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I’ve been doing lots of research, and I’ve decided that the G11G with the HD Tripod is the correct mount for my current and future requirements. ? The price is the same at every authorized vendor I’ve checked, but some vendors don’t seem to charge out of state tax and some offer free shipping. ? Aside from this, is there any reason to order from a particular vendor or from Losmandy itself? ? Shipping speed and having to wait on back orders is not a concern for me. ?I’m more interested to know if certain vendors are known to qualify control the mount before shipping or are known to better package the mount to prevent shipping damage.
Thanks.
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Stosh,
I'm all for giving vendors business.? I usually order from HPS, Astronomics, ADM, a couple of times a year.? Few others but they are my go to shops.
When I bought my G11T last Spring, I ordered it directly from Losmandy.? I did the same thing you are doing, visited vendor sites, etc..? I ended up speaking with Tanya and Scott, who both helped me a lot with my decision.? I just felt more comfortable purchasing it from them directly.? Not to say trusted vendors could not support you as well, but it was how I felt.??I had to wait about a week and a half for delivery.
As for quality control, I don't know if vendors actually QC the mounts prior to shipment.? But I'm sure the mount I purchased was QC'd at Losmandy's shop prior to shipment.? And the mount I ordered was they mount shipped.? I haven't had one problem with it since I received it.
I guess its a personal decision.? Wish I could give you more objective info.
- Jerry
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Hi Stosh
Here are a couple thoughts for you:
all dealers have the identical product. They sell packaged solutions
Losmandy direct has the (relatively new) option of configurable mounts, so if you want something specific you can choose the options, and maybe save some $$ depending on the options you get ?
the flip side is we are way backordered on all mounts. Interest in astronomy has just been.... astronomical (for lack of better word, or perhaps the perfect word ha!)?
Scott personally hand tunes each mount that goes out, and I'm fairly certain the resellers do not do any additional QC efforts (at least afaik)
Brian
On Thu, Oct 1, 2020 at 6:20 PM Stosh <mike@...> wrote:
I’ve been doing lots of research, and I’ve decided that the G11G with the HD Tripod is the correct mount for my current and future requirements. ? The price is the same at every authorized vendor I’ve checked, but some vendors don’t seem to charge out of state tax and some offer free shipping. ? Aside from this, is there any reason to order from a particular vendor or from Losmandy itself? ? Shipping speed and having to wait on back orders is not a concern for me.? I’m more interested to know if certain vendors are known to qualify control the mount before shipping or are known to better package the mount to prevent shipping damage.
Thanks.
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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I bought my G811 in March from High Point Scientific but it was shipped directly from Losmandy so I know it was properly adjusted. I've bought some additional parts direct from Losmandy as I found a need for them. Their customer service is great and they respond promptly if you have any questions or comments.
Richard
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Hi all, thanks for the responses.??
Brian, I tried the configurable mount section, and the price difference was $5, even though the text said save $200 and $55.? ? ?This first price is the G11G, which according to the specs, come with the HD tripod for $3395, plus the accessories.? The second price is from the configurable options where I was "forced" to choose the MA option if I wanted the HD tripod, plus the RA and GPS.? ?
I've been looking at my use cases.? ?And I can't see me ever using more than an 11inch SCT on it, and that would be for visual which weights 27.5 pounds.? Add in 10 pounds for for the usual accessories and that's 37.5 pounds for visual.? For AP, I'd likely max out at an 8" RASA which is 17 pounds and even the largest refractors I'd likely buy are in the 16 to 18 pound range, not counting all the extras needed for AP.? So I'm thinking perhaps the GM811G w/ HD Tripod might suit my needs as well as the G11G.? ?Besides the payload weight difference, one has a?2.812" DIA versus a?5.625" DIA DEC Gear.? ?Is there any practical benefit to having the larger gear?? I'd like to "future proof" myself as much as possible.
Lastly, ?talks about upgrading older mounts and says you need the RA extension to get the tucked in motors.? Does that mean if I order a mount without the $295 dollar RA extension today, I won't get the tucked in motors?? Or can I assume that all the updates on this page (tucked in high torque servo motors, one piece worm block with spring loaded worm) are standard on the current models?
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Hi Stosh
answers inline below: On Sat, Oct 3, 2020 at 2:27 PM Stosh <mike@...> wrote:
Hi all, thanks for the responses.??
Brian, I tried the configurable mount section, and the price difference was $5, even though the text said save $200 and $55.? ? ?This first price is the G11G, which according to the specs, come with the HD tripod for $3395, plus the accessories.?
I have to look at the details when i'm back at the shop, i'm not sure if that's correct, but i'll talk with tanya on this ? The second price is from the configurable options where I was "forced" to choose the MA option if I wanted the HD tripod, plus the RA and GPS.? ?
The MA is part of the tripod, so it comes with it.?
I've been looking at my use cases.? ?And I can't see me ever using more than an 11inch SCT on it, and that would be for visual which weights 27.5 pounds.? Add in 10 pounds for for the usual accessories and that's 37.5 pounds for visual.? For AP, I'd likely max out at an 8" RASA which is 17 pounds and even the largest refractors I'd likely buy are in the 16 to 18 pound range, not counting all the extras needed for AP.? So I'm thinking perhaps the GM811G w/ HD Tripod might suit my needs as well as the G11G.? ?Besides the payload weight difference, one has a?2.812" DIA versus a?5.625" DIA DEC Gear.? ?Is there any practical benefit to having the larger gear?? I'd like to "future proof" myself as much as possible.
the primary benefit is greater weight capacity. I personally think the GM811 is definitely underappreciated for what it delivers for the price, and if the weight capacity meets your need, it's definitely a great value ? Lastly, ?talks about upgrading older mounts and says you need the RA extension to get the tucked in motors.? Does that mean if I order a mount without the $295 dollar RA extension today, I won't get the tucked in motors?? Or can I assume that all the updates on this page (tucked in high torque servo motors, one piece worm block with spring loaded worm) are standard on the current models?
the mount comes standard with tucked in motors, along with one piece worm block, precision brass worm, and spring-loaded worms.?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Hi Stosh, Welcome to the Losmandy Group site.
I decided to ask if I could pick up my mount at the factory, because I live a mere 20 miles away.
I called and talked with Tanya, and she got back to me within the hour with a happy yes.
It was a real treat for me to actually meet Scott, Tanya, and Brian at the Losmandy Factory, on my pick-up day, February 2, 2020.
Tanya had my entire order ready, and she shown me the items before boxing them. Meanwhile I was able to chat with them and watched as Scott assembled a side-by-side for a customer.
I know of no other who takes as much personal interest in his customers to actually be the hands on as Scott Losmandy does. He is the ultimate authority in personally making sure your order is perfect, and Tanya makes sure everything is carefully hand packed in double thick heavy duty boxes for safe shipment. Brian handles the tech questions before and after the sale to help customers settle in with their new mounts, and make sure they are happy.
Tanya is a little gal, so she asked Scott if he would mind putting the HD tripod in the box for her. Scott hopped up and picked up my Tripod, and I steadied the box while he carefully placed my HD tripod in the box and packed it.
Show me any other CEO/Owner that does that. That... is how personally Scott Losmandy takes your business.
I don't think you can find any others that give such personal attention to their customers ultimate happiness and satisfaction with their merchandise.
And I don't think you will ever find any Sales or Deals on such quality. So don't bother looking.
You can probably get some dickering done on a used mount. But you won't get the virgin mount you will get from Losmandy.
In Fact, if Tanya's sealing tape were to be disturbed, I'd find it suspect.
The quality assurance is there before the item is boxed.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
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Thanks again.? ?I'm going to try to order tomorrow or Wednesday, and I'm down to just a couple last questions.
Is the one counterweight going to be enough for an 11 inch Celestron SCT?? ?This is my visual OTA, and it would be sad if I had to wait while I ordered another counterweight before I could use the mount.? Guaranteed to have clear skies if I don't have enough counterweight.? ?I figure 30 to 32 pounds with the finderscope, 2 inch diagonal and eyepieces.? ? I believe the G11G comes with 1 21lb counterweight.
Second, I see that Losmandy offers a PoleMaster in the accessory store, but referenced non tucked motors.? ?The pictures of the tucked motors appear to block the opening for the polar scope where the PoleMaster adaptor would go.? Is that the case???
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They make an extension tube for the Polemaster to clear the tucked motors. One 21 pound weight will not be enough to balance the C11.
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On Oct 5, 2020, at 8:16 PM, Stosh <mike@...> wrote:
?Thanks again.? ?I'm going to try to order tomorrow or Wednesday, and I'm down to just a couple last questions.
Is the one counterweight going to be enough for an 11 inch Celestron SCT?? ?This is my visual OTA, and it would be sad if I had to wait while I ordered another counterweight before I could use the mount.? Guaranteed to have clear skies if I don't have enough counterweight.? ?I figure 30 to 32 pounds with the finderscope, 2 inch diagonal and eyepieces.? ? I believe the G11G comes with 1 21lb counterweight.
Second, I see that Losmandy offers a PoleMaster in the accessory store, but referenced non tucked motors.? ?The pictures of the tucked motors appear to block the opening for the polar scope where the PoleMaster adaptor would go.? Is that the case???
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Stosh,
The scope I have on a G11G is a C925 EdgeHD topped with an 80mm guidescope, plus focuser, filter wheel, camera, dew shield, dew heaters, etc. (The accessories add up fast :). I use 21, 11 and 7 weights all together, heaviest on the bottom, with about 6 inches of shaft remaining. This combo of weights gives me a lot of flexibility for changing out to smaller rigs. For yours, you may wish to get 2 more 11 pound weights for the increased payload. It's better to use more weight higher up, than less weight at the end of the shaft due to the moment arm torque factor, which you can research. Plus with smaller weights you can more easily fine tune balance than with bigger ones that require more fiddling with exact placement.
Good luck,
John
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Stosh,
Don't use the mount specific PoleMaster camera adapter, they are only good for the one mount. Buy an ADM universal PoleMaster mount and clamp it to your top or bottom dovetail. Works with any scope with a D or V dovetail. This allows you to PA other mounts with the same PoleMaster camera! This is way more flexible and you will not need to buy more adapters to share with friends and convert non-PoleMaster users.?
Of course if you get the dedicated Losmandy adapter you can always just tell your observing friends they can only use your PM if they have a Losmandy mount and to buy one. Hmm, maybe that's a better way to go LOL!
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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>>>
Of course if you get the dedicated Losmandy adapter you can always just tell your observing friends they can only use your PM if they have a Losmandy mount and to buy one. Hmm, maybe that's a better way to go LOL!
i like the way you're thinking there Chip! ;)
I personally have 2 Losmandys, and i test a lot of other ones, so the dedicated adapter to me is much faster and easier to use. But I'm an unusual case :)
Stosh,
Don't use the mount specific PoleMaster camera adapter, they are only good for the one mount. Buy an ADM universal PoleMaster mount and clamp it to your top or bottom dovetail. Works with any scope with a D or V dovetail. This allows you to PA other mounts with the same PoleMaster camera! This is way more flexible and you will not need to buy more adapters to share with friends and convert non-PoleMaster users.?
Of course if you get the dedicated Losmandy adapter you can always just tell your observing friends they can only use your PM if they have a Losmandy mount and to buy one. Hmm, maybe that's a better way to go LOL!
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
-- Brian?
Brian Valente portfolio
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Stosh,
Don't buy exactly what you think you need in counterweight! You will ALWAYS need more than you think!?
Second while possible to hang all weight as far out as possible it is preferable to center as much weight as possible at approximately the same distance from the RA axis as the mass in the saddle.?
For example my 30+ pound 130mm imaging rig sits about 12" from the RA axle so I will put most of the counter weight about 12" from the RA axle.? For the C11 that center of mass is quite a bit further from the RA axle so I place most of the mass roughly centered the same distance but any overage in counterweight gets pushed up the shaft.?
For a visual payload I follow the same rules with a twist. When observing visually I am usually changing eyepieces in and out and most are close enough to not require a weight change. But when swapping 2" eyepieces in for 1.25" this will usually need a slight rebalance. So to make this easier if?possible I try to add the little 7 pounder on the outer end to use as a fine tuning weight as it is easier to move and balance with a smaller weight as it takes larger movements on the shaft.?
Hope this helps!
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Thanks everyone. ? Called Tanya about the price idiosyncrasies on the new order page, asked her some questions and placed my order for a G11G with the RA extension and some extra counterweights. ?I’ll be a full family member in a few weeks. :)?
For most people, a quality mount is a significant investment and I did a fair share of reading through the CN forums, watching ?YouTube videos and searching through 20+ years of posts on this site, as well as asking questions that the community here happily answered. ?
The community here is one of the reasons I decided a G11 was the best choice for me, if there were forums dedicated to the other mounts in my price range, I could not find them. ?Technically, the Ethernet port was a major selling point for me. ? Being a networking guy, knowing that I can leverage that interface for wired and wireless control without having to depend on finicky USB ports or serial ports that have been old PC tech for 15 years is nice.
I’m sure I’ll have more questions in the coming days. ?Thank you again for your help.
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Hey Stosh,
Welcome to the club!? As you have found there are mounts that are similar in quality and maybe manufacturer's support at much higher price points. There are mounts at similar price points but overall lower in quality and manufacturer's support. But if you are like many of us you bought a Losmandy after finding exactly ZERO mounts with the level of support that owning a Losmandy offers and not just from the mount maker but also from an open community of real world users not afraid to get their hands dirty if need be. With your new mount it is unlikely that you will need to get your hands dirty, maybe a small adjustment after shipping but if you need help we're here for you. So keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask questions.?
Cheers!??
--
Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?
? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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Ditto. My G11G on order and expecting soon.? Been dreaming of this mount for 10+ years!!!
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Chip Louie