The new AVX Celestron mount purchased from a private individual in December is now ready for Star Party action, having sourced the required fittings to marry OTA's to the mount. The mount saddle plate of the AVX was compatible with a Sky Watcher universal bar dovetail bar, which along with a set of ring brackets were purchased from RVO. The 30cm long bar and 120mm ring, just required some slightly longer threaded bolts which Mark obtained locally to fit the Helios 120mm OTA. The Advanced VX mount was specifically designed to provide optimum imaging performance for smaller telescopes and has All-Star Polar Alignment and auto-guider support. An extra set of 100mm ring brackets were also purchased from RVO to fit the TAL's 100mm refractors or short focal length Helios OTA refractor. The set-up offers extra options for tracking objects at star parties, or even astro-imaging.

The Celestron AVX EQ mount with tripod and controller
(click for full image)

Saddle bar and rings fitted to the Helios 120mm refractor (click for full image)