Advice - where to go from Dob?

[ProSatanos]

Hello!
I've had a Skywatcher 8" Dob for about 3 years now, but maybe it's time for something different. Its so heavy and unwieldy, its difficult to get around and without a GoTo finding things is difficult. Tired of constantly nudging it.



For those reasons, it's not getting as much use as it should. Every time I try to take it outside i get bruised shins.


I've also got a ASI120MC USB camera.





My goals are simple astrophotography and just casual stargazing.


What would be the next setup? Can I re-use the tube if I buy a powerful enough mount?



Thanks!

[Startrek]

Trying to convert the 8” dob to AP is a bit iffy , but possibly could be done
Firstly I think your dob only has a single speed focuser, you will need a dual speed focuser for AP as a minimum
You tube length could be an issue with a focal length of 1200mm, possibly clash with tripod legs ?
Your existing pivot point could clash with tube rings depending on your balancing point
In any case an 8” tube requires something like an EQ6-R or NEQ6 mount if you eventually want to autoguide and capture 5 and 10 minute exposures ( which most of us do )
General rule of thumb for AP is your that total payload including OTA and all AP accessories should not exceed 60% of the max rating of your mount
Recommendation if you want to get into AP for the long hall , keep the dob or sell the dob and buy a reflector or refractor
I use both a 6” f6 on a HEQ5 mount and 8” f5 newt reflector on an EQ6-R Mount for AP

Please try and get some more advice of others
That’s just my opinion and advice
Good Luck

[xelasnave]

Get an heq 5 and strap it on.
Alex

[doppler]

Hi Filip, you can get tube rings and mount your dob on an EQ mount. You will need a HEQ5 pro as a minimum, a NEQ6 would be better (if you have the $). If you get GSO tube rings be aware that Skywatcher tubes have a smaller diameter and will need to be "padded" out for a snug fit. Skywatcher tube rings are more expensive and harder to source.
Here's my imaging setup, 10" Skywatcher "dob" on a HEQ5 pro mount. It's on a pier which apparently increases payload capacity by a couple of kgs. The only time I have issues with the weight and size of the tube is in windy conditions, on a clear still night it performs well. I think that a lot of people underestimate the capabilities of the HEQ5 pro mount, sure a big tube will catch the wind but the mount can handle the weight.

Rick

[Ukastronomer]

Probably superb advice

[Ukastronomer]

Just what Alex said above

[Oddity]

Nice post. Lots of reassuring detail and some tips for anyone that might be unsure about precisely how to go about it.

[Oddity]

Filip, if you have a little extra cash perhaps an AZ-EQ mount would give you the best of both worlds.

You can do astro as per the HEQ5/NEQ6 suggestions below, but for visual you can opt to set up quickly and easily in alt-az to avoid awkward positioning and needing to regularly rotate the whole tube to reach the eyepiece.

[leon]

Depends on how poor you want to be to pursue the hobby.:shrug: :lol:

Leon:thumbsup:

[ProSatanos]

Thanks all!


Looks like a HEQ5 would give me the best for buck, and allow me to reuse the tube.


Now how do I convince my wife to "let me" buy one?

[Ukastronomer]

Get a divorce ;)