In March there were many clear nights in a row, but a problem with the Vixen GPD2 became apparent. The autoguiding didn't work properly anymore, especially in declination. But after a maintenance of the mount, the problems remained.
For a long time I had the wish to have a new mount. The Skywatcher EQ6-R (actually too heavy), the iOptron GEM 45 (unfortunately not available) or the iOptron CEM60 were shortlisted. The latter one became it and in the last nights I could test it for the first time.
The operation of the CEM60 is a bit unusual at first, the way of clamping with "Magnetic Gear Meshing" unusual. For this iOptron gets a lot of negative press in (mainly European) internet forums. On the other hand, the owners are often very satisfied with their device. So I give it a chance, after all it is 25% lighter than the EQ6-R and carries 33% more load.
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