DOB...now what???

[jmb]

Hi All
just wanted to let you know i got a 6inch DOB last week;)...but have had losey weather since getting it.:P
thanks to all those who offered advice on this forum...i appreciated your help. special thanks to Striker/Tony for his help and patience while i ummed and arrhed...
now, what type of accessories are MUST HAVE ???:eyepop:
and what should i save for...???
it came with a 10 & 25mm eye piece and i purchased a wide view ep and lunar filter...
given that this damn cloud ever lifts, i aim to be ready.
thanks again
JMB :hi:

[matt]

Get a good 2x barlow and a combination cheshire collimation tool.

Although it really depends on what you want to look at?

With a bit of a lull coming up in visual for planets, you'll probably go hunting for deep sky objects (DSO)s. You might not need the barlow for a while.

What focal length and f ratio is your new 6 inch scope?

Do you have a planisphere or star charts?

Take a little time to get acquainted with the sky and stars.

Enjoy:D

[RAJAH235]

Hi JMB. Good choice for a starter. As for what to save for...How about an RCOS 20"? Just kidding...:P
Ummm, a 'Chandler' 'large version' Planishere, red LED torch, adjustable height chair, 7 x 50 bino's, some star charts, altho good ones are avail free, > http://www.skymaps.com/ & an app. (CDC), for your computer, > www.stargazing.net/astropc/
Oh, & this might come in handy as well > http://skyandtelescope.com/printable/howto/scopes/article_790.asp
As for E/Pcs, filters etc etc, others can advise. (I like Meade):D
:D L.

[Astroman]

No ones perfect Laurie :D

As for accessories, I would suggest a good collimation device such as a cheshire or laser collimator, they are quick and almost the perfect helping hand you will need. A red light to view the planispheres or maps and to walk around in. Some warm clothes:)

As for EP'sget the best you can afford for now, there are some really good cheapones out there, have a look at andrews communications or bntel they usually have a good selection. Filters, get yourself a good ND filter or moon filter,dont want to kill your eyes looking at the moon. Other filters can probably wait but a good UHC filter or OIII filter would be on the list at some stage.

So we getting dizzy yet?

If you like star hopping naked eye to find objects,how about getting yourself a Telrad, they are perfect for the aligning of the telescope while star hopping with your naked eyes.

Just a few hints to take on board, if you choose to ignore them,I wont be offended :P

Goodluck and may you have many years of happiness with your new found friend.

[Hammerman]

I'll have to agree with the Telrad. That was by far my most usefull accessory after buying my dob. A good set of charts helps too. Get something like SkyAtlas 2000.0 that has a clear template overlay with the Telrad circles to make star hopping even easier yet.

[Harpspitfire]

yea the RCOS 20" for a finder would be nice!- LOL, i think id just start some observing sessions 1st and decide what options you need as you go- the telrads are nice if you use star charts- the cheaper red-dots are nice using a star for your star hopping search, i like CI findercopes, most any FMC plossls today from a reputable company arent bad- when you get into WF EP,s is when cost/quality goes up, if you like the moon, you may wanna get a VP filter- john

[RAJAH235]

Ah ha, caught ya. Now we know A1.:P :P :P :P :P :D
ps. The Telrad is O.K. but it has to have 'my mods'. :poke: :P
:D L.

[jmb]

:lol: thanks everyone...it is a skywatcher 1200 x 150 f/8 DOB:hi:
only been able to use it for short periods between those rotten clouds...
i need to find out more about the barlow and telrad...;)
i am ok for the time being at least with maps, red light, planesphere,
it came with a 10mm and 25mm and i purchased wide angle & a lunar filter
unfortunately, couldnt get to the astrofest...hopefully next time...
anyway, put the petrol money towards the DOB...so am happy, mind you would be a lot happier if i got to use it....
the skies have to clear at some stage ....dont they!!!!:rofl:

[ving]

height adjustable seat. you will end up with a sore back in no time otherwise!

[jmb]

:hi:yeah thanks for the suggestion about the seat. At the moment i am using an old office chair, which so far has been ok...but even the little viewing i have had so far had given me a sore neck...:lol:
will have to think about that a bit more...thanks
ps i now have a signature...guess i am really part of the club now...:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :P :P

[astro_nutt]

Hi jmb,
congrats on your new scope!!..while accessories for your scope is on the adgenda..consider some gear for yourself..some thermals to keep you warm on those cold clear night...a pair of skiboots..(having cold feet is NOT fun!)and a comfy seat is a must..and remember..when the sky finally clears up for you..it's all yours!!...enjoy!!

[ving]

any good with ya hands? why not make a seat? its cheaper and you get more satisfaction out of making it :)

[Nordo]

jmb
What's the wide angle EP you bought?
Of the list of "essential" requirements people have listed I would suggest, in order:
1. Warm clothes (I'm a real sook when it comes to being cold)
2. A collimating tool. Don't worry about laser types, a simple Cheshire type is OK. Andrews have one, but it is too short to do all the aligning. There is a longer version available. Do a google search and teach yourself how to collimate. Print out the proceedure and have a go.
3. Starcharts and/or a planisphere (which you say you already have)

Talk with Striker. He can show you or take you to Astroron's place at Cambroon - in the hills behind Nambour. Astroron has regular star parties, usually on a new moon. Nothing beats talking first hand with experienced people. They can show you places to look in the sky. They will also let you try out some of their EPs in your scope to give you a feel of what various EPs can do.:welcome:

PS I think jjjnettie (Jeanette) often goes to Cambroon. Send her a PM (private message).

[jjjnettie]

I reckon the next step is some star charts so you can start to find stuff.
Start with something fairly basic, then upgrade as necessary.

[Striker]

Janine I think the best advice I can give right now is education...go to Rons place and in 1 night you will learn more then you ever imagined....these guys thrive on showing beginners around the universe..trust me.

The accesories you have now is enough for a start...I would be spending my money on petrol to get to Rons place or anyone elses place with a few scopes and great personanlity.....I am going to try to get out to Rons place next month...dont want to comit but planning on going.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Janine the new moon next month falls midweek again, Ron has mentioned that he will be away either the Saturday before or the one after new moon so the date is yet to be confirmed, but assuming that I can make it (shiftworker, so I'll confirm when the date is known) if you want to drive up to Landsborough or thereabouts I can meet you there and show you the way. Having said that it isn't difficult to find, and there may well be others from nearer to you coming up as well. Keep an eye on the "Star Party" threads for more info.

[ballaratdragons]

jmb,

Ya gotta have an observatory :D :lol:

A Huge, stinkin BIG one!!! :thumbsup: :P

[jangliss]

Another option is a drum stool from your local music shop. They start at about $40

[ving]

whatever works fer ya buddy :D
prolly more comfortable than my seat too :)

[janoskiss]

6 and 8" Dobs are very comfortable to observe with while seated. I use stackable plastic stools, about $5 each from your local bargain shop. Use one seat near the horizon, stack two for normal viewing, maybe three at zenith if you're not too tall.

Re EPs, I'd grab a 32mm GSO Plossl for the maximum true field of view your scope is capable of, as well as a 15mm for deep sky and a 2x barlow, which will go well with the 15mm on planets.

Already mentioned: Planisphere, and I'd recommend Ellyard & Tirion's "Southern Sky Guide" - includes charts covering the entire sky and descriptions of the highlights for small scopes and binos. Great guide for starting out and beyond for a bargain price of around $25. (e.g. from Bintel)

Don't worry about the Moon "killing your eyes". :lol: It won't! The Moon through the scope is not anywhere near as bright as many things in daylight, e.g., the blue sky on a sunny day. And in moderately good or better seeing you will see more detail without a filter. Filter is good idea for friends and family who might be seeing something so bright at night.

[danielsun]

yes, being a drummer myself i use a drum stool for observing too, and its adjustable too!;)