Mike Fitterman wrote:
"Stephen Paul" wrote in message
...

"Steve Maddison" wrote in message
...

Hi all,

I'm contemplating getting an Orion ED80 for wide field viewing and
imaging. My original thought was to piggy back it on my Meade LX90, but
it'd be nice to have a separate mount too, in order to increase the
grab-and-go possibilities

www.universalastronomic.com

Check out the UniStar line. The Light Deluxe model is perfect for the

ED80,

and ultra-portable.

I have the UniStar Light on the D&S Compact CS short tripod for my 100mm

F5

refractor. The entire setup (with scope) weighs just 15 pounds. Put
anti-vibration pads under the tripod and it's good to go for as high power
as you'd want to use in an undriven scope (160x?).


I have the UniversalAstronomics (real url:
http://www.universalastronomics.com/ )Microstar and an ED80 and it's a nice
little setup. I'm going to get the Light Deluxe myself because I want to
add encoders and computer to the setup. I really like UA's stuff and would
highly recommend it also.

Mike


Although I was really after an EQ, the more I read about these alt/az
mounts, the better they sound. The weight factor also makes them very
tempting... I guess previous experiences with substandard alt/az mounts
have put me off, but I can imagine a nice one would be a lot of fun.

The only thing I'm worried about is the imaging possibilities, or more
accurately, the potential lack thereof. In any case, it'd be nice to be
able to track objects without needing to add a computer.

--Steve