Skywatcher 10" Dob goto

[TwistedRider]

Had a rather large delivery today. New scope arrived safe and sound.

So far only have the base assembled.
But have a question.

Does the foam between the base layers need to be removed? It certainly looks like packing, but I was also thinking it may just help keep dirt and mess out of the drive mechanism.

[noswonky]

I don't think it should be removed.

I have the 12-inch and left the foam in as there was no obvious way to remove it. It never caused a problem in seven years.

[TwistedRider]

Thanks for that.

Now I just need to learn to drive it.

[Startrek]

Peter,

I’m considering upgrading to a SW 12” goto later in the year ,mine would be stored in the garage and only has to be moved out on to a paved observing area 8m away ( I was going to use a parcel trolley from Bunnings ) From the information I can find these dobs weigh around 42kg ?

How do you move yours ? Or is it a permanent observatory?

Appreciate your experience and advice

Thanks

Martin

[billdan]

I had my 14 inch Dob on a cart to move it around.

[noswonky]

Hi Martin,

I use a folding trolley from Bunnings similar to this:

https://www.signet.net.au/store/products/11539/signet-folding-hand-tro

I can slide it under the base board and move the whole thing with the base and tube pretty easily. However, I normally only do this with the tube collapsed. If you do it with the tube extended it can be a bit top heavy.

Also note that if the bolt is not in place securing the tube to the base you MUST keep the back board of the base (the part with the eyepiece rack) towards the handle of the trolley. Otherwise when you tilt the trolley, the tube will slide off the mount (I did this once). And even if the bolt is in, I would avoid lifting it in a different orientation.

[TwistedRider]

The 14" had a different base design.

My 10" had about 1" gap between the 2 base plates. Hoping this is normal.

[Startrek]

Peter,

Thanks for the tip

Assuming a couple of adjustable belt straps and foam would go astray either secure it to the trolley

On another note is your 12” fitted with a dual Crayford focuser ( only the new 14” and 16” come with dual focusers )

I think they are an optional accessory now ( I have them on my other scopes and to me should be standard issue these days for all scopes )

Congratulations Twisted rider on your new 10” goto , once you get up and running your not going to leave this scope alone I assure you , your next problem though will be catching eye piece fever (or a dose of Televue itus )

[noswonky]

Mine doesn't have a dual focuser.