High Quality GEM w/out Electronics?

Sorry--I've been an alt-az person for lots of years so this might be a dumb question.

Is there a manufacturer of a quality GEM (equivalent to a Lom. 8 or 11) *without* electronics? I'm strictly a visual observer and only require manual slow motion controls. I'm looking for something that can carry approx. 30 lbs.

Thanks--

Don

Go to http://www.talscopes.com
They sell a TAL-2m that is a very substantal mount that will carry 30# no problem. It has a drive in RA that is adequate for visual use.

Walt

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Hi Don,

If you don't want electronics but just slow motion controls to mount your C8 and a Pronto, you should consider the Giro GR-2DX with the dual mount arms.(you probably seen the Cloudy Nights reviews of it. If you get it with the standard 3/8" thread, it will fit most tripods. I have mine modified with Losmandy GM-8 saddleplate/dovetail bars. See John Ford's web page for additional pictures and DYI modifications at:

http://www.angelfire.com/mi3/astropattern/

Mine is set up on the GM-8 tripod with extension pier. I mounted a 8" Dall Kirkham on one side and a refractor on the other with your old Borg mini 50 as the finderscope, (Thanks! everyone in my club was impressed with it BTW). It's very smooth and Doblike and can easily handle your payload no ptoblem. Heck I can pick my whole rig up and move it around myself. It's a lot easier than a GEM too.

Hope this helps.
Best Regards, Owen