First light on new scope

[FNQ_View (Mick)]

Hey Folks,

Just had to share with everyone. Back on Friday 17th I received in the mail a rather large cardboard box containing an 8" F5 Newt OTA ( Special from Andrews ) On Saturday 18th I fired up the Triton 2000 Workcentre to build a DOb style base for said scope - total cost of base about $22 ( 2x 100mm pvc drainpipe endcap & some furniture slides). I had some spare plywood laying around waiting to be used.

I paid my fees to the astronomy gods by having to wait for the cloud to clear and on Thursday night voila-clear skies. What a difference aperture makes. Now I have to purchase some better eyepieces. Some Orions on the way ( slowly ).

A side bonus - one of the guys at work saw my scope arrive & was amazed at how little it cost me. He ordered one 3 days later!!!!

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Good on you Mick, especially getting another convert !
Cairns needs more astronomers.

[iceman (Mike)]

Wish I had the wood working skills to make a new base I'd make one like Rob (rmcpb) did

Congrats on the new scope, I bet there's some nice views up around Cairns. Wish I was going there next year.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Mick - congrats on the new scope

After getting my 8" Newt (ex Matt, AstroPooch) I am constantly and pleasantly surprised how good it is in the field. It rarely needs collimation even after travelling all around NSW in the back of the car. I get to a site, set up and enjoy. It's very nice and portable. With decent EP's it's a very good scope, and is crystal clear.

Have fun with it!

[matt]

Glad you are enjoying the 8" SkyWatcher, Chris.

Mick - an 8" f5 is a very handy scope which will give you plenty of enjoyment on planets and DSOs.

On nights of good seeing I really enjoyed the views of Jupiter and Saturn through the 5mm Vixen LVW (200x).

Enjoy

[acropolite (Phil)]

Sounds good Mick, how about some photos so we can ooh and aah over your creation??