Alt Az for visual use?

General
1

I am looking for a light weight mount to use for visual use in an Alt AZ configuration. I have a range of scope sizes from 4 inch refractors to 6 inch F9 refractors and a C11. Considering the WD 20 as an option, but I do not seem much out there talking about use of this mount for my use case. How does one control the mount without the use of a computer? The hand set looks very rudimentary. Can this be controlled via tablet/phone via WiFi? Finally, i would be interested in hearing folks experiences using this mount in Alt/AZ configuration. Thanks! JMD

2

Hi,

Our mount support both GEM and Alt Az modes. If you’d like to use Alt Az mode, you can switch the mode in settings menu of hand controller, then rotate 90 degrees of saddle(4 bolt can be removed), and you can attach your OTA on it. Default home position of Alt Az mode will be pointing to North.

Hand controller is provided and can be used for controlling of the mount, for operations without computer, you can use it to do GOTO/ sync / multiple start alignment etc. There’s a list of common objects for goto in it.

If you’d like to use mobile software to control the mount, you can use 3rd-party software like Sky Safari(for IOS) or OnStep (android, basically same function to hand controller). software like Sky Safari will be powerful for GOTO with assistance of sky map.

C11 is not suggested for working on mount in Alt Az mode, due to safety consideration of an much unbalanced / unstable tripod. For GEM mode, C11 will be fine.

WarpAstron Support

3

Thanks, that is very helpful. How about Alt Az with an 6 inch F9 Triplet refractor? Estimated mass is ~35 lbs with rings/eyepiece, etc…. Mount will be placed on a Losmandy HD tripod with 12 inch pier extensions. Tripod legs would be anchored. This would be a rare use case. Appreciate your prompt feedback. Your mount is very intriguing. Regards, JMD

4

I have placed my order for a WD 20! Looking forward playing with this mount! Should get here Tuesday!