Universal Astronomics Mounts

[andeelym]

Hi,

I am looking at the UA Macrostar to hold up a Meade LX50 8" SCT with 2" diagonal and 2" eyepieces. Most of the time will use a 5D Mark II instead of a 2" eyepiece for prime focus imaging. Other times will be attaching the camera to a baader hyperion eyepiece and into the whole setup.

Would like to know if anyone have any experience with UA's stuff and if it is available locally in SG? Otherwise I'll just have to buy and ship it in.

Look forward to your replies.

[weixing]

Hi,
You can get UA mount from Astro Bargains, but will be cheaper and faster if you go direct.

By the way, if you intend to use a 8" SCT for imaging, a tracking mount (EQ mount is a must for long exposure) will be better and easier due to it's long focal length... objects "move" fast at such long focal length or high magification.

Have a nice day.

[ivanong]

A Macrostar would be a bit shaky. You will also need a very sturdy tripod. Preferably a wooden one that can absorb the vibrations. Maybe a Unistar is better.

[orly_andico]

long-exposure photography on an alt-az mount?

probably not a good idea, you'd get field rotation unless you have the field de-rotator or limit your exposure time and compensate for field rotation thru Envisage.

[andeelym]

Thank you for all your inputs.

Most of the time, I'll be doing lunar and planetary imaging. And will be doing prime focus bah, at least for lunar shots.

Astrobargains only has the microstar basic which might be too basic for my needs, in terms of payload.

I am using quite a sturdy photographic tripod at the moment while looking around for a wooden suveyor tripod.

If i were to get an EQ mount, which one will you recommend? Cos i am kinda confused by the various offerings. Am looking for something for a grab-and-go setup.

[weixing]

Hi,

Thank you for all your inputs.
Astrobargains only has the microstar basic which might be too basic for my needs, in terms of payload.

You can ask him to quote you the MacroStar.

If i were to get an EQ mount, which one will you recommend? Cos i am kinda confused by the various offerings. Am looking for something for a grab-and-go setup.

For lunar and planets shot, any GP and equivalent mount will be OK, but I'll recommend the Vixen GPD or at least Vixen GP mount. Anyway, most EQ mount that can carry a 8" SCT will not be grab-and-go setup (unless you are a strong guy), but can be push-and-go setup.

Happy shopping and good luck.

Have a nice day.

[timatworksg]

Will have to agree on getting an EQ mount. It's definately a pain to grab and go as many will attest to it. Getting a smaller EQ won't solve the future big scope prob..as it won't handle the payload.
Using and AltAz would be ok with Prime shots for say the Moon. But tricky with Jupitor, Venus and other planets as they will zip past your EP FOV pretty quick. I use my C8 on my AstroTech Voyager for visual and always have to chase Jupitor as it zooms past my EP...it's not fast but glides nicely by..lol! I did try and got more frustrated when I have to plave the planet below my FOV, then as it comes into view, focus (prime can be a pain when your rushing) and if your lucky get it into focus before it dissappears. Then chase it down again and wait for that good moment to snap. You will find yourself chasing planets as they move faster especially with a 8" scope and they will kinda move diagonally which means adjustments to both Atl-Az. Unless your using a GotoAltAz, then it's easier. Hence why many take the webcam route and let the planet zip past...provided your webcam can record the movement. Most simple webcams will record a movie but not fast enough and show the planet at a blurry speeding ball. Unless you have a good system and patient, then great....but chasing moving planets will get frustrating especially at such mags.
With the EQ, the Goto computer will track accordingly. It is daunting to set up and align but actually pretty easy. Yes it is heavy,,,my GP is,..well the counterweight is the biggest pain! But placing the mount head, half pier, counterweight, SLA battery, cables into a sturdy roller travel suitcase (the Polo brand sold everywhere), strap them down and bungee the tripod on the outside...rolling the case hardly makes you feel anything!! The rest depends on what else you wanna carry. For me it's my 80ED in a small narrow long bag that also fits a tupperware padded for my EP, diagonal and extension. My DSLR fits in too plus small book, some tools and my Ipod with starchart software. I can easily walk up to my MSCP ramp by ramp without a prob as the main bulk is rolling behind me.
If you head down the Sirius/Atlas type mounts...then rolling is good in a costly Pelican case...your gonna need the protection and strong hold!
If I do grab and Go with my Voyager, it's all hand held..though the Voyager's mount Arm is the heaviest part!! But manageable. Hence why I go Prime DSLR as I can carry less and CCD drift align so no need for extra stuff. Now with a small netbook and CCD cam...I may be able to reduce load a little....but still doesn't solve the mount issue. Imaging with a 8" is wonderful but tricky with SCT's. Which is why I go with my 80ED which is great for wide field. Alot boils down to where you see yourself, do you imagine lugging all that? I tried and gave up...haha! Decided to resolve myself to something lighter...which has left my C8 pretty lonely for some time.

Just my 2c...on what could be expected. Wish you the best in experiences and to mostly enjoy the costly plunge of Astronomy!!

[andeelym]

Tim, you inputs are really good coming from a practical side which I have lesser experience on. I haven't been able to try on high mag for planets but they are ok in terms of speed across the EP.

I am mainly looking at an AA setup due to the simplicity of setting things up at home rather than outdoors. I know and I am planning an EQ mount eventually when I have more time to spare to go outdoors. But what I need now is a quick 5min setup of things and have a quick view or take quick shots of moon/planets from my home window.

[Gary]

If your quick shots and moon/planets are to be done mainly from your home window, shouldn't you be getting a tracking EQ mount and set it up permanently near the window instead? Isn't that faster? Unless you do not have the luxury of allocating a permanent space near the window for the setup.

[andeelym]

I would love to have that but most likely, my kids will spoil or mis-align it. Of cos, that is only to see/shoot objects that happens to pass by my window. I would also like to go observing at the MSCP near my place when the time permits.