Anyone using a GSO 16 inch RC?

[gregbradley]

They've been out for a while but I don't see any images anywhere.

Anyone using one? Or anyone know of samples of images taken with one?

Greg.

[Peter.M]

http://www.supernovae.be/deepsky

Found this on the google, interesting camera choice for it. But i like the image so I cant complain about it.

[glend]

How heavy is that thing? There is a fair amount of weight on the bar.

[pmrid]

I believe they're 37Kgs.
Peter

[gregbradley]

That image shows surprisingly small stars. I agree, great image.

At 37kgs this thing would max out a Paramount MX which is supposed to be rated to 40kgs.

Greg.

[rustigsmed]

hi greg,

I think KenGee(?) on IIS purchased one and was planning on mounting it onto an EQ8 (50kg payload) but haven't seen any images or heard how it ended up.

Cheers

[gregbradley]

Thanks Russell.

When you consider the cost of 12-16 inch RCs in the past these scopes seem fantastic value. But if its a work in progress and a beta scope then maybe not so great value. I don't always enjoy tinkering with poorly engineered gear.

Greg.

[rustigsmed]

I agree - and if an eq8 can adequately hold its own with 16" - the weight and FL it really is the ultimate large aperture price/scope combo out there.

I don't mind tinkering with a newt but I feel a RC with possible issues is a bit out of my league/patience.

noticed this discounted 12" RC on bintel yesterday http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/Cassegrain/Bintel-GSO-RCA-300-f/8-Astrograph--Steel-/604/productview.aspx

[gregbradley]

As long as you can get good tracking with that much weight close to its capacity.

Greg.

[Paul Haese]

The new 16" has the redesigned rear plate with integrated collimation ring. It has a much heavier 16 point support for the mirror. The only thing you really need to do is track down a flattener and a focusor. I can recommend an Atlas and I think the flattener that I am using would be ok too at 3".

I thought about testing one of these things but have decided for now I will be using the 12". The extra light grasp would be nice though.

Collimating an RC without a Tak scope though is not recommended. Plenty of people try and fail.

[BPO]

The one specific area of concern I have with these inexpensive Asian optics is regards low(ish) temperature performance. They're designed and manufactured in countries with warm climates -- Are they tested in the cold before going to market?

[Peter.M]

Leo has images taken from 8- 10 inch RC scopes and while he doesn't quote ambient temps on them, he does on his wide-field images and most are below 0C
http://www.starkeeper.it/nebulae.htm

[Logieberra]

Greg, I haven't tinkered with my 12" at all - but did spend the required time to collimate with Tak Colli Scope. It holds colimation well! I think GSO has come a long way since their white, closed-tube RC days. Their latest CF truss design is real nice.

[Flugel88]

I think the 14" once released would make a nice match for an EQ8.
Bintel told me they have sold 3 initial GSO 14" RC's im not sure if they were testers or the finished product.

[gregbradley]

14 inch may be a nice compromise. Even then it may be a struggle for one person to handle it. RC's are awkward shapes so even if you can pick up the weight no trouble, picking up a wide diameter longish object is quite difficult.

The 12 should be manhandleable. That could be important if you image at a site that can be windy and no dome or cover.

Greg.

[John K]

Looks like these telescope are slowly getting out there:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBzfo1SEMfo

[KenGee]

I do have one on a EQ8, unfortunately I've had all of my astro gear in storage for the last 10 months. setting up now and will hopefully posts some imaging in a month or so.

I did some tracking and visual tests and the EQ8 did seem to cope very well. I had planned to put in on a Paramount but with the Aussie $ crash i'm going to run with the EQ8 and a AOL.

[loc46south]

Greg - If you are interested I have been informed that my AG Optical 12.5 iDK will be ready for delivery toward the end of the month. Going by their specs they should be a good imaging unit - specs http://www.agoptical.com/idk/ Mine is coming with all the bells @ whistles - less the Optec Gemini Rotating Focuser - Optec is behind with delivery. In the meantime I will be using a Heavy Duty Moonlight I bought for the 12in GSO R/C Truss.

Geof

[gregbradley]

Sweet! It should be a fabulous scope.

Greg.

[loc46south]

Hope so - I was impressed by the spot size claim - I intend to use it with a ST10XME so it will be stretched.

Geof