how to use a DOB

[James Kirk]

hi

I posted a thered with regards to purcahsing a new scope and got excellent feedback. Going to purchase an 8" dob (gs680).

From the feedback I am alittle confused as to how you use these scopes as I hear there are special chairs for viewing.

My thoughts were to put it onto a table and sit in a normal chair or even stand next to it.

Is this not the case?

Cheers

James Kirk.

[iceman]

Hi James.

They are quite tall - they sit on the ground and you stand or sit (up high) to observe.

They're very easy to use - just push/pull it to point to what you want. The tricky part is learning the sky so you know how to point it to what you want to see.

Pointing it any general star won't give you anything exciting to see. You need to be able to find the planets, star clusters, nebulas, galaxies and other deep space objects which will give you the joy you want.

So, yuo can stand and observe, sort of bending over to look through the eyepiece, depending on whether it's pointed straight up or at an angle. Most people buy or make an observing chair, which lets you sit down while observing. Much more comfortable and enjoyable. It just means you need to move the chair as you move the telescope.

[James Kirk]

Hi Mike

Thankyou for the swift reply.

How does an observing chair differ from a normal chair?

Cheers

[erick]

James

Here is a photo of my various gear set up. My 8" Dobsonian Reflector is right in front.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26209&d=1177492194

Over to the left, in front of the binoculars, is a old office gas lift chair, back removed. I do most of my observing through the dob sitting on this chair. I might have to stand if I'm pointing towards the zenith (directly up). It would be much the same for a 6" telescope, but for 10" and 12" you'll spend more time on your feet, unless you buy the adjustable observing chairs. There are various models for sale but, if you search, various designs have been described in this forum.

I hope this puts things in perspective.

Eric :)

[Miaplacidus]

8 inch dob in action with crash test dummies and home made Denver observing chair (instructions available on the web).

Cheers,

Brian.

[jjjnettie]

Some people are fortunate to have adjustable seats, others like myself make do with chairs, stools or upturned barrels of different heights.
The point is to be observing in a comfortable position. If you're stooped over at the eyepiece too long on a cold night it can take ages to straighten yourself up again.

[janoskiss]

The 8" Dob is close to perfect for seated observing as it is. Just about any old average height stool will do. When I want a bit of flexibility to handle low-altitude to zenith, short people to tall ones, I take three stackable cheap plastic stools ($5 ea from bargain shop), and stack as many as needed to get the right height.

Putting the Dob on a table is bad idea - unless it's a big heavy table you will get a wobbly set up - not much fun to observe with.

[duncan]

Hi all,
I'm lucky,6ft tall so all i need is an old Bar stool. If i'm viewing something at the zenith i prefer standing anyway.
Cheers,
Duncan
Ps Wonderful telescopes these Dobs.

[rmcpb]

Plonk its three feet firmly on the ground, not on a table and it will be VERY steady.

As for a seat, I use a folding camp stool with a small platform, which allows me to view seated from horizon to zenith. Don't try standing or you will get dobber's back. Any old seat will work, you will find the one for you, mine is very cheap.

Cheers

[ving]

an adjustable chair is a good idea, but theres no reason yu cant use a normal chair :)
its a comfort thing, as you look at different objects the hight of the EP changes.

just get out there and enjoy it :)