Equipment

[Will]

;)Hi Gang, thanks for the welcome.
It is years since I have had a go at astronomy, my son and I built a 8 inch refelector as per Eric Witcombe about 30 years ago, that is down Tassie way now waiting to be reserected
I have just brought a Skywatcher Dob. but the old back is playing up and does not like the idea of bending to far.
I have thought of a built up box for it but that is a lot of gear to drag around
I have asked around and have been told that an EQ5 mount is the way to go with rings and dovetail. This sounds good to me. The cost quoted to me was around $700
Has any one got any other thoughts on this.
Thanks in advance for advice or help, Will

[Geoff45]

What size is the scope? I think the eq5 wouldn't cope with anything more than 6" absolute max.
Geoff

[rmcpb]

If its an 8" dob and bending is wat is worrying you try getting an old office chair and use that. Sure will stop dobbers back.

If you go for a GEM as a visual observer then you will need to be quite flexible to get to the eyepiece all then time :)

[Astro78]

Hi Will,

:welcome: again

Rest assured that a Newt on a EQ mount will have you contorted in all sorts of positions you never thought possible. I believe worse than a dob.

Adding a home made set of "wilcox rings" will help alot.

[wavelandscott]

I'd suggest an adjustable height chair (available at Bintel- Stellar Seat, or build your own)...alternatively, putting your scope on a stable platform would also raise the eyepiece height.

I think an EQ mount may give you a different kind of eyepiece viewing contortion.

Clear Dark Skies!

[rider]

Geoff, you may be underestimating eq5's

Mrs Rider runs a 10 inch newt. on a saxon eq5 with the added resistance of argo navis cogs. It doesnt worry it at all. (The old saxon is a bit beefier than a SW eq5 though.)
Ive got a heavier mak on an heq5pro and that doesnt miss a beat either.

We picked the 5's because they carry weight but are managable to get in and out of the house.

Rider2

[jjjnettie]

Welcome to IIS Bill.
I would definitely build up the dob or buy a stellar seat.
An EQ mount with a newt is not a good option.
I see you are from Bribie Island. We have viewing nights just about every new moon up at Kenilworth, if you are interested.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=41097