Beginner, $500, What To Get?

[MILD (Mick)]

Thanks for the advice but I think the 8inch is all but locked in.

I need to call Andrews tomorrow to try and sort out a replacement for my binos which seem to have been damaged in the post. I am hoping they can sort something out.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

8 inches of joy , Mild ,
I / we look forward to a few photos when she arrives ? any chance of that ? .
Enjoy the new scope my friend . .
Brian.

[MILD (Mick)]

I will be sure to grab photos when it arrives. I'm not sure how exciting they'll be given the type of equipment most of you are using!

[Poita (Peter)]

Either that or buy my Celestron C8 SCT

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Yes , thats a really good idea , for a few 100 dollars more a great scope , I would if I could , but would get devorced if I tried to sneak anolther scope home ,,, .

Originally Posted by Poita

Either that or buy my Celestron C8 SCT

[Poita (Peter)]

Mine is less than $500, so is actually a few dollars less!

I need to sneak some scopes out for the same reasons you just stated

[MILD (Mick)]

Well it looks like Poita has twisted my arm

Where is the best place on this forum to ask if anyone will be travelling from Sydney through Albury and possibly able to do a pick up / drop off for me?

Is a carton still the going rate for this kind of thing?

[Varangian (John)]

Originally Posted by MILD

Further to the above: what's the best cheap 8" dob? Any particular brands to be shy of?

Very good scopes IMO with excellent lunar views.

The best priced are the new GSOs from Andrews Communications in Sydney. They are on par in quality with the Saxon and Sky Watcher 8" Dobs and about $80 cheaper. Not sure about postage though, that may tip the scales. Why don't you keep your eye on the classifieds and snap a bargain from someone looking to upgrade or check out eBay regularly.

[hollowcore (Mark)]

With that money, best would be looking in the Classifieds for Used (what ever) in great condition.

[mprenzler (Michael)]

Originally Posted by 2stroke

Also thanks to notebooks these days put some settings circles on that dob,

Hi Jay, I'm also thinking of getting a dob. I'm interested in finding out more about the 'settings circles'. Can you point me in the direction of more information?

Thanks,

Michael

[Max Vondel (Peter)]

Yes go for the 8" dob
But avoid Andrews!
An 8 or 10" will show up on the forums sooner or later
(some 10" listed at the moment)
A reasonable set of EP's should be your second priority
Clear Skies and enjoy!

[mprenzler (Michael)]

Originally Posted by Max Vondel

Yes go for the 8" dob
But avoid Andrews!
An 8 or 10" will show up on the forums sooner or later
(some 10" listed at the moment)
A reasonable set of EP's should be your second priority
Clear Skies and enjoy!

Hi Peter, what's the problem with Andrews? They certainly seem to have the best pricing...

M.

[Honest_Gaza (Garry)]

Bought my 10" DOB from Andrews last month (over the counter)....nothing wrong with them in my opinion.

There were no instructions with the Telescope but a quick phone call resulted in a PDF via E-Mail

[niko]

there's a 12" dob for sale at the moment for $600 - bargain

[GraemeT (Graeme)]

I haven't had any problems with Andrews, quite the opposite! Good product, good prices, good service, good backup.

[GraemeT (Graeme)]

BTW, I think an 8" is about as big as you can comfortably manhandle without feeling that it's too much bother to get out and set up. It will fit in the back seat of your car if you want to find darker sites than a suburban backyard, and doesn't take up too much space in the garage.
Sure, 10" and 12" will grab more light, but 8" will keep you busy for the next 20 years.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Ive got lots of gear from Andrews over the years and have had no problems , quite the opposite actually . why do you say that people should avoid them ? Have you had a bad experience with them ? Hows about explaning yourself if so ? Please explain Max .
What you say is very general and local suppliers dont need this kind of bad press. .They are doing it tough like the rest of us .
Brian.

Originally Posted by Max Vondel

Yes go for the 8" dob
But avoid Andrews!
An 8 or 10" will show up on the forums sooner or later
(some 10" listed at the moment)
A reasonable set of EP's should be your second priority
Clear Skies and enjoy!

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Yeah, I am a bit surprised by the "avoid Andrews" comment. I have only bought 1 thing of them but it was a large purchase and I was happy with the product and service. And before purchase they were happy to answer a couple of questions I had.
Remember we need some specialist stores for our hobby. If they go down we will have to get everything from OS or camera stores with subsequent warranty issues and no advice for beginners.

My 2c worth

Malcolm

[2stroke (Jay)]

Originally Posted by mprenzler

Hi Jay, I'm also thinking of getting a dob. I'm interested in finding out more about the 'settings circles'. Can you point me in the direction of more information?

Thanks,

Michael

A cheap simple way is to mark around the dob base, then around your other axis for up and down in 360 degrees. You can also use a digital inclinometer for your alt axis. Thanks to the value of π aka pie you can work out the circumference of the base circumference = 3.14159 x the diameter then get that value and divide by 360 using a tape measure place a mark at each value.
Anyhow google up "dob setting circles" you will find a wealth of info and guides. Best part is you can grab http://www.stellarium.org/ which is free and finding targets becomes easy
If you want tracking for imaging or to make life better for viewing at high magnification the best thing to do is make a eq platform. This is the cheapest kit form or closest to kit form i have found http://pw1.netcom.com/~tlsystem/cablet4.htm . Then theres the pure diy and by googling Equatorial Platform you will find a stack of free guides and even e-books to help you build one.
With these 2 things your not missing out on much over a eq mount apart from long exposure imaging

setting cirlce links
http://www.homebuiltastronomy.com/Ma...ingCircles.htm
http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/15...tting-circles/

eq platform kit
http://pw1.netcom.com/~tlsystem/cablet4.htm

[Forgey (Paula)]

I got my 10" dob from andrews and various eyepieces/adapters and have had no problems. I've found there service very professional and fast next day delivery.