johnst Posted June 18, 2021 Share Posted June 18, 2021 I'm looking out for a second hand HEQ5 during the summer and not sure whether to go for one with the Rowan belt mod or not. I notice that FLO are selling them already modded at over £100 more. OK, so I'm not advanced in astro imaging but I'm improving all the time. Am I getting carried away with myself and just settle for the basic HEQ5 or should I go for the modded version. I am aware of what the mod does to the mount so I would like to know the thoughts of members generally. Any comment much appreciated. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Graham Posted June 18, 2021 Share Posted June 18, 2021 (edited) I have fitted hundreds of belt mod conversions to mounts. Whilst the standard mount is good the belt modded mount is brilliant. The belt mod takes all the gear train backlash out of the equation. At £100.00 more it is a bargain as the belt kit cost that on its own. Edited June 18, 2021 by Graham +RonC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 18, 2021 Author Share Posted June 18, 2021 I take it that you modify mounts locally then for people you know. What I'm asking is do I have to check who has done the modding if I buy one that has been done, or can anyone do the modifying, not sure about this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Graham Posted June 18, 2021 Share Posted June 18, 2021 I used to run Astrotec Limited and may do again very soon. I had customers all over the world. The HEQ5 is very simple to do the belt mod on because unlike the EQ6 you do not have to completely strip the mount down. With a few instructions you could do the HEQ5 yourself. But like I say if the one from FLO is only £100.00 more then you would be daft not to go for it as it would be fully guaranteed. If you bought a standard mount and then bought the belt kit it would cost you more and you would void your warrantee fitting the kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 18, 2021 Author Share Posted June 18, 2021 FLO do the standard HEQ5 for £999 and with the mod it's £1,169 but with a 2 year guarantee. My point is that there was one available on Astro buy and sell recently, modded for £700, £470 difference! Can't really afford over a thousand pounds - can't really afford £700! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Graham Posted June 18, 2021 Share Posted June 18, 2021 At £700 it is over priced unless it is next to new. A good HEQ5 with a belt mod should set you back around the £500 mark. Keep watching ABS they come up regularly one there. Brantuk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 19, 2021 Author Share Posted June 19, 2021 Thanks for that, Graham.👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philjay Posted June 19, 2021 Share Posted June 19, 2021 Plus one for the belt mod on heq5. I used my heq5 for years mainly for visual with a bit of imaging then modded it and found it a much nicer mount to use and 100 extra for a ready modded is a good price Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 20, 2021 Author Share Posted June 20, 2021 HEQ5's do turn up on AS&B but they can be anywhere in the country, waiting for one in the Midlands is trickier whether it's been modded or not. I'm pretty good at DIY generally but not sure about dismantling a mount!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Graham Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Not a lot of dismantling to do on the HEQ5 so you will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 21, 2021 Author Share Posted June 21, 2021 Thanks, Graham, for the confidence booster, will have to check out the YouTube videos and ask any questions on the forum! Not got the HEQ5 yet, still looking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philjay Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Took me approx 15 minutes to mod my HEQ5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 22, 2021 Author Share Posted June 22, 2021 An interesting point here, if I find a modded HEQ5 will it be done buy someone capable or would I have to check that out. Or, is a modded mount done professionally or by anyone? Not sur on that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Glafnazur Posted June 22, 2021 Share Posted June 22, 2021 I don't know if this is any use to you but there's one on SGL at the moment John with a few added extras, https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/378661-rowan-belt-modded-heq5-and-tripod-with-psu-and-all-accessories/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 22, 2021 Author Share Posted June 22, 2021 I will check it out, thanks very much for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Graham Posted June 23, 2021 Share Posted June 23, 2021 11 hours ago, johnst said: An interesting point here, if I find a modded HEQ5 will it be done buy someone capable or would I have to check that out. Or, is a modded mount done professionally or by anyone? Not sur on that! It is simple to check out if it has been done correctly. Just a case of removing the cover and having a look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 24, 2021 Author Share Posted June 24, 2021 Hi all, I am going down country on Sunday to look at HEQ5 mount so fingers crossed.👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAZ Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I hope it works out for you, but if it doesn't feel right don't be afraid to walk away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Bino-viewer Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 That looks like a nice mount you've found there on SGL John. Congratulations 👍🏼😀 There are certainly some bargains to be found if you look around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 26, 2021 Author Share Posted June 26, 2021 Thanks, folks, will let you know how I get on! 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnst Posted June 27, 2021 Author Share Posted June 27, 2021 Hi all, so I met up with a lovely guy from Swindon area and the deal was done, really pleased at a good price. I did suggest that he would be made welcome on EMS but thanks to Glafnazur for mentioning the sale. It's now in my obs ready to be tested out so thanks. 👍 tuckstar, +Glafnazur and BAZ 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Graham Posted June 28, 2021 Share Posted June 28, 2021 Sounds good glad you are sorted. 👌 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Glafnazur Posted June 28, 2021 Share Posted June 28, 2021 11 hours ago, johnst said: Hi all, so I met up with a lovely guy from Swindon area and the deal was done, really pleased at a good price. I did suggest that he would be made welcome on EMS but thanks to Glafnazur for mentioning the sale. It's now in my obs ready to be tested out so thanks. 👍 You're welcome John, I'm glad it was what you wanted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Posted June 24, 2022 Share Posted June 24, 2022 Yeh. I'm one for the belt mod - did this myself with the Rowan kit from Rother Valley. Very happy. 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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