24 inch SDM scope ordered

[m11]

Hi All,

Finally pulled the trigger and have begun the process of ordering my SDM scope. It will have a Carl Zambuto 24inch F/4 mirror.

Carl and Pete have been great to deal with. They have really gone out of there way to help me out.

It will be a bit of wait for the scope due to the mirror but I think it will be worth it :thumbsup:

M11

:)

[FlashDrive]

You lucky Sod ....:eyepop:

[gaseous]

Congrats Mel, it'll certainly take pride of place in your impressive stable of telescopes.

[Peter Ward]

Impressive aperture. Hope it delivers awesome vistas! :thumbsup:

[m11]

Lol Col, you are always welcome to come down to Vic to have a look when its complete. It will be awhile untils its complete though. :rofl:

[m11]

Thanks Gaseous and Peter.

Its been a dream to always have an SDM scope with a Zambuto mirror.

I saw the recent 24 SDM scope delivered to South Australia which is exactly the one I want. :thumbsup:

[Atmos]

Congrats on the purchase!
You have a fair impressive collection so far but this will be the pinnacle ;)

[AstroJunk]

Sweet. Same focal length (ish) as my 50cm f5, which I find to be a most comfortable size for observing.

With a Zambuto mirror, you are guaranteed a stunning SDM!

[m11]

Thanks Colin. :)

Hoping one day to be able to set up a public viewing location where everyone can try different scopes and eyepieces for free. Still a way to go :P

[m11]

Hey Astro,

I remember your convo, you only made me want to get an SDM quicker buddy. Thanks for the push :thanx:

Yah, always wanted a Zambuto in doing my research. Carl has technically stopped doing mirrors larger than 20inches, I feel extremely lucky :thumbsup:

M11

[wavelandscott]

Congratulations! Sounds spectacular.

[m11]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for your post. :D I am really excited and looking forward towards the new scope.

[raymo]

Hi Mel, If you sell your signature list of gear you could buy a premium 30" Dob.:)
raymo

[m11]

Hey Raymo,

So true. I am self confessed hoarder. Find it hard to let go of stuff. :lol:

[strongmanmike]

Yeah would love one exactly the same too :thumbsup:...after what will be a long wait Mel, the views will surely make up for it, very envious...in a good way :)

Mike

[m11]

Thanks Mike.

If you do go for a scope next time. Both Carl and Pete have been awesome to talk too. :thumbsup:

It will be a long wait but worth it as you say :rofl:

M11

[strongmanmike]

Yes my recent AP1600GTO (+ a couple'a accessories) mount purchase would have gone a big part of the way to grabbing me a lovely 20" F4 SDM with Zambuto mirror..... and I would love one :prey2::prey2::prey2:..aaah sigh...

Enjoy :)

Mike

[m11]

Ahh yes, good old opportunity cost - it sucks :lol:

:rofl:

[Slawomir]

Congratulations Mel - it must be a life-changing experience to look through such beauty on a clear night with good seeing.

[m11]

Hi Suavi,

Yep, I am really excited. Havent had a chance to look through a premium dob but other owners have described the experience, I reckon it will be an amazing experience. :thumbsup:

That will be an awesome combo with an awesome scope with a clear night with good seeing. :D

M11

[strongmanmike]

I'm pretty sure it was Rod Doig's 24" F3.7 that I had the privilege of spending a few hours with at Wiruna at an SPSP a few years ago and it was an amazing experience. Perfect clear dark skies at 1000m ASL, he let me use the scope by myself for a couple of hours and I had a ball. The views were like B&W versions of many of my images, I could see so much. The spiral structure in galaxies and the flarey extensions around the Dumbell Nebula M27 through an OIII filter were sensational..

You will love it :thumbsup:

Mike

[m11]

Thats what I enjoy with this hobby is the experiences you remember, especially with others. Never gets dull or boring. :)

Sounds like an amazing night with an equally amazing scope. :thumbsup:

I seriously cant wait. Its definetely going to be an experience changer for me.

M11

[Lee]

Awesome.... Where do you store your current lot though? I'm having trouble finding homes for an 8" dob and an ED80!

[m11]

Hi Lee,

Lol, I have taken up the better part of my family room in which the wife complains about all the legs sticking out from the tarp. It gives me easy access to roll and carry scopes out to the back via a large sliding door.

I am though running out of space and have stuff stashed at a few friends houses as well. :rofl:

Would love a large shed with seperate pods to house the gear though in the country. :P

[Lee]

Haha! I should rephrase my first comment - I should have said "I'm having trouble finding homes that my wife finds acceptable for an 8" Dob and an ED80!".....
I started by stashing stuff in my obs, but then it just gets too crowded in there.... I need to clear some other hobby detritus from my garage and promote the scopes.....
A large shed.... in the country..... :question: We can dream!

[m11]

Lol, yah. Scopes do take space and even more so if you want.to set them up for easy access.

At least you have an observatory :thumbsup:

[Allan]

Congratulations Mel, that will be a world class 24” telescope. Carl finished my 16” f/4 quartz last week and I bring it home on a work trip in a couple of weeks. Then Pete will make me a baby SDM next year for delivery and first light at our SDM Star Party in April.

I tried very hard to get Carl to Australia for the star party, but he has a few issues he is working through. As a pending owner, you get a ticket to the SDM party if you’re interested. Drop me a PM.

[m11]

Hi Allan,

Thanks for that.

I bet you are super excited with the upcoming scope? Do you have the 32" scope as well?

Much appreciated with the invite. I reckon it would be an awesome star party, one of a kind. I would love to come but the wife will probably kill me if I do :rofl:

[Paul Haese]

There is a chap in ASSA who got an SDM with 24" Zambuto mirror. The views are refractor like but way much brighter. He waited many many months though. You will not regret the decision.

[Kunama]

That will be a fine instrument, Pete's work on the scope structure is beautiful and I am sure the mirror won't disappoint either. :thumbsup:

[m11]

Hi Paul,

If its the same chap I am thinking, he has been in contact with me. Awesome guy and very generous with his knowledge, time and experiences.

Should be amazing views from what people have mentioned.
Glad the views were awesome. Would be awesome to have access to view now. :thumbsup:

Yep, definetly happy to wait. Always wanted a Zambuto mirror and the largest one Carl would make. I feel privileged as Carl does not want to make larger than 20" these days.

M11

[m11]

Thanks Matt.

Definetely looking forwards to the scope coming together. Its going to take some time but it will it well worth it :thumbsup:

M11

[m11]

Hi All,

Its been awhile but my 24inch f/4 CZ quartz mirror is ready and coated.

Pete has finished the build for the SDM scope as well.

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/781367-sdm-90-is-coming/

Depending on the Vic Covid roadmap -delivery for early November. :D
I am super excited for it to finally come together and arrive nearly 3 years exactly when I ordered both mirror and scope.

Mel

[gaseous]

Woohoo! Now you just need to be allowed to leave your house....

[Derek Klepp]

That’s great .It will definitely be worth the wait look forward to first light reviews.
Cheers Derek

[ausastronomer]

Congratulations Mel,

The wait will be worth it. Peter's Telescope Structures are as good as money can buy and between Carl and Mark Suchting you get the best of the mirror makers on the planet.

An Astronomers life doesn't get much better than a large aperture SDM with a Suchting or Zambuto mirror. I see you now have a whole family of them coming, after I suggested you grab that 14.5" SDM, which was an absolute steal BTW.

Cheers
John B

[FlashDrive]

How good is this.....taking possession of an SDM :)

Well done Mel.

Col...

[m11]

Thanks Patrick. :)

Yah thats the next thing to wait for and see. I am hoping to transport to a dark sky site as soon as I can to stretch the scope legs out. :thumbsup:

[m11]

Thanks Derek, I will definitely give a first light review and report back :thumbsup:

[m11]

Hi John, I can't agree more that is the case, I am loving the 14.5" SDM and thanks for the heads up on it. I thought I missed out on it originally but it worked out brilliantly. :D

Yah, we are so lucky to have Peter here to build all these wonderful scopes , its more the mirror makers available in Australia now.

I do like the SDM scopes so much I have a number of scopes on order with Pete that should keep him busy till 2025. Next is potentially a 30" scope range.

Thanks again,

Mel

[m11]

Hey Col, thanks buddy. :)

I hope you had a great birthday :thumbsup:

Thanks, its been a long journey in which I have learnt alot but I have found I now know not much at all. Its a very humbling hobby and gives you some perspective of your place.

I am glad to have the ability to view in first class style. :lol:

I have told Pete to reserve the SDM serial numbers in the 90's so I can have consecutive numbers for all the scopes. :rofl:

[FlashDrive]

Please remember me in your Will ..... ;) :D

[m11]

Haha , will do :rofl:

I think my kids will just fire sale everything or pawn my stuff in.

[ausastronomer]

I told my wife that all my Televue and Pentax eyepieces were only $50 each, so she may well just "bin em" when I croak it. I am not game to tell her otherwise :)

Cheers
John B

[wavelandscott]

I am exceptionally excited for you and honestly jealous. Great scope, mirror and incredible southern skies. Can not get much better than that!

Congratulations, Enjoy!

[m11]

Haha too funny John. :rofl: I am in the same boat as well. The wife complains there seems to be more legs sticking out of the tarp over all the scopes. :lol:
She is not my biggest fan of this hobby. :P

[m11]

Thanks. :)

Yah, I feel super lucky and privileged to own some nice scopes and get them in my lifetime when I can still use them.

I am hopeful I can share the view with others when the scope comes. :thumbsup:

[Bobbyoutback]

Hi Mel ,
Been a long time coming ' I'm getting excited for you as it gets closer .
Thanks for your help in the past .

Regards
Bobby

[m11]

Hey Bobby,
Many thanks buddy and yah its been a decent wait but I think its definitely worth it. :thumbsup:
Thank you to you for your friendship and help likewise. :hi:

[Bobbyoutback]

Mel ' that scope will probably show contrast detail far above it's aperture , on a night of great seeing you & those lucky enough to view through it will see
sublime planetary detail !

How good ;) I'd say even better then ( Schiaparelli scope ) http://www.brera.inaf.it/schiaparelli2010/documents/S_Bianchi.pdf

The adventure continues
Bobby

[m11]

Hey Bobby,

I am super keen to get that scope built with the 12inch Mark Suchting mirror I acquired last year. I have had it recoated as well.

I haven't looked with the mirror but just based on reputation I am comfortable it should be awesome. :thumbsup:

Thank you for the link - interesting read on the Italian Astronomy observatory and scope.

Will keep you posted on how it goes. :)

[strongmanmike]

Well that's exciting!...would loooooooooooooooooove to have it up at Eagleview for a few days over a new moon :D..maybe if the World ever settles down :rolleyes: :sadeyes: you could do a road trip! :)

In the meantime, have fun! the views through a 24" under really dark Bortle 1 skies, is utterly jaw dropping! :jawdrop:..I know, I have done it a couple'a times and even with an almost identical SDM (24" F4.2) :thumbsup:

Mike

[m11]

Hi Mike,

Thanks , I am super excited to get the scope soon.
Haha it sounds like a plan :D I would love to take the scope to Bortle 1 skies, it would be a life changing experience that you not forgot. It will be I would think a surreal experience.

Congratulations on your Eagleview property, what a place to spend to view the night sky and call it your own. That is something many of us are still trying to achieve but you have done it. :party:

Yah, delivery of the 14.5" SDM was delayed last year by 3 months due to Covid restrictions. To date and hoping it holds, Covid restrictions will delay the 24" by only a month this time.

Mel

[strongmanmike]

Equally, many of us would love a big SDM too :prey2: , so, that bit you have achieved (four times even, by the looks?!)..hard to know which is the greater achievement really, 100 remote acres, at nearly 5000ft with Bortle 1 skies, or four magnificent SDM scopes!?? :eyepop: :thumbsup:...we definitely need to join forces some time :D

Mike

[m11]

Lol yah, to be honest I didn't think I could ever get one, amazing what with a bit of motivation does. The 18" and 12" were opportunistic as I never planned to get additional SDM scopes due to cost and level of commitment but the craftsmanship and quality stands out.
I am sure alot of my viewing buddies think I am totally nuts. :rofl:

That has got to be your next goal to acquire some nice large aperture scopes to enjoy ;)

I reckon the 100 remote acres trumps any other achievements - it would be the pinnacle and golden dream for any amateur astronomer to have such an amazing place to view through.
I would love something similar and then the wife brings me back down to Earth about the viability.

Haha yah for sure, definitely sounds like a plan. :thumbsup: It would be amazing scope viewing experience under your pristine skies. :D
Which scopes do you like using at your place?

I am in the process of working on a saving for a 22inch binoscope as well but this is a longer term goal.

Mel

[strongmanmike]

Nuts??...nah, one can never have enough scopes....



Oh I would love one and it's a 24" F4 that I think would satisfy me :thumbsup:



I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would come into possession of such a property/location, it's truly humbling, exciting and even a little daunting, all at once..like I've been given a once in a few 1000 lifetimes, chance, so don't let it go to waste or worse fugg it up! :help: :) I recall when we arrived at the very first and only open house inspection (along with dozens of other hopeful purchasers), my wife got out of the car, walked around a bit, then came over to me and with out me saying a single word, said "Yeah, OK, you can have it" she then proceeded to film a 360 panorama with her I-Phone and when she got around to me in the panning said on camera "So? do I get a massage when I get home?" to which I replied "Yep..." :lol: remember we had been looking for the right place for about 4 years!



I use a 12" F4.9 GOTO Skywatcher flex tube Dobsonian. The views are really great but given how good they are just makes me long for some real aperture :sadeyes:




Of course you are! :lol:...talk about having dreams! :eyepop: I like it! :thumbsup: I viewed through Mark Suchtings 10" (or perhaps 12"..I can't recall which) binocular scope at IISAC 2007 and the views were amazing, felt more like I was looking through a traditional single eye 18"-20" Dob but with a 3D effect.

Mike

[m11]

Haha I totally agree - its only when you run out of space then you wonder if you need another room or garage to fit more scopes. :rofl:


"Oh I would love one and it's a 24" F4 that I think would satisfy me"

You would make full use of a 24" f/4 for sure at your place. The view would be spectacular and you would have a nightly surreal experiences. :eyepop:
The timeframe to wait for a large mirror is decent and Carl wasn't as keen to make a 24inch any more when I was talking to him in November 2018. I believe Carl has taken off mirrors larger than 20" off his site now.

I am in true awe of the place you have acquired and also having wife approval as well. :thumbsup: You are truly lucky to have found such an amazing place, speaks to true dedication to have that focus and drive for 4 years to find such a place. :thumbsup:
You are one lucky guy for sure!

Ohh nice - that is a nice scope , I view with my buddy who has the same scope and we have a great time with it.


"Of course you are! ...talk about having dreams! I like it! I viewed through Mark Suchtings 10" (or perhaps 12"..I can't recall which) binocular scope at IISAC 2007 and the views were amazing, felt more like I was looking through a traditional single eye 18"-20" Dob but with a 3D effect."

Haha thanks :rofl:
That would be amazing to view through, you have viewed through more scopes than I think.
Do you remember which objects really stood out for you through the binocular scope?

Mel

[strongmanmike]

Everything looked clearer and brighter than you would expect, easier to see. I recall globular clusters looked like they were 3D, hovering in space, like big, obviously spherical, balls of stars...funny that, huh?..just like they should :) Viewing comfort was excellent with both eyes open too. A pair of 20" bino dobs on a sturdy motorised omni directional GOTO chair, would be the ultimate viewing experience I recon.

Mike

[m11]

Many thanks for sharing your experience. I really like globular clusters so thats awesome to hear they really stood out.

That would be cool, I saw this video on the Hubble Optics site that would be cool to have.

https://youtu.be/akFaEhcuHcQ

[gaseous]

Mel, do you mind me asking if you do, or did, (or plan to do) a lot of outreach work? Being more than a bit jealous, and certainly not critical, but you seem to have more scopes, and bloody good ones at that, than a modest telescope shop!

[strongmanmike]

Yep THAT would indeed be the ultimate dark site observing instrument, hands down! :thumbsup:

Mike

[m11]

Hi Patrick,

Many thanks for helping my viewing buddy with his 20" Stargate. It was much appreciated. :thumbsup:

I have been doing a bit of outreach to show people, especially prior to Covid. I would bring my Solar scope to work and plonk it outside the back of the building and show the public and workers from my building the sun.

I have enjoyed and still enjoy showing others the night sky when they have never seen it with binoculars or a scope.

I have found a lot of satisfaction also in trying to help others get started and be there to answer any questions or concerns they have in groups and forums. I probably scare a lot of people away as they usually think what do I want. :rofl: I sincerely do love helping others out and getting a kick out of it when they view stuff themselves for the first time and then go on to show others, can't get any more satisfaction than that.
I am humbled always to call a lot of the people I have interacted with as friends and many have gone to exceed my limited knowledge and experience. :D

Haha to be honest I never planned it that way, I just acquired scopes as I went along , I only started like 5 years ago. My reasoning was to give my friends and others the opportunity to view through some nice scopes that they may otherwise not have access too.

I did think of starting a business to show tourists from overseas the Southern Skies but with a young family and no rural property, it makes it hard. The ultimate aim is to have something like Michael has before I retire and get to old. :rofl:

Apologies for the long response.

Mel

[m11]

Yah for sure, that bino scope looks sick! :D

You need one for your property :rofl:

[gregbradley]

Wow, a 24 inch high grade Dob.
Can I be your friend?

Greg.

[m11]

Hi Greg :hi:

For sure, the more the merrier. :thumbsup:

I am going to keep going and acquire as many scopes as possible before I die. :rofl:

[Bobbyoutback]

Please don't die for a long time yet Mel ' I do enjoy our long conversations about what dream telescopes we would get if we had the resources .

Having Fun playing with scopes :thumbsup:
Bobby .

[ausastronomer]

We actually have a 22"/F5 binoscope as part of our 3RF equipment. It has a pair of Mark Suchting mirrors in it. It is currently in storage at Peter Reads place awaiting a rebuild, as the structure wasn't quite as stable as it needed to be. Just a little bit jiggly in high wind and lower down in altitude. In still conditions the views were something pretty special. Probably the single best view I've ever had of Omega Centauri, which includes views through dobs to 36" and refractors to 15".

We also have a 12"/F5 Binoscope with a pair of Suchting mirrors, which also gives some very nice views.

Cheers
John B

[m11]

Haha the plan is to stay live for awhile. I hope likewise for yourself and stay healthy as well.

I definitely enjoy the long conversations we have and love the topics we go into. :D

You too buddy :hi:

[m11]

Hi John,

You guys have some nice equipment with the 3rf organisation that you have access to and get to play with. Ahh ok, cool. Pete is definitely the person to do the modifications.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the view through a binoscope. Its something I have wondered and been reading up on but its no substitute for real life viewing and scope usage. Life changing views:eyepop:

[m11]

Hi Fellow iceinspacers,

I promised to provide an update.:thumbsup:

My scope has been delivered by Peter to cloudy weather as per the norm.

The SDM scope has exceeded my expectations yet again. I have only had a chance to take it out twice and both nights were test nights for me to get use to the scope.
The views of Jupiter and Saturn really stood out for me, I haven't seen that level of detail visually and was able to push to x270 consistently. I pushed the scope to x700 and the view did not break down but I could see the atmosphere was in and out but at times sharp.

I have updated the thread in cloudynights:

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/781367-sdm-90-is-coming/page-3#entry11487033

[strongmanmike]

...WOW! :scared2: looks beautiful :thumbsup: Views through that will blow you away from a true dark sky...Hmm?..I know where there is a really good one of those too :whistle: :D

Mike

[m11]

Haha thanks Mike.

Yah - I really keen to get it out to the country with things coming into Christmas , I know its an early next year activity. I think I will get a life altering experience. :rofl:

I am hoping to get others out to experience it with me and enjoy the view.

I think you need a large aperture scope to complete your dark sky property setup Mike. :D

You are too kind :D , maybe one day. :P

[strongmanmike]

When using Tim Carruthers 24" F4.2 up near Chilagoe far north QLD, which enjoys true Bortle 1 skies, the views (of everything) were utterly jaw dropping and I didn't want to go to bed, spent several hours thoroughly mesmerised, I got sick of uttering the word Wow...you just wait! :)

Would be quite similar from here at Eagleview too...a bit closer than 3hrs west of Cairns :whistle: :lol:

Mike

[m11]

Wow, that would have been amazing. You are lucky to get to view at all these bortle 1 places including your place. So jealous.:P
I csn imagine just wanting to keep on going and not wanting it to end at all.
Wirh you place you have access all the time which counts for alot and allows for more of those good times more viewing.:thumbsup:

[Bobbyoutback]

Greetings Mike ,
Mel & I are good friends , if you were to give me the OK to join him I would supply heaps of good whisky .

Also we could have an Arm Wrestling contest for a fine eyepiece ' I will donate . :)

Cheers & Beers
Bobby

[strongmanmike]

:lol: sound's like a plan :thumbsup:

Mike

[m11]

I am in :rofl:

[ausastronomer]

Get your eyepiece ready :)

I remember seeing Mike once at South Pacific Star Party, 15 or more years ago (when he was younger and training). He walked in front of me at one point and 5 people disappeared.

Cheers
John B

[Bobbyoutback]

Yes I think your right JB ' I remember seeing a photo of him lifting a huge iron meteorite !

Bobby :lol:

[m11]

Lol, it sounds like you saw a human eclipse occurring John.:rofl:

[Bobbyoutback]

Hey Mel ' seeing I have some extra astro wide angle binoculars :) I could offer a set for second , with your strong built & being over a 100kg I think your a front runner :hi:

Best
Bobby

[strongmanmike]

Aaah come'on guuuys, I'm a pussy! :innocent:

Let's make it more interesting...we could have a competition with my AP1600GTO (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/168564573/original) if you like :question:...?...naaaaaah :eyepop: :lol:

Mike

[Bobbyoutback]

Mike you could rip the arms off superman ! but thanks for the offer :rofl:

Cheers & Beers
Bobby

[strongmanmike]

Nah, my shoulders are trashed, specially the right one...so far at least, the only war wound from the years of moving crazy heavy stuff :prey: would have thought my hips and back would have been grumbling by now, was certain things like carrying 800lbs, 100m, was going to come back and haunt me..? :question: but luckily not yet, ..but means my shoulders ache and I cant throw anything over arm and there is significantly reduced power using my right hand/arm :( = no chance of a pushup, let alone an arm wrestle :scared2: :help:

Anyway, sorry for the digression Mel...viva la 24" hope to see it one day :thumbsup:

Mike

[m11]

Hoping for good health to you.

Nah, no need to apologise. I hope to be able to bring it out to do some viewing with and hopefully can organise a catch up the near future.:thumbsup:

Bobby and I are great friends. :)

I realise life is going by so quickly and need to focus on the stuff that brings enjoyment aka Astronomy and Telescopes. ;)

I am working on the another SDM but still not sure on what to do - thinking either a 20-22" binoscope or just a 32" scope. Its more a long term plan when I can get a place to house all the scopes and get setup properly.

[Bobbyoutback]

Mike I'm so sorry to hear of your shoulder problems , lets forget the arm wrestling stuff then . :(

Mel is great fun to talk telescopes with for hours & a true gifted kind human .

Regards
Bobby

[m11]

I hope the injury doesn't hamper you day to day activities. :sadeyes:

Lol, thanks Bobby - too kind. I would say its the other way in your generosity and willingness to take the time to spend time with me . I always enjoy the conversations we have and super appreciative . :)

Till next we speak :thumbsup:

[alan meehan]

congratulations thats one nice scope

[m11]

Thanks Alan. :)

The only issue I am finding is time between work and family commitments to get the scope out more.