") for my AP1200 and I'm currently considering either the ATS or PWT Pinnacle. With accessories the ATS is around $2400 and the Pinnacle is about $3600.

I'm sure that both piers are of high quality but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has purchased either and your reasons for buying one over the other.

Thanks
Gavin

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To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links

------------------------------------
To UNSUBSCRIBE, or for general information on the ap-gto list
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ap-gtoYahoo! Groups Links