www.baader-observatories.com
After I switched in the summer from a Skywatcher EQ6 to a GM2000 QCI, for various reasons it was no longer possible for me to continue working in the mobile field with the second EQ6.
The difference in quality and precision between the two mounts is too great. However, I will not attack the predecessor product here, because it also has its place in astrophotography. The nights in which one can obtain images in the open field are rare, and then I want to capture images with minimal effort in the best quality and with no rejects.
So the decision to buy a 10 Micron 1000 HPS for the mobile field was made pretty quickly.
After a conversation with Mr. Risch from Baader Planetarium, everything was clear again. I had to have the 10 Micron 1000 HPS, preferably yesterday. I decided on the complete package from Baader, including tripod and flight cases. I also ordered a 12V to 24V converter right away.
After what for me was an almost endless wait of many months, caused by the introduction of the new model, the mount was delivered to me by UPS on October 31, 2012.
3 clean boxes with very well protected contents and a total weight of 75 kg were quickly brought from the UPS transporter into the hobby room.
Then it was time to unpack. Here one could already see the first difference compared to other manufacturers. Everything cleanly in its place. The flight cases are manufactured in a highly professional way. You will search in vain for Styrofoam. Everything is made of finely processed and precisely shaped hard foam. The wooden tripod, with chrome-plated reinforcements, and padded and, as it seems to me, waterproof carrying bag, are almost too beautiful to take into the field. (Well, then it should not have been a tripod 🙂 Should I no longer be able to pursue astrophotography, I will use the tripod as a designer piece for a flower vase. The base adapter and the tripod adapter were already fully assembled.
So, careful first setup. Just when you handle the things, you can already see the quality. Everything fits precisely. Nothing catches or has annoying play. At this point, at the latest, you once again know what you spent your money on.
I browsed through the very well-written operating manual (located on the supplied CD-ROM together with other software tools such as virtual keyboard, ASCOM driver, update software) for changes compared to the QCI 2000, placed the GPS module on the windowsill, and then switched it on for the first time.
The only difference that I found, or missed, is the function “Reset at Home.” Thanks to the encoders, it now does that automatically. Set or checked the most important parameters and then simply ran the balancing tool. That is one of the most ingenious inventions.
Configured all cables in such a way that I will not experience any surprises in the open field. I also like that the mount is now connected to the control box with only one cable. This causes the rest of the necessary cables such as power supply, GPS, etc. to disappear under the tripod. Everything neatly tidied away, and thus no tripping hazards in the dark either.
Everything was just as I had expected from a professional company. It was simply nice to once again have no trouble and no disappointment …
Read the complete experience report:
GM 1000 HPS - Kundenurteil von Reinhard Wallner
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Summary
I also assume that you do not buy yourself a new mount every year. So I see the purchase of the two 10 Micron mounts as the right decision and even as an investment.
I can recommend the 10 Micron 1000 HPS in the 25 kg class to anyone who values quality and does not want problems. At the latest after the first successful image, one will be compensated for the perhaps somewhat too long waiting time. The universe was not created in 1 week either, although some people claim that. I would have only one wish, namely that the power supply cables between power supply unit or battery and mount be replaced by silicone cables. That would be very advantageous at below-zero temperatures.
As Mr. Risch from BAADER PLANETARIUM always says so nicely:
Quality has its price, after some time one forgets the price, but the quality remains.
