On inspection, the mount has barely been used. Some testing and verification, a bit of back-forth and we reached an agreement. The mount 900GTO, (2) counterweights,
The mount needed some maintenance due to it sitting, namely, removal of the old grease and re-greasing, un-sticking of one pinion gear as part of the re-greasing, a new lithium cell in the Hand Control, and replacement of the hand controller cable due to the outer jacket deteriorating. Lastly, the CP-2 controller was upgraded to a CP-3 with the V2 chip. The mount is now restored to full functionality, and compatible with APCC software.
The original top plate is designed for use with refractor rings. Off that came, now replaced with a new DOVELM162 from Astro-Physics, allowing more versatility. First up was my Celestron Ultima C8
Next, some balance tests with my Orion ED-80 riding on the C8
Then, an ADM Side-by-Side was installed, along with my William Optics GT71ii imaging rig mounted.
Next, following the Balancing, I was able to do a Side-by-side test with two refractors, the Orion ED-80 (DDG focuser) and the WOGT71 together.
I use (2) ZWO cameras (ASI183MM-Pro and ASI294MM-Pro) and (2) filter-wheels, with (3) EAFs. The new mount will allow more versatility with quick swap-outs of scopes already near focus. At some point, I may try simultaneous imaging with the two refractors, but for 2024, my plan is to image one at a time. The
For this year, it will be brought in and out when imaging, but In the longer term, this mount will be installed in my observatory. First light should be in April. Looking forward to this ride.