Best Mount for Esprit 100 and ASAIR + - Forums

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022 · Edited: Oct 14, 2022

Dear Astrophotographers,

I am studying, learning and getting ready to make my purchases. I am a beginner (not in photography or post processing but in astrophotography). I am studying the book The Deep Sky Imaging Primer (3rd edition) by Charles Bracken and learning all that I can from various websites.

My choice is the Skywatcher Esprit 100 ED to start with (and then planning on getting the RASA 8 or hopefully a new RASA that is even better!) and also the ZWO ASI2600MC for imaging.   What I am undecided on is the mount, the most important component.

I need a light mount, I am older and must travel to a dark sky site to do this.   I am looking at either the iOptron CEM 40 or the ZWO AM5.   I believe the CEM40 is the better mount but the snag is that I want to use the mount with the ASIAIR + and am wondering if I'll be able to get the CEM 40 to work successfully with it.

WiFi control is important because I can sit in the car with the heater on if necessary so the ASAIR plus or some equivalent, if there is one, is important.

Any suggestions or comments from people who have experience with this equipment?

Thanks in advance for helping an enthusiastic beginner!

Jerry
https://www.jerrygerber.com

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DanRossi

Oct 14, 2022 · Edited: Oct 14, 2022

Hi Jerry, I don't have experience with those iOptron mounts, but I do own and would recommend the Skywatcher HEQ5/Orion Sirius mount (they are the same mount, just different nameplates). To me, its the perfect balance between portability/size, payload capacity, and reliability. When I go to offsite locations I take the HEQ5 instead of my smaller SmartEQ mount, even when I'm using small scopes, because its just more reliable. Also, this mount allows you to use an EQMOD cable that plugs into the hand controller port and connects directly into the ASIAIR…no hand controller needed, so it's "plug and play."

I believe the RASA 8 and the Esprit 100 are at the near-upper "limit" of the HEQ5's ideal astrophotography payload capacity.

Another thought regarding your OTA plan…the RASA 8 (400mm) and the Esprit 100 (550mm) are in the same focal length ballpark. Have you considered the Starizona Apex-L 0.65x reducer for the Esprit 100? It would get you to 357mm, which is moderately close to 400mm, and would still get the Esprit 100's F-ratio in "pretty fast" territory at F/3.57. This reducer works up to an APS-C sensor, and you could save yourself quite a bit of money instead of buying the RASA 8 and its accessories.

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starfield

Oct 14, 2022

Hi Jerry,

I have an Esprit 100 and use it with an EQ6-R Pro. The mount tracks great, but it is heavy compared to the I-Optron. So if weight is an issue I'd take that into account. I've seen the CEM 40 and it's a nice looking mount with good build quality. It's been around a while so it's well tested. AM5 is new and hasn't been in the market very long.

Helpful Concise

Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022 · Edited: Oct 14, 2022

Hi Jerry, I don't have experience with those iOptron mounts, but I do own and would recommend the Skywatcher HEQ5/Orion Sirius mount (they are the same mount, just different nameplates). To me, its the perfect balance between portability/size, payload capacity, and reliability. When I go to offsite locations I take the HEQ5 instead of my smaller SmartEQ mount, even when I'm using small scopes, because its just more reliable. Also, this mount allows you to use an EQMOD cable that plugs into the hand controller port and connects directly into the ASIAIR...no hand controller needed, so it's "plug and play."

I believe the RASA 8 and the Esprit 100 are at the near-upper "limit" of the HEQ5's ideal astrophotography payload capacity.

Another thought regarding your OTA plan...the RASA 8 (400mm) and the Esprit 100 (550mm) are in the same focal length ballpark. Have you considered the Starizona Apex-L 0.65x reducer for the Esprit 100? It would get you to 357mm, which is moderately close to 400mm, and would still get the Esprit 100's F-ratio in "pretty fast" territory at F/3.57. This reducer works up to an APS-C sensor, and you could save yourself quite a bit of money instead of buying the RASA 8 and its accessories.

Dear Dan,

Thanks for replying to my post. I think the HEQ5 will be a bit too small for what my goals are, it only has a 30 lb. weight limit. The book I am studying by Charles Bracken says that even though manufactures give us the maximum load of mounts, he says that we should not go much above 1/2 that limit in order to get maximum stability and tracking from that mount. Given the weight of either the Esprit 100 or the RASA 8, plus camera, guide camera and ASAIR, the minimum weight load of my mount should be around 40-45 lbs. Does this concur with your experience?

Yes, I am also going to get the Apex reducer with the Esprit.

Do you do autoguiding with this mount and is tracking good enough for 5 minute exposures?

Sincerely,
Jerry

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Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022

Hi Jerry,

I have an Esprit 100 and use it with an EQ6-R Pro. The mount tracks great, but it is heavy compared to the I-Optron. So if weight is an issue I'd take that into account. I've seen the CEM 40 and it's a nice looking mount with good build quality. It's been around a while so it's well tested. AM5 is new and hasn't been in the market very long.

Hi Starfield,

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. I am going to need the lightest mount that can carry a 40 lb load, the EQ6-R Pro's mount is 38 lbs, a bit too heavy for me to carry around to dark sky sites!

Best,
Jerry

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Deepan Vishal

Oct 14, 2022 · Edited: Oct 14, 2022

Hi Jerry,

Welcome to the hobby. Fantastic choice on Esprit 100. I am sure you wouldn't be disappointed.
I have an EQ6-R and I have to admit that it is painful to carry it to the field.
If you are looking for something lighter, you could try AM5 or RST135 or any Harmonic mount depending on your budget and availability.

Thanks,
Deepan

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Jonny Bravo

Oct 14, 2022

I have no experience with the strain wave drive mounts like the AM5 or Rainbow RST. They certainly fit the "lightweight" bill, though.

I own the CEM40 and use it with a William Optics GT81 as well as with an 8" EdgeHD. I do both deep sky and planetary imaging. There are times I wish I had a better mount - especially when trying to image with that 8" scope natively at f/10. However, I am overall quite happy with its performance. It will handle that Esprit 100 just fine.

Assembly / disassembly is extremely easy for travel. Assuming you get the iOptron tripod with it, the mount head is secured by two hex bolts - and the hex key is supplied with the mount… stays attached to the mount head via magnets. Pretty slick design.

I'm not sure of your latitude, but the mount has two settings. One for low latitudes (and is the default one when you get the mount) and the other is for higher latitudes. Switching between the two is just a matter of undoing a couple hex bolts, changing the position of a rod, and then reapplying the bolts. The only reason I even bring this up is because of the case / packaging for the mount. If you put it into the high latitude mode, it won't fit back into the original packaging. You'll have to get a custom case like a Pelican. Now, this might have changed, so those with more recent versions of this mount can correct me if I'm wrong.

In my opinion, skip the different variants (i.e. the "G" and "NUC") and get the base version of the mount. I have the LiteRoc tripod.

Hope this helps!

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Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022

Deepan Vishal:
Hi Jerry,

Welcome to the hobby. Fantastic choice on Esprit 100. I am sure you wouldn't be disappointed.
I have an EQ6-R and I have to admit that it is painful to carry it to the field.
If you are looking for something lighter, you could try AM5 or RST135 or any Harmonic mount depending on your budget and availability.

Thanks,
Deepan

Hello Deepan,

Thank you for taking the time to offer your suggestions. I had never heard of the RST135, it sure seems like it will work well, but the cost is quite a bit higher than the CEM40. Have you heard anything about the Pegasus Astri NYX-101? It's less money but looks like a candidate for my purposes..

Best,
Jerry=heading product-view__title

Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022

Jonny Bravo:
I have no experience with the strain wave drive mounts like the AM5 or Rainbow RST. They certainly fit the "lightweight" bill, though.

I own the CEM40 and use it with a William Optics GT81 as well as with an 8" EdgeHD. I do both deep sky and planetary imaging. There are times I wish I had a better mount - especially when trying to image with that 8" scope natively at f/10. However, I am overall quite happy with its performance. It will handle that Esprit 100 just fine.

Assembly / disassembly is extremely easy for travel. Assuming you get the iOptron tripod with it, the mount head is secured by two hex bolts - and the hex key is supplied with the mount... stays attached to the mount head via magnets. Pretty slick design.

I'm not sure of your latitude, but the mount has two settings. One for low latitudes (and is the default one when you get the mount) and the other is for higher latitudes. Switching between the two is just a matter of undoing a couple hex bolts, changing the position of a rod, and then reapplying the bolts. The only reason I even bring this up is because of the case / packaging for the mount. If you put it into the high latitude mode, it won't fit back into the original packaging. You'll have to get a custom case like a Pelican. Now, this might have changed, so those with more recent versions of this mount can correct me if I'm wrong.

In my opinion, skip the different variants (i.e. the "G" and "NUC") and get the base version of the mount. I have the LiteRoc tripod.

Hope this helps!

Hi Jonny,

Yes, this definitely helps. I am strongly considering the CEM 40. Do you have any experience using this mount with the ASAIR or ASAIR +?

Best,
Jerry

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Ed Dixon

Oct 14, 2022 · Edited: Oct 14, 2022

I have the iOptron HEM27 and use it with a WO GT71 and a Celestron 8SE. Works well for both scopes. The HEM27 weighs about 13 lb for both tripod and mount. I use a miniPC at the scope for image capture. I use an iPad for polar alignment and then move inside to a second miniPC for all further actions.

https://www.cloudynights.com/gallery/image/157509-img-0901/

https://www.cloudynights.com/gallery/image/157508-img-0900/

Helpful

Jonny Bravo

Oct 14, 2022

Jerry Gerber:
Jonny Bravo:
I have no experience with the strain wave drive mounts like the AM5 or Rainbow RST. They certainly fit the "lightweight" bill, though.

I own the CEM40 and use it with a William Optics GT81 as well as with an 8" EdgeHD. I do both deep sky and planetary imaging. There are times I wish I had a better mount - especially when trying to image with that 8" scope natively at f/10. However, I am overall quite happy with its performance. It will handle that Esprit 100 just fine.

Assembly / disassembly is extremely easy for travel. Assuming you get the iOptron tripod with it, the mount head is secured by two hex bolts - and the hex key is supplied with the mount... stays attached to the mount head via magnets. Pretty slick design.

I'm not sure of your latitude, but the mount has two settings. One for low latitudes (and is the default one when you get the mount) and the other is for higher latitudes. Switching between the two is just a matter of undoing a couple hex bolts, changing the position of a rod, and then reapplying the bolts. The only reason I even bring this up is because of the case / packaging for the mount. If you put it into the high latitude mode, it won't fit back into the original packaging. You'll have to get a custom case like a Pelican. Now, this might have changed, so those with more recent versions of this mount can correct me if I'm wrong.

In my opinion, skip the different variants (i.e. the "G" and "NUC") and get the base version of the mount. I have the LiteRoc tripod.

Hope this helps!

Hi Jonny,

Yes, this definitely helps. I am strongly considering the CEM 40. Do you have any experience using this mount with the ASAIR or ASAIR +?

Best,
Jerry

I don't have personal experience with any ASIAir device. When I first started, I had a Lumix G9 camera, then a QHY guide camera and Pegasus focuser... so not exactly ZWO's target audience

. I now own enough ZWO gear that I could use one; however, I have a mini PC at the scope. It runs NINA, ASTAP, PHD2, iOptron Commander, etc.

The ASIAir vs mini PC debate is an entire can of worms that'll have everyone and their mother coming out of the woodwork to defend their favorite LOL. My opinion is to use whatever makes sense to you. If the ASIAir works for your use case, then by all means go for it. Because of the hardware I initially owned, the ASIAir wasn't an option for me, so I went with the mini PC.

Well Written Concise Engaging Supportive

Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022

Jonny Bravo:
Jerry Gerber:
Jonny Bravo:
I have no experience with the strain wave drive mounts like the AM5 or Rainbow RST. They certainly fit the "lightweight" bill, though.

I own the CEM40 and use it with a William Optics GT81 as well as with an 8" EdgeHD. I do both deep sky and planetary imaging. There are times I wish I had a better mount - especially when trying to image with that 8" scope natively at f/10. However, I am overall quite happy with its performance. It will handle that Esprit 100 just fine.

Assembly / disassembly is extremely easy for travel. Assuming you get the iOptron tripod with it, the mount head is secured by two hex bolts - and the hex key is supplied with the mount... stays attached to the mount head via magnets. Pretty slick design.

I'm not sure of your latitude, but the mount has two settings. One for low latitudes (and is the default one when you get the mount) and the other is for higher latitudes. Switching between the two is just a matter of undoing a couple hex bolts, changing the position of a rod, and then reapplying the bolts. The only reason I even bring this up is because of the case / packaging for the mount. If you put it into the high latitude mode, it won't fit back into the original packaging. You'll have to get a custom case like a Pelican. Now, this might have changed, so those with more recent versions of this mount can correct me if I'm wrong.

In my opinion, skip the different variants (i.e. the "G" and "NUC") and get the base version of the mount. I have the LiteRoc tripod.

Hope this helps!

Hi Jonny,

Yes, this definitely helps. I am strongly considering the CEM 40. Do you have any experience using this mount with the ASAIR or ASAIR +?

Best,
Jerry

I don't have personal experience with any ASIAir device. When I first started, I had a Lumix G9 camera, then a QHY guide camera and Pegasus focuser... so not exactly ZWO's target audience . I now own enough ZWO gear that I could use one; however, I have a mini PC at the scope. It runs NINA, ASTAP, PHD2, iOptron Commander, etc.

The ASIAir vs mini PC debate is an entire can of worms that'll have everyone and their mother coming out of the woodwork to defend their favorite LOL. My opinion is to use whatever makes sense to you. If the ASIAir works for your use case, then by all means go for it. Because of the hardware I initially owned, the ASIAir wasn't an option for me, so I went with the mini PC.

Thanks! I'll use whatever allows me to sit in the car at a dark site and control things wirelessly. Is the Mini PC wireless, I haven't heard of that...

Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022

Ed Dixon:
I have the iOptron HEM27 and use it with a WO GT71 and a Celestron 8SE. Works well for both scopes. The HEM27 weighs about 13 lb for both tripod and mount. I use a miniPC at the scope for image capture. I use an iPad for polar alignment and then move inside to a second miniPC for all further actions.

https://www.cloudynights.com/gallery/image/157509-img-0901/

https://www.cloudynights.com/gallery/image/157508-img-0900/

Hi Ed,

Thanks for replying! I think the HEM27 with tripod is slightly less expensive than the CEM40, which doesn't weigh too much for me and can hold a larger payload. I am really interested in the MINI PC, specifically the AstroPC. It seems to be similar to the ASAIR. My mind is boggled by the choices, just deciding what to invest in is nearly a full time job. I own a high-end electronic music studio and I know all too well that composing, orchestrating, mixing and mastering, like astrophotography, is complex enough without having to deal with software/hardware issues and troubleshooting because something isn't compatible with something else! Urgh!!! I am trying to make the steep learning-curve a bit easier by making sure I buy equipment that all works together. I can see this is going to take time ...

Jerry
www.jerrygerber.com

DanRossi

Oct 14, 2022

Jerry Gerber:
Hi Jerry, I don't have experience with those iOptron mounts, but I do own and would recommend the Skywatcher HEQ5/Orion Sirius mount (they are the same mount, just different nameplates). To me, its the perfect balance between portability/size, payload capacity, and reliability. When I go to offsite locations I take the HEQ5 instead of my smaller SmartEQ mount, even when I'm using small scopes, because its just more reliable. Also, this mount allows you to use an EQMOD cable that plugs into the hand controller port and connects directly into the ASIAIR...no hand controller needed, so it's "plug and play."

I believe the RASA 8 and the Esprit 100 are at the near-upper "limit" of the HEQ5's ideal astrophotography payload capacity.

Another thought regarding your OTA plan...the RASA 8 (400mm) and the Esprit 100 (550mm) are in the same focal length ballpark. Have you considered the Starizona Apex-L 0.65x reducer for the Esprit 100? It would get you to 357mm, which is moderately close to 400mm, and would still get the Esprit 100's F-ratio in "pretty fast" territory at F/3.57. This reducer works up to an APS-C sensor, and you could save yourself quite a bit of money instead of buying the RASA 8 and its accessories.

Dear Dan,

Thanks for replying to my post. I think the HEQ5 will be a bit too small for what my goals are, it only has a 30 lb. weight limit. The book I am studying by Charles Bracken says that even though manufactures give us the maximum load of mounts, he says that we should not go much above 1/2 that limit in order to get maximum stability and tracking from that mount. Given the weight of either the Esprit 100 or the RASA 8, plus camera, guide camera and ASAIR, the minimum weight load of my mount should be around 40-45 lbs. Does this concur with your experience?

Yes, I am also going to get the Apex reducer with the Esprit.

Do you do autoguiding with this mount and is tracking good enough for 5 minute exposures?

Sincerely,
Jerry

=MsoNormalHi Jerry, both the RASA 8 and the Esprit 100 are still probably "OK" as they they're close in weight. I'm estimating your total payload will be 20-22 lbs, depending on which accessories you're using. For example, at 550mm and shorter you can probably use a very small guide scope to save weight. Indeed, the rule of thumb is 1/2 the listed limit of the mount, but I've also seen it pushed to 2/3's. My personal rig does total 15lbs or so, and yes I can get 5 minute exposures....but....more often that not I'm using 2 minute exposures because my clear nights have a 50% or more illuminated moon. My rig is a William Optics Z103 telescope (w/.8x reducer) and ASI533MC camera using the ASIAIR Pro, and 2 minute subs work OK. The ASI2600MC is a great camera, so you're in the same ballpark as I am, if not better. Ultimately, I would encourage you to check the different equipment combinations of Astrobin users. I did a quick search for Esprit 100 owners using an HEQ5, and there were many results. Someone else on this thread mentioned the EQ6R-Pro, and I would've recommended that mount first, but portability isn't its strong suit. Ultimately, if you really want to "nail" those 5 minute exposures with consistency, then yes, aim for a mount at 35lbs or higher. Good luck!

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kuechlew

Oct 14, 2022

Hi Jerry, I started almost one year ago with astrophotography. If I had to start again as a total beginner I would go the "ZWO route": Zwo camera, Zwo focuser, ASIAIR, ZWO mount (not available a year ago). It's without doubt the easiest and fastest way to get results. One of the advantages of this approach is the fact that if the setup doesn't work, ZWO can't blame another company.

I went another route with QHY camera, Mini PC and NINA. It's more flexible and I'm a happy user now but the learning curve was steep and I had some struggles with wrong decisions like trying to use stellarmate on a Raspberry Pi and attempts to get the Skywatcher AZ GTI going in a reliable way. So you have to decide whether to go the easy route at the price of getting stuck in a "ZWO universe" or to go a more painful but more flexible way. If money is no issue starting with the "Zwo route" for quick results and then later step-by-step replacing the ASIAIR by a mini PC with NINA may be a viable - and not too expensive - approach.

Good luck and clear skies
Wolfgang

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Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022

Jerry Gerber:
Hi Jerry, I don't have experience with those iOptron mounts, but I do own and would recommend the Skywatcher HEQ5/Orion Sirius mount (they are the same mount, just different nameplates). To me, its the perfect balance between portability/size, payload capacity, and reliability. When I go to offsite locations I take the HEQ5 instead of my smaller SmartEQ mount, even when I'm using small scopes, because its just more reliable. Also, this mount allows you to use an EQMOD cable that plugs into the hand controller port and connects directly into the ASIAIR...no hand controller needed, so it's "plug and play."

I believe the RASA 8 and the Esprit 100 are at the near-upper "limit" of the HEQ5's ideal astrophotography payload capacity.

Another thought regarding your OTA plan...the RASA 8 (400mm) and the Esprit 100 (550mm) are in the same focal length ballpark. Have you considered the Starizona Apex-L 0.65x reducer for the Esprit 100? It would get you to 357mm, which is moderately close to 400mm, and would still get the Esprit 100's F-ratio in "pretty fast" territory at F/3.57. This reducer works up to an APS-C sensor, and you could save yourself quite a bit of money instead of buying the RASA 8 and its accessories.

Dear Dan,

Thanks for replying to my post. I think the HEQ5 will be a bit too small for what my goals are, it only has a 30 lb. weight limit. The book I am studying by Charles Bracken says that even though manufactures give us the maximum load of mounts, he says that we should not go much above 1/2 that limit in order to get maximum stability and tracking from that mount. Given the weight of either the Esprit 100 or the RASA 8, plus camera, guide camera and ASAIR, the minimum weight load of my mount should be around 40-45 lbs.    Does this concur with your experience?

Yes, I am also going to get the Apex reducer with the Esprit.

Do you do autoguiding with this mount and is tracking good enough for 5 minute exposures?

Sincerely,
Jerry

=MsoNormalHi Jerry, both the RASA 8 and the Esprit 100 are still probably "OK" as they they're close in weight. I'm estimating your total payload will be 20-22 lbs, depending on which accessories you're using. For example, at 550mm and shorter you can probably use a very small guide scope to save weight. Indeed, the rule of thumb is 1/2 the listed limit of the mount, but I've also seen it pushed to 2/3's. My personal rig does total 15lbs or so, and yes I can get 5 minute exposures....but....more often that not I'm using 2 minute exposures because my clear nights have a 50% or more illuminated moon. My rig is a William Optics Z103 telescope (w/.8x reducer) and ASI533MC camera using the ASIAIR Pro, and 2 minute subs work OK. The ASI2600MC is a great camera, so you're in the same ballpark as I am, if not better. Ultimately, I would encourage you to check the different equipment combinations of Astrobin users. I did a quick search for Esprit 100 owners using an HEQ5, and there were many results.   Someone else on this thread mentioned the EQ6R-Pro, and I would've recommended that mount first, but portability isn't its strong suit.    Ultimately, if you really want to "nail" those 5 minute exposures with consistency, then yes, aim for a mount at 35lbs or higher. Good luck!

Thanks, much appreciated...

John Noble

Oct 14, 2022

Jerry,

I can't speak for the AM5 but I have two iOptron's the GEM 28 and the CEM 70. They work extremely well with the ASIAir, so I'd imagine the the 40 will too. I've used both as a traveler just as you intend to. The GEM 28 is crazy light and I know the 40 isn't much heavier so they are very portable. I had a CGEM II before which is about the same weight as the EQ6 so I can tell you it's a night and day difference in weight.

I wouldn't write off the AM5 or other harmonic drive mounts. I've seen plenty of good reviews and the iOptrons are not perfect (Dec backlash). I'm about to head off for a week to a dark site and I'm flying, I could certainly do without the counterweight in my luggage!!

If I had my time again I'd stick with the CEM 70 for the back yard but trade the GEM 28 for the harmonic mount for travel - watch Astrobackyard's latest video.

Great choice on the scope and of course either mount will do fine so you can't really go wrong.

John

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Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022

Hi Jerry, I started almost one year ago with astrophotography. If I had to start again as a total beginner I would go the "ZWO route": Zwo camera, Zwo focuser, ASIAIR, ZWO mount (not available a year ago). It's without doubt the easiest and fastest way to get results. One of the advantages of this approach is the fact that if the setup doesn't work, ZWO can't blame another company.

I went another route with QHY camera, Mini PC and NINA. It's more flexible and I'm a happy user now but the learning curve was steep and I had some struggles with wrong decisions like trying to use stellarmate on a Raspberry Pi and attempts to get the Skywatcher AZ GTI going in a reliable way. So you have to decide whether to go the easy route at the price of getting stuck in a "ZWO universe" or to go a more painful but more flexible way. If money is no issue starting with the "Zwo route" for quick results and then later step-by-step replacing the ASIAIR by a mini PC with NINA may be a viable - and not too expensive - approach.

Good luck and clear skies
Wolfgang

Hi Wolfgang,

I don't mind a steep learning curve in terms of learning polar alignment, autoguiding, making darks and flats, etc. as much as I want to avoid buying equipment that doesn't work as advertised or doesn't play well with other gear. I like the all ZWO approach except for the mount. It has a + - 20 arc second error, but, I am wondering if this can be overcome through good autoguiding. If it can, they I will go that route.

Thanks!
Jerry

Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022

John Noble:
Jerry,

I can't speak for the AM5 but I have two iOptron's the GEM 28 and the CEM 70. They work extremely well with the ASIAir, so I'd imagine the the 40 will too. I've used both as a traveler just as you intend to. The GEM 28 is crazy light and I know the 40 isn't much heavier so they are very portable. I had a CGEM II before which is about the same weight as the EQ6 so I can tell you it's a night and day difference in weight.

I wouldn't write off the AM5 or other harmonic drive mounts. I've seen plenty of good reviews and the iOptrons are not perfect (Dec backlash). I'm about to head off for a week to a dark site and I'm flying, I could certainly do without the counterweight in my luggage!!

If I had my time again I'd stick with the CEM 70 for the back yard but trade the GEM 28 for the harmonic mount for travel - watch Astrobackyard's latest video.

Great choice on the scope and of course either mount will do fine so you can't really go wrong.

John

Thanks John, yes, I am seriously considering the ZWO mount. I would like to buy 1 mount and not have to replace it. I doubt I will outgrow a mount that can hold 40 or 45 lbs because I myself cannot see myself lugging around anything larger or heavier than a RASA 8.
Jerry

Jonny Bravo

Oct 14, 2022 · Edited: Oct 14, 2022

Jerry Gerber:
Thanks! I'll use whatever allows me to sit in the car at a dark site and control things wirelessly. Is the Mini PC wireless, I haven't heard of that...

Sorry, I probably should have explained the setup better. The mini PC has a wireless network card in it. I also have a portable router. I use Microsoft Remote Desktop on the mini PC. I can connect to the mini PC using the RDP app on my iPad, RDP on my MacBook Pro or RDP from a Windows laptop.

When I setup at the bottom of my driveway, the mini PC connects to the portable router, which itself is connected to my home wireless network. When setting up, I typically bring the old Windows laptop outside with me. I use the Windows laptop to connect to the mini PC. I do all my initial setup, including polar alignment, checking collimation (if I'm using my EdgeHD), guiding calibration, etc. Then, depending on the weather, I'll either sit out there enjoying the night sky or I'll head back inside to escape the heat / cold. Once inside, I'll typically use my MacBook Pro to connect to the mini PC via RDP.

Is it as convenient as an AIO device like the ASIAir? Nope. I have multiple devices: mini PC, Pegasus Pocket Power Box Advance, travel router.

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John Noble

Oct 14, 2022

Good luck Jerry but don't tempt fate if I had a penny for every time I've said never with regard to astro purchases I'd have enough for a 10 Micron!!!

I'd say with the 2600, the Esprit 100 and the AM5 you will have a great set up. I've only been using the ASI Air for a year but as it updates it keeps getting better and better. It's a great way to enter the hobby and you can branch out from there just as Wolfgang mentioned.

John

kuechlew

Oct 14, 2022

You may

Jerry Gerber:
Hi Jerry, I started almost one year ago with astrophotography. If I had to start again as a total beginner I would go the "ZWO route": Zwo camera, Zwo focuser, ASIAIR, ZWO mount (not available a year ago). It's without doubt the easiest and fastest way to get results. One of the advantages of this approach is the fact that if the setup doesn't work, ZWO can't blame another company.

I went another route with QHY camera, Mini PC and NINA. It's more flexible and I'm a happy user now but the learning curve was steep and I had some struggles with wrong decisions like trying to use stellarmate on a Raspberry Pi and attempts to get the Skywatcher AZ GTI going in a reliable way. So you have to decide whether to go the easy route at the price of getting stuck in a "ZWO universe" or to go a more painful but more flexible way. If money is no issue starting with the "Zwo route" for quick results and then later step-by-step replacing the ASIAIR by a mini PC with NINA may be a viable - and not too expensive - approach.

Good luck and clear skies
Wolfgang

Hi Wolfgang,

I don't mind a steep learning curve in terms of learning polar alignment, autoguiding, making darks and flats, etc. as much as I want to avoid buying equipment that doesn't work as advertised or doesn't play well with other gear. I like the all ZWO approach except for the mount. It has a + - 20 arc second error, but, I am wondering if this can be overcome through good autoguiding. If it can, they I will go that route.

Thanks!
Jerry

You may check the equipment explorer for the ZWO AM5 and contact the users there. There is already a surprisingly large user base given that it was just released. I'm having an eye on these harmonic drive mounts myself for a future upgrade and there is a lot of reporting going on on Cloudynights. My current impression from these reports is that there are only very few complaints (like: No slew limits, star alignment routines need to get improved and initial quibbles with the ASCOM driver) and in general it seems to work quite ok - within the limitations of a harmonic drive mount. Best tested harmonic drive mount these days is still the RST-135 (E) which is very expensive but seems to be very well built.

Clear skies
Wolfgang

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Jerry Gerber

Topic starter

Oct 14, 2022

Jonny Bravo:
Jerry Gerber:
Thanks! I'll use whatever allows me to sit in the car at a dark site and control things wirelessly. Is the Mini PC wireless, I haven't heard of that...

Sorry, I probably should have explained the setup better. The mini PC has a wireless network card in it. I also have a portable router. I use Microsoft Remote Desktop on the mini PC. I can connect to the mini PC using the RDP app on my iPad, RDP on my MacBook Pro or RDP from a Windows laptop.

When I setup at the bottom of my driveway, the mini PC connects to the portable router, which itself is connected to my home wireless network. When setting up, I typically bring the old Windows laptop outside with me. I use the Windows laptop to connect to the mini PC. I do all my initial setup, including polar alignment, checking collimation (if I'm using my EdgeHD), guiding calibration, etc. Then, depending on the weather, I'll either sit out there enjoying the night sky or I'll head back inside to escape the heat / cold. Once inside, I'll typically use my MacBook Pro to connect to the mini PC via RDP.

Is it as convenient as an AIO device like the ASIAir? Nope. I have multiple devices: mini PC, Pegasus Pocket Power Box Advance, travel router.

Got it, thanks for explaining that to me. All the info I am gathering is really helping me to make a good decision as to what I will use to learn this fascinating activity.

Well Written Respectful

Ed Dixon

Oct 14, 2022

Jerry Gerber:
Ed Dixon:
I have the iOptron HEM27 and use it with a WO GT71 and a Celestron 8SE. Works well for both scopes. The HEM27 weighs about 13 lb for both tripod and mount. I use a miniPC at the scope for image capture. I use an iPad for polar alignment and then move inside to a second miniPC for all further actions.

https://www.cloudynights.com/gallery/image/157509-img-0901/

https://www.cloudynights.com/gallery/image/157508-img-0900/

Hi Ed,

Thanks for replying! I think the HEM27 with tripod is slightly less expensive than the CEM40, which doesn't weigh too much for me and can hold a larger payload. I am really interested in the MINI PC, specifically the AstroPC. It seems to be similar to the ASAIR. My mind is boggled by the choices, just deciding what to invest in is nearly a full time job. I own a high-end electronic music studio and I know all too well that composing, orchestrating, mixing and mastering, like astrophotography, is complex enough without having to deal with software/hardware issues and troubleshooting because something isn't compatible with something else! Urgh!!! I am trying to make the steep learning-curve a bit easier by making sure I buy equipment that all works together. I can see this is going to take time ...

Jerry
www.jerrygerber.com

For more payload, iOptron also has the newer HEM44. Other parts are the same, but with a 44lb payload and no counter weight. With counterweight it's higher still. I prefer the Windows approach to astro apps, as they are more full featured than those included as part of ASIAIR type dedicated devices.

Abdulmohsen Alreesh

Oct 15, 2022

Hi Jerry!

I use pretty much that exact combo.

Ioptron cem40
Skywatcher esprit 100
zwo asi2600mm with filter wheel, eaf and asiair plus

I couldn't be happier.

keep in mind with the cem 40 you will need an extra counterweight as the one supplied is not enough.

it guides great generally getting rms between 0.5 and 0. 8

the asi air plays nicely,

in terms of weight it's not too bad, however I do plan on getting an am5 and redcat soon for a portable set up. and as others have said, the rasa and esprit are so close it wouldn't be worth getting both in my opinion. also I got a pelican case as it is annoying having to tear down and rebuild the full telescope as it won't fit in its box in one piece.

Regards

Abdulmohsen

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