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Mach1 and Payload - 12" RC
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Steven Waldren
Looking at getting a new OTA and want to maximize the upgrade (have a 9.25 SCT now) without replacing the mount.
I am wondering about a 12” truss RC (55#) that would put the entire payload weight (minus counterweights) at 65.5 lbs. I know the manual states payload max is 65. I also know the distance from the center of the mount also matters. So the question…. Can I make the 12” work, or should I drop down to a 10” (and 20# less weight)? I want to stay with the 1500 - 2500 mm focal length. Thanks for the input. Best, Steven |
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Hi Steven,I I am a Mach 1 GTO owner and I am under the impression the Mach 1 GTO max payload is 45 lbs without counterweights. Best, Phillip Looking at getting a new OTA and want to maximize the upgrade (have a 9.25 SCT now) without replacing the mount. |
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Steven Waldren
I thought I read the capacity was “revised” to 65lb.
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Bill Long
That is correct, it was revised to 65lbs and that is reflected in the product information/history as well.
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Steven Waldren via groups.io <swaldren@...>
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 1:53 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach1 and Payload - 12" RC I thought I read the capacity was “revised” to 65lb.
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Steven Waldren
These are only guidelines. Some telescopes are very long for their weight or heavy for their size and will require a larger mount. Remember also that imaging requirements are more rigid than visual observation.
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Thank you for telling me about the update which I was not aware off. Clear skies! Phil
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Bill Long
Hi Steven,
I would say it's probably going to be fine since it's an RC which is a short fat design scope, and you aren't going much past the maximum capacity. You didn't mention the imaging train, which would be good to know.
If you do attempt this, which I personally think you should, just be very vigilant about getting perfectly neutral scope balance in both axis, and make sure you have well optimized counterweight placement to minimize moment. If you're surgical about those
two things, I think it will work just fine.
You'll probably want to make sure the mount has a fresh PEMPro curve, and if you can a nice tracking correction model wouldn't hurt either, and be sure to guide it even with the fresh curve and the model in place.
With that said, AP may respond and tell you no. If so, ignore everything I said and don't do it. 😂
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Steven Waldren via groups.io <swaldren@...>
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 1:38 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> Subject: [ap-gto] Mach1 and Payload - 12" RC Looking at getting a new OTA and want to maximize the upgrade (have a 9.25 SCT now) without replacing the mount.
I am wondering about a 12” truss RC (55#) that would put the entire payload weight (minus counterweights) at 65.5 lbs. I know the manual states payload max is 65. I also know the distance from the center of the mount also matters. So the question…. Can I make the 12” work, or should I drop down to a 10” (and 20# less weight)? I want to stay with the 1500 - 2500 mm focal length. Thanks for the input. Best, Steven |
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Howard Ritter
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Steven Waldren
Thanks Bill.
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Imagetrain (slightly under 4#) is ZWO OAG, ZWO 7 position EFW, and ASI6200mm. I plan to use the cray focuser and electronic focuser from the OTA producer. I added all those weights in (including the mounting plate and power distribution box) Thanks Howard. I was wondering if there was experience in the group as to “it works for me” or “tried and it did not work” before hitting up George/Ronald. Clear skies and calm winds. Best, Steven
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