Someone TELL me what to buy

[Intergage]

Hey all, recently got a company up and running under my name and to my supprise it's going VERY good (21 years old, company has been registered for less then a month, started working for people 2 weeks ago already grossed over $4500) Anyway, I have a massive job that will be grossing around $3000 profit.. I REALLY want to spend a fraction of this money (1/3, 1/2) to buy a dob.. Can someone tell me what one to buy from this selection or another in Australia?

http://www.ozscopes.com.au/telescope/dobsonian-telescope

[Shark Bait]

Glad to hear that your business is doing well. Another IIS Brisbane member is selling his 12" GOTO Dob. Might be worth a look.

Here is the link:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=85339

[Poita]

Take a look at Andrews Communications as well, they have scopes at good prices.

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm
They have a 12" for $799 and a massive 16" for $1799, or a very manageable 8" for $399.
They have a 10" with Synscan GOTO for $1499

Are you happy to lug around and use a large dob, or do you want something more transportable. Do you want GOTO or PUSHTO or are you happy to find things manually?

[Intergage]

Hey,

Umm, what ever is best I guess. I live pretty close to the city and have a fair amount of light over head at night so I will be taking it to more remote places but I have a large car and it would be able to fit a 12" in quite easily.

I'm guessing GOTO is a motor or something for tracking, but what is pushto? Wouldn't that just be considered manual tracking?

[Shark Bait]

When aligned, GoTo scopes will move to the location that is required to view the object selected and then track it. This is a very handy feature but adds to the cost.

PushTo is a fully manual scope that is powered by you.

We are lucky to have at least three Astronomical Societies in Brisbane that have public viewing nights - BAS, SEQAS and SAS. These events are a great place to see the scopes in action and allow you to work out what you would prefer to own. These groups also have scopes that they hire to members for very low fees.

[Intergage]

Awesome, thanks man! I think I will go PushTo at the moment.. I would rather learn how to map and track stars manual before I start using software haha! :P

Also, will an 8" DOB be good enough? at the moment im only using a reflector scope (****!) the picture in my DP.

[Shark Bait]

I ended up buying a 12" Collapsible Dobsonian because it was the largest aperature scope that I could have and still maintain portability. It is still a heavy lump to set up, but when it is positioned and collimated the views at the eyepiece are worth the effort.

If you would use the 8" more often when compared to a larger, heavier scope then it is probably the right scope to own.

Have a look at this site for some excellent reviews:

www.scopereviews.com (http://www.scopereviews.com)

[Screwdriverone]

Hi Matt,

Check out my thread here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=74670) in which I recommend ALL the bits you might need (in my opinion) to get started with a dob, both the goto and the normal push to version....

You may need to update the pricing using Andrews Comms website or others for the scope, but it basically has suggestions on scope, accessories, and lots of input from others to fine tune what I thought was a good starting point without going over the top.

Keep the costs down with an 8" standard dob, but there is no substitute for efficiency of goto for cramming in lots of things to look at with such little effort required to align it.

Take a look, it may help you decide, and will show you what else to expect to buy to complement the scope in terms of accesories.

Cheers

Chris

[Poita]

There is no 'software' as such, just a hand controller, you do a quick align, then choose what you want to see and it slews the scope to the objects of choice. It can also take you on a tour of interesting objects. It is a nice option, and can be a pain to try and add later.

A collapsible scope is an option, it lets you take a bigger scope out and about, like the 16".
Viewing height can be an issue though, I prefer SCTs as the eyepiece is usually in a comfortable position, so go see a dob in action at the sizes you are interested in, and see what you think about portability and viewing comfort, it will make it easier to choose the size that suits you best.

Viewing between an 8" and 10" isn't all that different to me, a 16" is a big difference though.
I'd get an 8 or a 12 or a 16 depending on how keen you are to move it around. I wouldn't bother with a 10 or a 14. For a 10, I'd rather go to a 12, and at 14 it is huge anyway, so I'd rather go to a 16.
An 8 is so portable and you will see heaps through it.

Get to a star party/viewing night and get a look through some scopes, it is the only way to really know what you want, there are plenty of folk in Brisbane with gear who are very helpful.

[Intergage]

Hey thanks for the replies, I have sent an email to Andrews Comms and ozscopes asking them to price up the package for me. This is the email I sent them..

"Good Morning,

If possible, can you please price up a package for me?

1) Skywatcher Black Diamond 8" Collapsible Dobsonian (manual)
2) Skywatcher 6.3mm Super Plossl Eyepiece
3) GSO Laser Collimator (align the mirrors)
4) ED 2x or 3 x Barlow lens (magnifier)
5) Bob's Knobs secondary screws (helps adjust the secondary mirror)
6) Red/White Head torch

I don't need EXACTLY that but something of equal or better quality.
If you can price that up as a package for me that would be great! :)

Thanks,

[Screwdriverone]

Hi Matt,

That list looks awfully familiar.....lol....;)

You will find that Andrews wont have Bob's Knobs, you will need to source these from the Bob's Knobs website I think, I did.

They also wont have the energizer head torch, you can grab one from Coles.

Also, based on their pricing, they probably won't be giving you any "additional discounts" by buying all from them in one go....you will find (from research) that their prices are the lowest, and if not, they will definitely match or beat the competitor out of principle.

I know this from experience.

Dont forget the planetarium disc either....especially with the manual dob, you will need it to star hop.

Cheers

Chris

[Intergage]

It should look a little familiar! :P
Yeah, just going to see what they come back with.. Ozscopes normally do bulk deals so just wondering if it might come in cheaper then Andrew and I can get him to match! :P

http://www.bobsknobs.com/SCT/page34/M8.html -- Is that what I am looking for in Bob's Knob? (Haha sorry, I had to)

[Screwdriverone]

Hi Matt,

Good luck with that, Andrews will win, trust me...

Nope, they are Meade ones.

http://www.bobsknobs.com/Newt/page66/SWdob.html

C. Knobs for SkyWatcher Newtonian Secondary

Part: CNsec30 or CNsec35
Fits: SkyWatcher (5”, 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”) Newtonian telescopes.

Get the 35mm ones for $20.95. Dont bother with the primary ones, they stock SW ones on the primary are fine.

Cheers

Chris

[Intergage]

Awesome, thanks HEAPS for your help me! I just had a guy from my old high school (5 years ago now.. God damn that is scary) ask me about it and asked how I got into it.. I sent him RIGHT here haha.. So much help!

[Screwdriverone]

You are welcome Matt.

Ice In Space Rocks!

Cheers

Chris

[Intergage]

Awaiting replies from both Ozscopes and Andrew. Also trying to price up myself on ebay! :)

This is what I got from Ebay (VERY ROUGH PRICE)
$579 + $77.11 - 8" Dob
~$20 + Shipping - 6.3mm Eye piece
~$50 + Shopping - Laser Collimator
~$20 + Shipping - 3x Mag Lens
~$10 + Shipping - Head lamp

Total: ~$800

I will keep this thread updated.

[jenchris]

SAS has a Jupiter night coming up
Esplanade at Paradise point

From our pres:-

We've now received approval from Gold Coast City Council for the 'Jupiter in
the Park' event to be held on Saturday the 28th January. Please bring along your telescopes from 5.30pm onwards, I'll arrange for pizza's to be
delivered at about 6.00pm and there'll also be some soft drinks for
everyone.

The event will be advertised to start at 7.00pm so this gives us plenty of time to get set up and have something to eat...also it gives us plenty of time to help anybody that needs help with there equipment as there'll be plenty of members about.

If you don't have a scope, please do come along, as we certainly need people to talk with the public and show the night sky with sky charts and laser pointers. This may also be a great opportunity for our newer members to see some of our telescopes at work...so come along and bring your families for a wonderful night of stargazing.

Could you please let me know by text 0407 126452 or email at:
ziggy002@bigpond.com if you're able to come and help on the night. As I
really need to know approximately how many people are coming, not only to
see if we have enough people for the night, but also for ordering the food.

Please find attached a copy of the flyer to forward to your family and
friends. Here's hoping we have clear skies...thanking everyone in advance for your support in our first community event for the year.

Kindest regards
Noeleen

Noeleen Lowndes (President)

[Intergage]

Thanks heaps! Sounds awesome, I will see if my missus wants to come if not then I doubt I'll be allowed ( :( ) but I will try my hardest to make it down (It's about an hours drive from me)

[jenchris]

There's usually about 12 scopes or so - from small refractors to 18" dobs

[mithrandir]

Bintel (https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm) usually have Bob's Knobs, but maybe not the ones you want. I know that's the old web site but I find it easier to search than the new one (http://www.bintel.com.au/).

[Screwdriverone]

Hey Matt,

WELL worth a look, even if it is in Sydney and you are in Brisbane....worth a trip down and back for a 10" collapsible for only $600.!!!!

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=80611

Cheers

Chris