The mount isn't even here yet, and I've spent a small fortune on accessories. In addition to the mount itself ($1,250): GPS unit: $200 Knob upgrade: $34 (this is the "cheap" knob upgrade. The "deluxe" package is $200) Hand control extension cable: $13 Extra counterweights: $140 (You get one 17 lb. with the mount) Extra dovetails: I bought 4; 2 long and 2 short, from two different sources. About $200 for the lot. Polar Scope: $50 So, with shipping included, I'm up to $700 just in accessories. All told, that will leave me about $50 from the 2 grand I had set-aside for this "little" project. Great, I can buy a tank of gas to drive to a star party. But no Advance Training afterwards! I'm sure there will be more expenses as I get into this. I've already identified another $500 in bells and whistles for the CGEM that I can't possibly live without. But I'm out of money for a few months, they will have to wait. Now I know why I've been a "do it yourselfer" in this hobby for over 40 years!