Now I've done it...

[drmorbius]

Well, 5 months of plotting, scheming, scrimping, saving and research has finally culminated (not collimated) in the purchase of a brand new 8" GSO Dobsonian... due to arrive next week.
:party::D:clap:
It's been a long journey and I'd like to thank all you fine folk at IIS for your help and assistance in making the endless decisions one faces when buying their first scope. :thumbsup:

I'll try to remain patient until it arrives, but methinks this will be the longest week of my life... :)

[h0ughy]

good for you!

[astronut]

Well done Randall, Don't forget a first light report:thumbsup:

[ving]

onya Dr Randall. being a 8" dob owner I can say that you should really enjoy your new toy :)

[rmcpb]

Brilliant choice :) and I'm not even biased.

[janoskiss]

How could you hold off for this long?! :) Great choice! I've had both the 12 and the 8" GS Dobs for a few months now, but the 8" gets used a lot more often.

[jjjnettie]

I hope the time goes quickly for you.
Fine weather predicted for next week. Looks like the rain gods might give you a break.

[acropolite]

Onya Randall, 8 inch is a great choice, nice compromise between weight/bulk and aperture. Hopefully the freight gods will be kind to you....

[astro_nutt]

Only seven sleeps to go!!!...make sure you get plenty of happy snaps!!!...and my first light be huge on the "WOW" factor!!
Congrats!!

[dugnsuz]

You'll have a lot of fun Dr M.
Cheers
Doug:thumbsup:

[drmorbius]

OMG - There were 2 large boxes waiting for me when I got home tonight...:love:

Can't do first light tonight, but tomorrow night... I'll post my further adventures in the observing sessions forum.

This is soooooo cool! Gotta go! where's that screwdriver?

[janoskiss]

There should be an allen key in one of the boxes, doctor. :D Congratulations!

You might like to download the XT8 user manual from Orion: http://www.telescope.com/text/content/pdf/IN_165_SkyQuest6&8_RevB.pdf

[RB]

Congrats Dr Morbius,

Very Nice choice. Can't wait to see your first light report.
But what do you need a screwdriver for, surely you can get "Robby the Robot" to assemble it all for you.:D

Good luck and take some pics for us too.

:thumbsup:

[drmorbius]

Thanks Steve, that's brilliant. :thumbsup: The instructions that came with the GSO were... well, less than helpful.

It's all put together, now all I need is some clear sky.

[astro_nutt]

You can also try a bit of daytime observing for the Moon..or even distant tree-tops!!..and if you invest in an approved full aperature solar filter for the optical tube and finder...do a bit of Sunspotting!!

[drmorbius]

I just changed my signature to reflect my new baby... it looks sooooo good. I feel like part of the team now... :D

[mickoking]

Congrats on your new instrument :thumbsup: Tell us all about wot you see thru it :)

[jackenau]

:) Congratulations Randall. The joy or frustration of owning your own telescope, the satisfaction of learning the sky and the views to be experienced. :eyepop: Priceless. enjoy!

Ken M

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Great stuff Randall, great stuff ........ SO glad to hear it's arrived!
We'll get our scopes together soon for a good night of viewing.

Who knows? A few months down the track we may have little 4" reflectors running around as a result.

:eyepop:

Hey!! Maybe thats where they get all those cheap ones you see on ebay from!