Join our growing Community for additional help and support including 1 on 1 time if needed! www.patreon.com/DarkRangersInc? Support the channel and a company that supports astrophotography for all gear related purchases Agena Astro has the best prices and fastest (free) shipping times ! agenaastro.com/?rfsn=7545037.59bc8b
I got the first version of the NYX -101 and have been really happy with it. Excellent for my small refractor, and I've just finished getting it working with a Berlebach tripod and 10" Newtonian (plus the recommended counterweight). First few nights with the Newt on the NYX have been great.
It should have the power for the Newt, the SCA260 is a bit of a pig so it was a great test especially since it comes in right under 44lbs which is their non counter weight maximum. The counterweight work differently on these mounts. It’s not too counterbalance the weight of the scope and help the motor. It’s more to keep it from tipping over. So the sandbags that I use around the tripod legs will have a similar effect with much more weight
I have the pocket power box advanced from Pegasus. It was not cheap, but it is very nice. Great for power management and as a USB hub. Even without through the mount cabling, it gets you down to just 2 wires going up and down. A breeze for avoiding cable snags. The big one looks amazing, but for a single scope set up the pocket version has enough. The auto dew feature using the environmental sensor saves a ton of power too.
Hello and thanks for such an informative and complete video. I intend to purchase the NYX101 mount. It offers so many features. One question ; does your OFF AXIS guider auto-focus or is it manual?
A couple of suggestions with heavier payloads on a harmonic mount, especially against wind. Instead of the tripple tube pier, get the solid pier like the pe200 or just put it straight on the tripod if the scope is wide enough and there is no risk of hitting the tripod at zenith / meridian. Also use a counterweight even if your mount allows you to use that payload without it. It helps
I do recommend in the video and show the additional 3 Pilars I added for a total of 6. I don’t know if maybe you’re newer to the channel but I’ve used the AM5 for over a year with the Pe200 pier and counterweights and it really doesn’t make much of a difference when it comes to wind and heavier scopes. The 60+lbs of sandbags would have an equal or more significant effect than 15lbs of counterweights up higher above center of gravity. I also run a 35lb kettle bell with the AM5 in the pouch. It’s mostly just the lightweight nature of a carbon tripod and the lack of rigidity vs steel. I’ve been using 2 harmonic for a while now and several GEMs over the years. Steel tripods that are heavier will help more than anything. I’m sure if I swapped the tripod from the G11 it would perform similar to the G11 in wind which is why I mention it’s not the mounts fault but more of a lightweight (tripod) issue more than the mount.
I have an SCA260, and I am just amazed to see first you put it on AM5, and then the Nyx. I think I need to change my mindset (mine runs on the CEM70G) - that SCA260 is a beast (but an amazing, amazing scope) at 34lb barebones and about 42lb loaded. Would like to see your imaging session review with Nyx running the SCA260 - and how it handles near horizon / meridian objects and your take on guiding. Thanks for doing this video.
Fantastic gear, astrophotography has become very technical, expensive but technical. Thanks for the video, some of us are house bound so we really look forward to your videos.
@@woody5109 woody go ahead and request. Just let me know the name on Facebook you’ll be joining our group under. If that’s going on you are always commenting and supporting that way so you can come on board while you’re going through that. Hope your wife gets well soon!
Hi Ryan. A question regarding the mount & power management: Does the 12V input at the base of the RA Axis connect through the RA & Dec axes to the power output(s) in the saddle? That would be ideal, as that would really reduce or eliminate concerns re cable snags. Also, does the same apply to the USB inputs/outputs? Thanks!
Given the commonality of a lot of the equipment placement geometry, do you think you could design a modular 3D printed scaffolding for wire management? One for SCTs on GEM, one for refractors on harmonic mounts, etc.?
I don’t know if you watched to the point where I showed the “Spider” system but it would do a decent job holding everything in place. At the time I wasn’t using it, but I had it installed on the power box. There are a lot of 3-D printed cable management devices out there. You can check Etsy.
I really wanted to like and want this mount and almost popped on it for Xmas last year but decided to hold off for some more reviews. I also saw some comments on CN that PA was challenging, bad backlash when fixing down the PA and often by morning PA was well off again. Did you find anything challenging with the PA process or change over night? With the new mounts from Skywatcher though, my interest may have shifted. The Powerbox saddle is great but an expensive add-on for the mount.
Polar alignment is just as easy as any mount. When I check it night after night it holds fairly well about as good as an AM5 people need to realize these lightweight tripods are going to shift lightweight and AP mounts are oil and water. I’m actually going back to GEM’s their quality is definitely higher at least the 2 Losmandys I’ve reviewed they’re heavy enough to be stable and steady even in wind but light enough to move around and travel if needed. There’s absolutely no reason for 90+ percent of people to get a carbon fiber, tripod and a 10 pound mount. Most people’s rig doesn’t move all year. The week in and week out consistently I have with Equatorial mounts vs now have issues with two of the most common Harmonic mounts makes it a no-brainer. I’ll still keep and use it because I have more than three rigs worth of equipment. It is nice for travel and to have a little more flexibility. I actually go to several dark sky trips every year, so I at least have a little bit of a reason to have one, but for anybody who is rarely going on them I am actually going back to recommending German Equatorial mounts. I hate to say it, but the reason all these companies are now jumping in on them is because they’re cheaper to make. When you put one side side versus a traditional amount, you can immediately see the difference in quality and craftsmanship
I'm kinda amazed it perform that well with the carbon fiber tripod. It means it will probably perform even better with a more robust tripod (as they say never skip leg day :p ). That being said, I would have been horrified if I saw my scope pointing like that in the morning due to mount failure. Wouldn't the break kick-in to prevent back driving?
Yeah the carbon fiber has a wider angle than others which is nice for stability it’s also thicker than the AM5 tripod. But I’m still enjoying the Losmandy Equatorial style mounts for day to day use. The craftsmanship and consistency is tough to beat. The harmonic drives just seem more likely to have issues. They’re easier till they’re not if that makes sense… You’d think but it just says “mount failure” and goes completely limp. It’s not ideal
Great honest review. You dropped the video just like you said you would around a month back. I purchased this mount few months back. Hope it does not happen what happend to you. Also, how do you check if the NYX is V1 or V2 ?
Yeah I wanted to have it out many months ago but stuff happens out of your control sometimes 🫤. The issue that happened to me could be because of it being used by someone else prior which I didn’t mention till towards the end, so I think you’ll be fine. I have the V2 you can tell by the attachment nut to the tripod.
Due to budgetary restrictions, I actually cut my cables to length. It’s not hard, generally only two or three wires, the shrink wrap makes them “all weather” 🤷🏻♂️
the nyx has play is Dec also the 2 sides of the base of the mount twist on mine and have flex.. how was it for you? they also told me that the mount power is 5amp shared.. so using the the mounts power out to the PPB is risky? also just 3 struts on the pier extender is risky id say.. i use 5 like i saw you update to.. they sent me out a new Board to replace but ive lost all trust
They first suggested going mount then power box, but said I could go both ways. Honestly 5amp for rig minus mount should be totally fine. You’re taking the bounce out of the equation the camera usually draws .2-.6 according to my Eagles, and that’s including the EFW. The dew strap is usually one of the higher draws but you can limit it with the PB but I never did. You definitely need 6 poles for the pier that’s why I made sure to recommend that. The SCA260 would still guide at .4-.6 with 3 but it would shake pretty bad with just a little touch. With 6 it’s pretty solid. I just think these harmonic drive mounts are kind of finicky overall. The equatorial mountains require counterweights, but really that takes almost no time to set up and honestly the G11 and G811 have been sooo easy to use. I will continue to use the NYX. For a dark sky trip it’s really nice. It also allows me to run a third telescope when I’m testing.
@@darkrangersinc Totally agree with you.. but its max payload is exaggerated. I reach for the Am5 every time.. If the Am7/Am8 comes on the market.. it will be part of my mobile rig in a heartbeat. But all my tests were done with a rasa 11... will be seeing it it can handle the Meade 12 sct with extras about 45lbs..
Well, for one they sent it to be reviewed so of course in order to do that, I’m going to use it. But also, there are many features that you don’t get with the power saddle included, like a built in weather station, longer reaching WiFi, a moter output to their EAF which makes it even more precise etc. Also not everybody has the amount, but maybe be interested in the power box on its own… anyone needs a box but not everybody uses this mount there’s a huge group of people that have a need for the power box that don’t have the plans necessarily to get this mount or get it right away they might need to upgrade their powerbox
I like the Pegasus products a lot. I own twei saddle powerboxes and a DSLR buddy. I also would buy a focus cube v3 instead of a EAF by ZWO at the moment (if I needed one). But I read so much negativ about the NYX... I would not recommend it. I think Pegasus should stay with accessories like the rotator, focuser or the powerboxes. Maybe they should do a PC like the PLL Eagle. Maybe a nice information for you: The adj. outs on the saddle powerbox are PWM ports. So dont use them with a PC, a camera or something like that. They are for dewbands or flat panels.
Yeah, I have mixed feelings on the mount. If you do watch to the end, I explained that the first one I received was used by another reviewer which I was unaware of at first and could have explained the issues although we won’t know for sure. The bigger issue I had was in communication timeframe and how long it was taking to get gear and when I ran into issues, getting them to get on a call with me to help solve them. Having said that the second amount has been working fine now for about a month. I Typically always run the power cable for the PC out of a constant 12v if it wasn’t like that in the episode it’s because it was a quick mock setup I’ll have to check. But I use one of the 8 always on 12v supplies normally. I think it would be tough to compete with Primaluce in the computer space. They make such an awesome product. I have two of them now and I’ve actually used three because I set one up for the install I did in Vermont. All of them have worked so well and super reliable. Given the fact that this power box is almost $700 I doubt they could bring the price down from the 5s and keep all the same type of extra features to make it worth the switch. But if they could do one for say under $1000 and it be fairly solid it could be a winner
Well, I guess that’s why my videos aren’t for marketing. They are just honest reviews or I would leave out any downsides. If you do watch till the end, I explain potential reason why I had an issue with the first mount that may no be on the manufacturer
Join our growing Community for additional help and support including 1 on 1 time if needed!
www.patreon.com/DarkRangersInc?
Support the channel and a company that supports astrophotography for all gear related purchases Agena Astro has the best prices and fastest (free) shipping times !
agenaastro.com/?rfsn=7545037.59bc8b
I got the first version of the NYX -101 and have been really happy with it. Excellent for my small refractor, and I've just finished getting it working with a Berlebach tripod and 10" Newtonian (plus the recommended counterweight). First few nights with the Newt on the NYX have been great.
It should have the power for the Newt, the SCA260 is a bit of a pig so it was a great test especially since it comes in right under 44lbs which is their non counter weight maximum.
The counterweight work differently on these mounts. It’s not too counterbalance the weight of the scope and help the motor. It’s more to keep it from tipping over. So the sandbags that I use around the tripod legs will have a similar effect with much more weight
I have the pocket power box advanced from Pegasus. It was not cheap, but it is very nice. Great for power management and as a USB hub. Even without through the mount cabling, it gets you down to just 2 wires going up and down. A breeze for avoiding cable snags. The big one looks amazing, but for a single scope set up the pocket version has enough. The auto dew feature using the environmental sensor saves a ton of power too.
Good video. Keep us updated on the long term use of the mount.
Will do, so far so good with the second mount head.
Hello and thanks for such an informative and complete video. I intend to purchase the NYX101 mount. It offers so many features. One question ; does your OFF AXIS guider auto-focus or is it manual?
A couple of suggestions with heavier payloads on a harmonic mount, especially against wind. Instead of the tripple tube pier, get the solid pier like the pe200 or just put it straight on the tripod if the scope is wide enough and there is no risk of hitting the tripod at zenith / meridian. Also use a counterweight even if your mount allows you to use that payload without it. It helps
I do recommend in the video and show the additional 3 Pilars I added for a total of 6. I don’t know if maybe you’re newer to the channel but I’ve used the AM5 for over a year with the Pe200 pier and counterweights and it really doesn’t make much of a difference when it comes to wind and heavier scopes. The 60+lbs of sandbags would have an equal or more significant effect than 15lbs of counterweights up higher above center of gravity. I also run a 35lb kettle bell with the AM5 in the pouch. It’s mostly just the lightweight nature of a carbon tripod and the lack of rigidity vs steel. I’ve been using 2 harmonic for a while now and several GEMs over the years. Steel tripods that are heavier will help more than anything. I’m sure if I swapped the tripod from the G11 it would perform similar to the G11 in wind which is why I mention it’s not the mounts fault but more of a lightweight (tripod) issue more than the mount.
I have an SCA260, and I am just amazed to see first you put it on AM5, and then the Nyx. I think I need to change my mindset (mine runs on the CEM70G) - that SCA260 is a beast (but an amazing, amazing scope) at 34lb barebones and about 42lb loaded. Would like to see your imaging session review with Nyx running the SCA260 - and how it handles near horizon / meridian objects and your take on guiding. Thanks for doing this video.
you're welcome thanks for the kind words, and to be fair the AM5 couldn't handle it, but the Pegasus has a 66lb capacity so plenty of room to spare.
Thanks for an instructive video. How do you connect the iPad to NINA? Does NINA work well with a touchscreen interface? Cheers, Des
Remote Desktop app from Microsoft it’s in the app store
Fantastic gear, astrophotography has become very technical, expensive but technical. Thanks for the video, some of us are house bound so we really look forward to your videos.
@@woody5109 woody go ahead and request. Just let me know the name on Facebook you’ll be joining our group under. If that’s going on you are always commenting and supporting that way so you can come on board while you’re going through that. Hope your wife gets well soon!
Nice review and thank you for always being honest as to what ever issues you see 👍
Absolutely sometimes they’re truly are no cons with something like my SVX140, sometimes their are. I want people to know they can trust me either way.
Hi Ryan. A question regarding the mount & power management: Does the 12V input at the base of the RA Axis connect through the RA & Dec axes to the power output(s) in the saddle? That would be ideal, as that would really reduce or eliminate concerns re cable snags. Also, does the same apply to the USB inputs/outputs? Thanks!
Given the commonality of a lot of the equipment placement geometry, do you think you could design a modular 3D printed scaffolding for wire management? One for SCTs on GEM, one for refractors on harmonic mounts, etc.?
I don’t know if you watched to the point where I showed the “Spider” system but it would do a decent job holding everything in place. At the time I wasn’t using it, but I had it installed on the power box. There are a lot of 3-D printed cable management devices out there. You can check Etsy.
I really wanted to like and want this mount and almost popped on it for Xmas last year but decided to hold off for some more reviews. I also saw some comments on CN that PA was challenging, bad backlash when fixing down the PA and often by morning PA was well off again. Did you find anything challenging with the PA process or change over night? With the new mounts from Skywatcher though, my interest may have shifted. The Powerbox saddle is great but an expensive add-on for the mount.
Polar alignment is just as easy as any mount. When I check it night after night it holds fairly well about as good as an AM5 people need to realize these lightweight tripods are going to shift lightweight and AP mounts are oil and water.
I’m actually going back to GEM’s their quality is definitely higher at least the 2 Losmandys I’ve reviewed they’re heavy enough to be stable and steady even in wind but light enough to move around and travel if needed.
There’s absolutely no reason for 90+ percent of people to get a carbon fiber, tripod and a 10 pound mount. Most people’s rig doesn’t move all year. The week in and week out consistently I have with Equatorial mounts vs now have issues with two of the most common Harmonic mounts makes it a no-brainer. I’ll still keep and use it because I have more than three rigs worth of equipment. It is nice for travel and to have a little more flexibility.
I actually go to several dark sky trips every year, so I at least have a little bit of a reason to have one, but for anybody who is rarely going on them I am actually going back to recommending German Equatorial mounts. I hate to say it, but the reason all these companies are now jumping in on them is because they’re cheaper to make.
When you put one side side versus a traditional amount, you can immediately see the difference in quality and craftsmanship
I'm kinda amazed it perform that well with the carbon fiber tripod. It means it will probably perform even better with a more robust tripod (as they say never skip leg day :p ). That being said, I would have been horrified if I saw my scope pointing like that in the morning due to mount failure. Wouldn't the break kick-in to prevent back driving?
Yeah the carbon fiber has a wider angle than others which is nice for stability it’s also thicker than the AM5 tripod. But I’m still enjoying the Losmandy Equatorial style mounts for day to day use. The craftsmanship and consistency is tough to beat. The harmonic drives just seem more likely to have issues. They’re easier till they’re not if that makes sense… You’d think but it just says “mount failure” and goes completely limp. It’s not ideal
Great honest review. You dropped the video just like you said you would around a month back. I purchased this mount few months back. Hope it does not happen what happend to you.
Also, how do you check if the NYX is V1 or V2 ?
Yeah I wanted to have it out many months ago but stuff happens out of your control sometimes 🫤.
The issue that happened to me could be because of it being used by someone else prior which I didn’t mention till towards the end, so I think you’ll be fine.
I have the V2 you can tell by the attachment nut to the tripod.
@@darkrangersinc thank you so much for your reply. Have a great day
Hey you shot the unboxing video on my birthday 🎉😂
Yeah, I was hoping to have the rest of it out not much longer, but then we ran into some issues lol.
Ethernet in saddle is pretty cool
Due to budgetary restrictions, I actually cut my cables to length. It’s not hard, generally only two or three wires, the shrink wrap makes them “all weather” 🤷🏻♂️
the nyx has play is Dec also the 2 sides of the base of the mount twist on mine and have flex.. how was it for you?
they also told me that the mount power is 5amp shared.. so using the the mounts power out to the PPB is risky? also just 3 struts on the pier extender is risky id say.. i use 5 like i saw you update to.. they sent me out a new Board to replace but ive lost all trust
They first suggested going mount then power box, but said I could go both ways. Honestly 5amp for rig minus mount should be totally fine. You’re taking the bounce out of the equation the camera usually draws .2-.6 according to my Eagles, and that’s including the EFW. The dew strap is usually one of the higher draws but you can limit it with the PB but I never did.
You definitely need 6 poles for the pier that’s why I made sure to recommend that. The SCA260 would still guide at .4-.6 with 3 but it would shake pretty bad with just a little touch. With 6 it’s pretty solid.
I just think these harmonic drive mounts are kind of finicky overall. The equatorial mountains require counterweights, but really that takes almost no time to set up and honestly the G11 and G811 have been sooo easy to use. I will continue to use the NYX. For a dark sky trip it’s really nice. It also allows me to run a third telescope when I’m testing.
@@darkrangersinc Totally agree with you.. but its max payload is exaggerated. I reach for the Am5 every time.. If the Am7/Am8 comes on the market.. it will be part of my mobile rig in a heartbeat.
But all my tests were done with a rasa 11... will be seeing it it can handle the Meade 12 sct with extras about 45lbs..
Why not use the USB and power on the saddle? Not sure I see the point of the powerbox.
Well, for one they sent it to be reviewed so of course in order to do that, I’m going to use it. But also, there are many features that you don’t get with the power saddle included, like a built in weather station, longer reaching WiFi, a moter output to their EAF which makes it even more precise etc.
Also not everybody has the amount, but maybe be interested in the power box on its own… anyone needs a box but not everybody uses this mount there’s a huge group of people that have a need for the power box that don’t have the plans necessarily to get this mount or get it right away they might need to upgrade their powerbox
@@darkrangersinc totally fair, thanks for the reply :)
I like the Pegasus products a lot.
I own twei saddle powerboxes and a DSLR buddy.
I also would buy a focus cube v3 instead of a EAF by ZWO at the moment (if I needed one).
But I read so much negativ about the NYX... I would not recommend it.
I think Pegasus should stay with accessories like the rotator, focuser or the powerboxes.
Maybe they should do a PC like the PLL Eagle.
Maybe a nice information for you:
The adj. outs on the saddle powerbox are PWM ports.
So dont use them with a PC, a camera or something like that.
They are for dewbands or flat panels.
Yeah, I have mixed feelings on the mount. If you do watch to the end, I explained that the first one I received was used by another reviewer which I was unaware of at first and could have explained the issues although we won’t know for sure. The bigger issue I had was in communication timeframe and how long it was taking to get gear and when I ran into issues, getting them to get on a call with me to help solve them. Having said that the second amount has been working fine now for about a month.
I Typically always run the power cable for the PC out of a constant 12v if it wasn’t like that in the episode it’s because it was a quick mock setup I’ll have to check. But I use one of the 8 always on 12v supplies normally.
I think it would be tough to compete with Primaluce in the computer space. They make such an awesome product. I have two of them now and I’ve actually used three because I set one up for the install I did in Vermont. All of them have worked so well and super reliable. Given the fact that this power box is almost $700 I doubt they could bring the price down from the 5s and keep all the same type of extra features to make it worth the switch. But if they could do one for say under $1000 and it be fairly solid it could be a winner
Interesting.
Thanks great video. You talked me into saving my money. To many cons for me sounds over rated.Good marketing try.
Well, I guess that’s why my videos aren’t for marketing. They are just honest reviews or I would leave out any downsides. If you do watch till the end, I explain potential reason why I had an issue with the first mount that may no be on the manufacturer
That mount is one of the most returned mounts at Highpoint Scientific…avoid it.