12" Dobs

[duncan]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone out there would care to do a review on a 12"Dob.
My reason for asking is the Skywatcher SW252 has just gone up $500.00.
So now i'm considering buying a Dob first and then saving for an EQ6 mount at a later date.
I've been trying to find out things like how well the mirrors are figured etc. but without much success. Look forward to any info you can come up with.

Cheers,
Duncan:thumbsup:

[mickoking]

I own a 300mm GSO Dob and I have no problems with it. The mirror appears to be excellent and it performs very well. Fantastic buy :thumbsup:

[duncan]

G'day Mick,
Thanks for the reply. Does the GSO come standard with a Crayford focuser or the old R&P?
Cheers,
Duncan

[rmcpb]

Duncan,

Have a look at the Bintel (http://www.bintel.com.au/) or Andrews (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/) websites for the available setup on the GS scopes.

Cheers

[iceman]

I have a 12" mounted on an EQ6, and I love it! The 12" is a big scope though. Make sure you have the facility to move it, transport it, store it etc.

[mickoking]

Yes, mine came with a Crayford, Make sure you specify.

[ColHut]

Do any of you big Dob users use a parabola corrector?

[iceman]

You mean a coma-corrector, or paracorr?

[ColHut]

Yep Para(bola)corr(ector) - as I understand they correct coma by corrrecting the parabola's effects.

[mickoking]

I don't :D

[iceman]

I don't use one, but I know some people with bigger dobs (18" and above) have a tendancy to have one in their kit.

Do a search for "paracorr" - there was a thread about 6-12 months ago which had heaps of information about them.

[vespine]

Hi Duncan. I have a 12" Lightbridge and couldn't be happier with it. I think it is a terrific scope and (a little surprisingly) being the only LB there it had many admirers at the IIS / MPAS get together at the Briars last month. I've had it over a year now and it has been great but I did just ordered the 10:1 focuser, so can't wait to attach that. It's fine without it but after seeing it on Dave's scope decided it was worth the ~$120. Also one day intend to drop a grand and get Argo Navis, not yet, but it's great to know that's another 'upgrade' I can dream of.

[duncan]

G'day all,
Thanks for the info Vespine. Seems there are quite a few 12" owners out there. I'm just waiting for a bit of info from [Andrews'] to help make up my mind.Things like outer dimensions [length and diameter both in cartons and out]. Plus a few other things like freight charges.So when i get all the info i'll decide whether 10 or 12". Either way i can't wait.

Cheers,
Duncan

[DougAdams]

Hey Duncan, I've just been through the 12" / 10" thing, and ended up with a GSO 12". If you have any questions about it, let me know.

[duncan]

G,day Doug,
Thanks for the reply. I'm wanting to know the following,
[1] length of the carton for the ota and overall length of ota.
[2]overall diameter of ota.
[3]overall dimensions of base [height and diameter]
[4]overall height of scope fully assembled and pointing to zenith.
[5]weight of ota
[6]weight of base
I have sent an email to Andrews but no reply as yet. If you can help it would be appreciated. Need to know for transportation reasons and for storage.
Cheers mate,
Duncan:thumbsup:

[DougAdams]

Here we go...

[1] Carton was about 1600mm, but I've turfed the box. It did fit into an Astra with the rear seat dropped and the front passenger pushed all the way forwards. The OTA is 1450mm.
[2] 370mm (not counting focuser and finder)
[3] 700 x 700mm
[4] 1580mm
[5] 22kg
[6] 15kg

Cheers
Doug

[duncan]

Thank you Doug. Mate you're a bloody champion. Seriously Doug thanks for the info, now i can measure up the laser and see if it fits. If it does i can go ahead and order it. I think it will [I hope it will]. Just finished a big day of lawn bowls though and don't trust my eyesight,lol. Will do the measuring tomorrow[hang on bowling tomorrow too.] It's all looking good though. One plus camping gear plus telescope in Laser = One happy stargazer.

Cheers,
Duncan.:thumbsup:

[ColHut]

Does anybody know how the Synta/Skywatcher (PRC?) 10" dobs match up against the GSO/Bintel (Taiwanese?) Dobs?

cheers