Mountain Instruments MI-250 Goto


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Brand and Model:Mountain Instruments MI-250 Goto
Price ($USD):$5690.00
Type:Equatorial
Attributes:checkedMotorized checkedPEC checkedGoto
Electric Power:12v or AC
Weight (lbs.):60 lbs
Description:The MI-250 Goto fills a need in the 70 pound mount payload category that is relatively available in the market, perhaos 30 to 90 days. It uses the Losmandy Gemini servo electronics, but my experience indicates it's a far cry from a G11 Gemini and the goto centering is precise withour motor stalls or other abberations. This mount is a work of art and a true asset in the pursuit of astrophotography. Periodic error is no more than 6 or 7 arc seconds and is trainable in memory. I've never trained mine as I never had the need; the tracking is quite precise. The stated price price is correct for the mount and includes the counterweights, shaft and mounting plate, but like most mounts, the pier cost is not included. If you're in the market for a high end, quality mount, investigating the MI-250 should be considered. Larry Meyers, the Owner of Mountian Instruments is a great businessman and will take whatever time is required before, and more imprtantly, after the sale. MI service after the sale is second to none. Check out their website at http://www.mountaininstruments.com and take advantage of the User Group link on the site. Feel free to ask other users what they think.

MI-250 Page
Cloudy Night's Review

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Mountain Instruments MI-250 Goto
I have had a MI250 for just under a year and its performance has been top notch - for the most part. The mechanicals of the mount are first rate and it has carried my 8" F6 Newt and now C9.25 with CCD camera with no problem even in less than calm conditions. The Gemini Goto system works but it has some quirks that should not be present on a mount that costs over $5000. The electronics are designed such that a relay box or optocoupler is required to connect a CCD camera (at least some SBIG cameras) to the autoguider port. This is just another potential source of failure that has caused me some problems. Furthermore, the Gemini system occasionally exhibits some strange behaivor such as the hand controller display not showing all of the letters or showing red boxes instead of letters. Also, on probably 5% of the slews, the system will enter into a lengthly centering cycle as it moves the object into the field of view. This cycle can last many minutes. I usually just stop the slew and try again. This typically works. Finally, the connectors are adequate but not of premium quality.

The Gemini system works and I have been able to shoot many nice CCD images. It just has some oddities that prevent it from being at the same level of quality as the mechanicals of the mount.

The maker of the mount, Larry Meyers, provides excellent customer support and has promptly responded to any request I have had.

Overall Rating: 9
Performance:9 Ease of Use:8 Value:8
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=139474


Mountain Instruments MI-250 Goto
I get 2 arcseconds Peak to Peak, without turning on PEC. I find Gemini extremely easy to use (can be done "eyes free" in the dark once learned), although there was a 1-2 day learning curve. Don't believe there's a better, more capable mount under $9000.00 USD

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Ease of Use:9 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=594416


Mountain Instruments MI-250 Goto
I had an MI 250 for about 9 months.

It is a good looking mount and is relatively transportable.

Tracking is smooth and I found that aspect which is its basic function to be very good.

The mount has a few quirks which may not bother others. It needs an allen key to lock one of the clutches which seems crude. Gemini electronics and motors are also a bit crude but functional. The Gemini motors for example have a plastic casing which forms the base plate that they are attach to the mount on. Easily damaged. My main objection to it is the lack of finish and a bit of crudeness to it. A bit like a US muscle car versus a Porche.

Larry Myers is superb to deal with and must give the best customer service of anyone in this industry. That is a real plus. He also puts his heart into this mount and continues to develop it and make it better.

The mount fits nicely in a market niche.

It is available where an AP900 (its main competitor) may not be and does its basic job very well far better than its cheaper companions. It also has a large number of happy owners so that says a lot.

For the price and its availability it is hard to beat.

Greg.

Overall Rating: 9
Performance:9 Ease of Use:9 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=473454


Mountain Instruments MI-250 Goto
surprisingly high playload capacity for a mount which I can still assemble in the field my myself.

very smooth tracking also, no vibrations at all from the motors.

Overall Rating: 9
Performance:9 Ease of Use:10 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=178695

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