Hi Wayne, Nope, I never had one single problem with my HGM-200, which was bought from Spectra Astro-Systems-Dan Gordon (Now defunct)
(With only the very wierd initial occurence noticing that the controller was set-up for S-Hemisphere. Flipping the 2 dip-switches cured this pronto.
Yes, I'll agree, the assembly of the two halves used to leave me soaked with sweat, and wanting for a cold glass of lemonade, or Soda! Also the fact that it did need 1-21lb weight just to balance without OTA on board.
I had the 60" solid legs (A mistake, should have got the adjustable ones)
They were also not a match cosmetically (Many scuffs, and minor scratches) with the rest of the mount, and Scott evidently could not do nothing with this gripe.
There were other minor cosmetic issues with mine (Dented Saddle Plate in one corner, Poor Anodizing on Dec Ring Gear Cover that was coming off on a towel when wiped, and a cracked bubble level housing. Scott quickly, and cheerfully addressed these issues for me, and made me happy.
I had intially ordered this mount with the hopes of a future GOTO. I waited years with no success of IMO, a properly made GOTO. Rumor had it that once AP, and Scott were going to collaborate, but it never occured.
I have not really kept up with the evolution of the HGM-200, but from what I gather from your post, there is still no GOTO for this Mount? (Gemini?)
Everyone I spoke with about this always kept saying ("Oh, we could probably do it, but we'll need your mount for the custom retrofit".)
One thing I did notice with my HGM, was that after awhile, during the evening due to the immense weight of the mount/OTA, the mount would literally sink into the ground! (Affecting critical Polar Alignment) Yes, the 200 I had is missed, but I'm very happy with the AP1200GTO. Mark
