Feeling grateful and glad that I waited to purchase the AT130EDT.
I upgraded the iEQ45 Pro with the iOptron Tri-Pier ahead of the scopes arrival anticipating the heavier weight requirements and looking for as much stability as possible without a real pier. What a major difference that made! Solid as a rock now. To be honest, I can't imagine a cement pier being that much of an upgrade from here...and no more worries about a tripod/pier crash with my refactors!!
I dropped my Orion SSAG Pro guide scope as well in favor of mounting my
Stellarvue 60EDS (which they don't offer anymore, but is a little gem of a scope @ 330mm and less than 3lbs).
Just got everything working tonight and guiding is less than .6" and steady even with things just slightly out of balance (camera heavy) which I'll resolve tomorrow.
Starting an imaging run on NGC 1893 / IC 410 w/ASI1600MM-C, Gain 0, Offset 10. Sky is amazing clear for a change with SGP giving me 1.77"-2.13" on HFR focusing.
I had to use both 11lbs counter weights + my 2.5lb one as well to balance this guy out. I do have a counter-weight extension bar I could add to the mount, so we'll play with that later and perhaps lighten the load a bit.
Last, but not least, the yard / patio are finally finished and running this over Cat5e from inside the house, where it's warm, is a real joy.
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