Motor drive for skylux mount (70mm scope)

Lads,
Anyone out there bought a drive unit for their lidl skylux mount, if so where did you get it, I'm considering getting one, I'll even buy yours if you have one and don't want it

Dave,
I recently tried using a motro unit from a helios scope and put it on the skylux mount. The one I have is "R.A. Motor Drive for EQ2" here www.opticalvision.co.uk/astronomical_acc.../general_accessories
I tried my motor unit on the skylux mount, very roughly polar aligned it and then took a 92sec image. It's not cropped, but resized down to 33% to make it more web friendly. www.astroshot.com/Skylux-Test-Photos/Test1-Full-Frame-33%25.jpg
As you can see, this is plenty good enough for any exposures for the eclipse as those exposures will be much shorter.

Alternatively, you could get the "RA Economy Motor Drive for EQ2"
It looks just like the one that Seanie has. If it's the same one, it comes with an adjustable speed control knob for the motor. You'd need to find out the right setting to put it to for the skylux and then tape/glue it into position to hold it there. Bit of trial and error required though.

Hope this helps.

I have applied to same EQ-2 motor to my Skylux mount. Funny this, but I am still on the same battery I put into it last October when I bought it at Whirlpool!



Here is the proper link to the actual motor's page it from Michael's post above:
www.opticalvision.co.uk/astronomical_acc..._motor_drive_for_eq2

Works fine, but you need to experiment with it to get the right sideral speed for yourself. I had to do this one night for about an hour - align the mount as best as possible, and take 3 to 4 minute exposures with the 350D attached (I used the Pleaides). Once the trails came down in length, you've got your speed adjusted. Then, just mark the finger knob and the body togther (I used a penknife and pencil - the knife groove remains, and the pencil indentation in it shines under red light).

Bob's your uncle.

Seanie.