Johnnyaardvark Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Hi All, I have been looking at a 2nd hand mount(s) (e.g. an NEQ6). I have been in contact with an owner and asked a few questions already but I am wondering what peoples thoughts are on buying 2nd hand. What to look out for etc. Also the mount does not come with tripod so wonder what my options are like. I did phone a shop today that advertises the tripod only on its website to get a feel for availability but they suggested it may be difficult to get hold of. I am quite nervous about the idea of buying 2nd hand but do see that there are savings to be made. Thanks in advance, Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest speed Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 I brought my set up used although I knew the seller very well ....which helps...most people do look after their stuff ....ask questions and try and get pictures ...there's a huge saving to be had Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAZ Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Go and see it, even if it means a bit of a drive. You can ask for it to be demonstrated to you and see anything that wasn't accurately mentioned in the description. My first mount was a second hand EQ5 with RA tracking, posted from Scotland. It was disgusting. I phoned the vendor and told him he could have it back as it was not as described. So if it's a reasonable trip, go and see it, it may save a load of hassle. I also agree with David, if you know someone, or a member of a society or forum, it's more than likely to be looked after. I have purchased loads of second hand, and most of the time it is as new, and perfect. Feel free to ask, make sure it's going to do what you want of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnyaardvark Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 Thanks for your replies so far. If demo's what would you look for/listen for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Graham Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Steve. If you are unsure of what to look out for take someone along with you. There must be plenty of folks on here who would be only too willing to come with you and and vet it for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawson Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Lots of people buy second hand. Do as graham says, else visit someone with a similar mount and get taught what to look for, and listen for and feel for when you go. You can buy tripods: http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-stainless-steel-tripod-2-for-eq6.html Jd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red dwalf Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 It can be a bit worrying when spending that kind of money, but I took a mate with me when i bought my heq5, he put it through It's routine and after you have had one of course you know what to look for, I now have a neq6 which your more than welcome to pop round and see in action before you buy. Also some retailers sell open boxed mounts that have been to shows or returns which offer good discounts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 I just purchased an NEQ6 tripod (no mount) second hand - they do come up from time to time. £50 is about right for one in good condition. If you want a demo of what stuff to look for when buying a full mount/tripod you're very welcome to drop over my place sometime Steve and I'll take you through it - I've bought and sold a lot of gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnyaardvark Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 Thanks all. Had actually spoken to Rother Valley today and the chap suggested I may have difficulty getting a mount. Seemed a bit odd since they advertise them on their site (and as normally in stock) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnyaardvark Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 Should be popping over to Mikes tomorrow so will have a look at the one at his place but thanks for the offer Kim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawson Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Try the skywatchers importers; i think they are manchester way... Can't remember their name. Ask FLO. Jd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red dwalf Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 ovl i think Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnyaardvark Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 Thanks re: ideas for legs/tripod only, but looks like i'll probably be leaving that particular 2nd hand mount for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glider Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 I went and had a look at Red Dwalfs and Doc's mounts when they bought them. Doc met someone at the National Motor Cycle Museum car park near the NEC. Make sure they bring a battery to power it up. Get an idea before hand from someone else how much noise you expect to hear on slew and tracking, it can sound loud. Have an idea how much things move if you waggle them. Second hand Astro gear tends to have been well looked after. All my gear is second hand. I drove to High Wycombe and tried my mount out in Asda car park before buying it. My Canon camera was handed over in Morrison's car park in Newark. In fact, I've just realised how much Astro activity happens in public car parks. Probably safer if there are lots of people about, you may be carrying a couple of hundred quid in cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawson Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Root/Root-Home.asp They can get you a brand new tripod for £135 delivered apparently. JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnyaardvark Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 Thanks James and Rob for the links/places to buy tripods. Looks like this mount may be gone anyway and had a few doubts about it. May still go and have a look if the 1st buyer is not interested. If I do I will hopefully be taking someone with me. Thanks to Mike today also for letting me have a lift, look and listen to his. I now have a much better idea about how much and types of noises they make. Great advice everyone! Thanks Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+RonC Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 If you get Graham (Astrotech) to do a belt drive mod on the mount, there's no noise at all !! Cheers Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catman161 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 If you get Graham (Astrotech) to do a belt drive mod on the mount, there's no noise at all !! Cheers Ron Well, theres a small "startup" noise at the beginning of the slew but nothing like the original, unmodified "CRUNCH" that it used to do on mine anyway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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