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[peetyg]

I currently own a 9.25 edge cpc scope on fork mount and want to get into AP. My debate is should I buy a wedge and how difficult is it to set up and take down. Could I leave it attached to tripod. I don't have a permanent setup so i would have to take it in every night. Also how does the wedge work for visual use? Or should I buy a separate GEM mount and scope for AP. I am new to AP so my understanding is refractors are easier to learn on. My understanding is that the Edge scope is also great for AP but I would guess i need some kind of guide scope because of the long focal length. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

thanks

Peety

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Hi Peety,

Although solid and dependable, I'm not a great fan of forks. Takes nothing away from enjoying astronomy, but as you have encountered - things become clunky.

The wedge adds a lot of weight to what you have to be carrying. Once attached to the tripod, you can leave it on and will not affect visual observing. Forks have a tendency to get cramped when one attaches a camera and pointing to near zenith. The extended light path, (camera, Barlow. T-mounts etc...), usually will smack against the base, allowing only a reach up to 80 or so degrees. Frustrating when the object you want to image is straight up.

Some also experience resonance, as the fork vibrates like a tuning fork on windy nights or when bumped. I'm not sure how the wedge will interfere with the 9.25 tracking, but should not the stand along set-up, (minus the wedge), track the targets sufficiently as is?

The 9.25 HD is a good scope and not a bad set-up. The best Saturn I have ever observed was thru a scope like yours.

[Paulie pchris00]

Sept 28, 2012 9:26:59 GMT -6 Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe said:

I'm not sure how the wedge will interfere with the 9.25 tracking, but should not the stand along set-up, (minus the wedge), track the targets sufficiently as is?

For visual observing, yeah, the tracking without the wedge would be fine. To do any long exposure AP without the wedge would give field rotation, and make the exposures worthless, right?

I use a permanently mounted fork/wedge 16" LX200 owned by Calumet Astronomical Society. I'm not fond of it, but it's greatest advantage was that the society was able to obtain grant money to pay for the entire mounting system (which sits on a pier that raises and lowers, making it handicap accessible). At least that's my understanding.

I would recommend an EQ mount if you can, but if the wedge is more practical, go for it. But there are limitations of what a fork will do.