GSO 12" Dob

[picklesrules]

Hey im looking at buying a nice big 12" GSO dob from andrews com, just wondering if ppl can tell me what its like and is better than the 12" skywatcher truss dob

also what are the movements in alt-az like?

[barx1963]

I have one of these scopes. Optics are very good and value is excellent. Would recommend adding Bobs Knobs as the collimation screws that come with it are fiddly. The Alt movement is excellent, with the adjustable tension mechanism being a great innovation. Would can move the axis up and down to assist with balancing as well. The Az motion is very loose. I was able to get the scope to do 3 full rotations if I gave it a fair shove. I added a couple of bits of felt between the 2 plates too slow it down a bit which worked fine.
It is a bit of a beast, you will need a trolley to assist with transport!
Can't give a comparison with the SW Coll scope, but I am very happy with mine and views are great!

[anthony.tony]

They are Good value for money Plus you get 4 or 5 eyepieces.

[batema]

Same comments as above as our school has one. My mate took it home first night as I had to go out and I phoned him the next day and ask him what he thought. He said he tried to say it was just OK but within seconds his enthusiasm took over and he could not believe the views. Needless to say I went to his place that night and was blown away by how much light gathering power it has. We found about 15 galaxies in about an hour and a half and it wasn't even collimated properly. The GSO is great and the 5 eyepieces are also really good plus 10 to 1 focusing. I do not have the other scope.

Mark

[picklesrules]

thanks very much guys as soon as the funds come in im gonna be giving andrews a call but gotta save up for schoolies week as well :P

[markus.a.bergh]

Sywatcher focser is crap (sorry) compared to the GSO.

Re - the "AZ motion". Its all in the grease. When you assemble it, add (lots of) clear viscous bearing grease and use a liberal amount with a small amount of singers sowing oil (or similar). You can get nice clear grease form a budget bicycle shop. This will give you a smooth action. Everyone is different. Slow and smooth works well for me. Some people knock the GSO needle roller bearings. They work perfectly fine as long as you lube them properly - to suit your needs. Grease is the word.