Pier/Piller for mount advice

Hi,
I am thinking of purchasing my first equatorial mount. Up to now I have used simple Alt/Az Gotos.
Looking for something that would allow me to do some limited astrophotography and would last me many many years I need to decide between the HEQ5 pro and the EQ6 (both with Goto). The EQ6 is move heavier and costs just a bit more but it may be more future proof for me.
What turns me off is its weight, even thought I will only have to move it several yards from the garage to the garden. I observe from a fixed place in my garden (on a level concrete section) and was considering buying a pillar for it like this:

www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro-Ac....asp?p=0_10_5_2_0_10

Please give me your opinion on
a) The stability of such a pillar - if anyone has used them.
b) Does it take some of the hassle out of polar alignment? (new to me) as I read elsewhere 'The holes on the mount and pier mean that every time I carry the mount out, and fit it to the pier top, it is within cooey of aligned'
c) If the mount is bolted onto the pillar permanently would covering it in plastic/rainproof sheeting be enough in terms of protection from rusting/moisture?

On point B - I am not into carrying heavy weights so do not know if I am better dragging the tripod mount the few yards or lifting the head of the mount (probably with the counter weights) onto the pier each time. I would do more inclined towards the latter if it made the black art of polar alignment easier.

Lots of questions here!

I can't answer all the questions, but when it comes to moving the head and weights I would advise doing them separately, as they will be heavy, attach the head and then put the weights on.

A pier, properly installed, will mean that polar alignment will be so much easier, if it is done correctly the first time and when it comes to a cover I would invest in one of the Telegizmos cover, see here: www.astronomics.com/main/Telegizmos-Telescope-Covers.htm

I would go the EQ-6, it's beefier and will give you more options when it comes to future equipment.

Sorry I can't help with any other questions, but there are some very experienced heads on the forum.

Paul

I would agree with lunartic, in fact the mount head (EQ6) on its
own is heavy and awkward enough without adding the weights
onto that as well (I've tried it before).

If it is possible to roll the whole pillar and mount head to the viewing pad, then i would suggest that the first night you polar align mark where the bolts were on the concrete pad. If you could mount something at these 3 points (or drill holes into the concrete) that the bolts could then slot into repeatably. This should make things easier and keep the mount reasonably polar aligned (lots have used this method can't seem to find any now though).

As for which mount to get, i would say the EQ6 mostly because your hinting at keeping this for years to come, you will be less limited by what size OTA you can go to later. On that note what scope have you got or intend to put on this? I dont have experience with the EQ6 GOTO, i bought the basic mount years ago and i dont know what the quality of the mount is like now. I have made upgrades to my mount to improve it for astro-photography. This is what i like about the mount, there is a wealth of information out there on it. I dont have photos to prove its usefulness in astro-photography yet but you wont be long finding some on the web.

Unfortunately i cant comment on the stability of the pier, always used the tripod.

What type of astrophotography do you plan to get into (webcam, long exposure type e.t.c)?

Mike

Thanks Paul & Mike for your advice,
Yes if I bolt the pillar down it makes sense. I know it has wheels so for the summer months I could put it out of sight when I'd rarely get a chance to use it. I could keep the head on if covered too but think I will be taking a chance on the salty air around here (Clontarf) - ingress into electronics.
As to what I will mount on it? - just my little short tube 4" refractor (SLT 102), plus cannon 450d. I have the meade DSI (Mk1) also. I have taken some nice photos using the celestorn mount so I wanted to upgrade. Looked at the CPC800 but concerened if I really get into this for long exposures and autogliding then I'd better bite the bullet and go for a good quality GEM. In a year or two I might splash out on an 8" SCT.
Want to the the mount right first!

With the price of the EQ6 (888 GBP) and the pillar (155) - tot 1043GBP - getting close to the price of the Celestron CGEM! (1195).
The UK company Opticstar is the dealer - anyone got any experience with them?
www.opticstar.com/Run/Root/Root-Home.asp
Thanks, again chaps.

I've not dealt with them.

I got my EQ6 Pro (and some other stuff) from ModernAstronomy (UK based):

www.modernastronomy.com/

I found that Bernard there was very helpful. Price is generally competitive and he's been good at getting my stuff delivered at reasonable shipping rates. When comparing your sources you should enquire about the shipping costs as that could easily sway a decision from one vendor to another.

Mark

There maybe other pertinant information in the thread

www.irishastronomy.org/forum?func=view&catid=22&id=84570#84570

The cited Yahoo discussion groups provide a rich source of information on the EQ6 Pro from other users.

Mark