GSO dob tracking how smooth?

[doug mc]

After a number of years away from dobs and returning, i discovered that the GSO 8inch dob i recently bought from Bintel tracks so smooth that an eq mount i kept for high power viewing is sitting in the corner with a 120 f/8.3 refractor on it not doing much. My question is does the larger 10 and 12inch models move as smoothly? Thinking of getting a larger dob later this year.

[Boozlefoot]

Hi Doug, my 12" GSO is reasonable with the more than adequate needle roller plate in the base. Adjustment of the pressure screw is vital though, and there is a very fine balance between too tight/too loose. I'm going to adopt a large pair of washers and a heavy grease between them to try to negate the initial "bump" as you begin the Az movement, and also think a handle fitted to the bottom of the tube will improve things. Balancing of the newer models is easy and precise, and Alt tension adjustment is a breeze with the new bearing system. (Only short term as I'm building an ob at the moment and am going to a GEM mount) Hope this helps.

[doug mc]

I have the new model, ASDX I think it's called. Any users here of a 12 incher ASDX GSO dob? Thanks for your reply boozlefoot.