Hi Darrin
1) Yes, you soon learn how to track. That normally means moving the object back to centre or the other side of the field of view, then hands off and let it drift though the field for many seconds to a minute or so, depending on the magnification, while you observe. You cannot observe while moving the scope - hands won't be steady enough. Many do some work to improve the movement of their dobsonian mount. Just some simple work on the mount as supplied can be a good improvement. With a bit of handyperson work and a few dollars, big improvements can be made.
2) Yes, people take the tube unit from a dobsonian and put it onto an equatorial mount. We've seen 12" tube units on such mounts though most seem to stop at around 10" as being enough. The eyepiece ends up quite high off the ground - probably a stepladder needed. It will also rotate to strange positions so you may need to regularly loosen the rings and rotate the tube unit to reposition the eyepiece. A mount with sufficient capacity and good performance will cost plenty - probably an EQ6 around $1,500.
3)
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-201-0-0-1-0.html
Ask more questions - whatever you want! Maybe start your own thread.
Eric
