Hi Bill,
Consider this upgrade carefully. The GM8's saddle may have been kept as short as possible for at least two reasons I can see.?
First, mechanical clearance of the saddle. The standard Losmandy D and later D/V saddle's short overall length allow more RA travel before hitting the safety limiter when you consider the rotation of the DEC axis than if you had a longer wider saddle or a saddle with a taller clamping knob or clamping lever. For an imager this may be more important than a nicer saddle. Second,?the mount doesn't need more clamping surface area as the standard/DV saddle can probably safely carry double the rated 30lb. payload.?
Additionally the 30lb. payload limitation of the GM8 mount precludes the need to hoist heavy OTAs into the saddle. For the cost of a Raynox saddle even as pretty as it is for about the same money I'd rather have Scott install the tucked motors on my GM8 AND add a pair of the new OPWs.?Just stating the obvious issues I see I'm certain there are other reasons I'm not aware of.?
Cheers/Chip
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