Equipment opninions sort (and hello)

[Thiink]

Hi board,

I am wanting some opinions on what sort of telescope I should buy, and what options to get and hoping some people here can add their input. I am your typical long time interest (since I was a little fella), first time buyer type of person.. hopefully one whom doesn't appear too ignorant in the eyes of the am-pro's like yourselves!

A few weeks ago my interest changed; at first I was looking to get a 6" newt/dob after reading up on a few overseas websites, and then your great forums after I found them. My original interest was in viewing the moon and local planets, so I thought the 6" should be portable enough to help me along with that, so was set on getting a GS 6" from Andrews (thanks again to these forums). However after a visit last weekend to my local observatory (http://www.bathurstobservatory.com.au/) things have changed. After spending a mere 30mins or so looking at DSO's (47 tucana, small/large magellanic clouds etc) everything changed, the planets seemed impressive, but nowhere near as impressive as what I was seeing through the 14" Celestron!

What I want to know is; is there a half-affordable (possibly less than $1k) telescope that exists in Australia that I can use from my backyard that would give even half as impressive a view as what I saw through the observatory scope from my back yard, which suffers from trees, two street lights and neighbouring houses (if only it was out of town like the observatory!). If not would such items be viewable (or worth viewing) with an 8" dob (or maybe even a 10" if they are half transportable)? I almost have the funds to buy an 8" GS dob at the moment, but if its worth spending more now to buy something more appropriate I am willing to wait (or grab a small loan to get it now :P). Astrophotography(/tracking) is an interest, but not essential (hence the dob's :)).

Thank you. :)

ps. it appears to get asked alot, so if you are interested in how I found the forums; I saw a link here from another forum (which I cant remember, I found it when googling for information!). I have noticed though that its hard to get any reference to iceinspace from google no matter what keywords I use (even using keywords specified in main pages meta tags!). Maybe I wasnt trying hard enough.

[Starkler]

How transportable a scope is will depend on what car you currently have.

For most people the 10 inch GSO is as big as can be transported in your average sedan. The main tube of mine fits nicely across the back seat.
The 10 incher is big enough to show 1000's of objects well and is definately a seriously capable scope and not a toy.

For a 12 incher you would need a station wagon or van.

If you get one its well worth investing in a cheap trolly with pneumatic tires for moving it around. I got one for $35 and its well worth it.

[RAJAH235]

Welcome aboard Thiink.:thumbsup: Where to start? I/we recommend the smallest aperture is an 8" Dob. It all depends on what you can afford, size of car, etc etc. The 1st rule is *APERTURE WINS*, but this comes at a cost. You will be happy with an 8"/10", until aperture fever hits. The main thing to do, is to get away from the %#^%&*%#@+(&#,, street lights etc . You must have a RED LED torch tho. & a planisphere is also helpful for finding your way around, and get a copy of ASTRONOMY 2005.
The others will point out more options. I'm not up with the GS Dobs.
I'm happy with my Meade 10". :2thumbs:
ps. you mentioned the Bathurst Observatory. Why not ask if there is a local club/society and look at their t'scopes to get a better idea?

[ballaratdragons]

Welcome Thiink,

There is such a vast assortment of scopes available and quite often it is up to individual taste.

Some people are Dob nuts (yay!), some are EQ reflector, some are refractor freaks. All are different and all are special. I have all 3 but prefer my 12" dob, mainly because it's 12".

Others will swear by CAT's.

The best thing to do is look through as many scopes as possible within a chosen price range and portability, and decide that way.

It's no good looking through a $5000 Schmitt-Cassegrain, love it, and expect to get a similiar view with a $1200 version Maksutov (similiar to Schmitt-Cass). An 8" - 10" dob is probably a good way to start if you can transport them. A 12" is much harder to transport (size, not weight).

But you may find a very good Refractor for about $1000.

The choice can be endless!
Ask more questions and we can try give assistance.

Good luck.

[gbeal]

For your stated budget, I feel the 10" dob is the way to go. I can think of a few forum members that have them, me included. If your budget, and transport allows the 12" will be better, but 10" is OK. The thing to remember is that the best scope is the one you use the most, and if you can't get the 12"/14"/bigger one out and about then you won't use it.
In the first instance, try a 10" or so, and work out where to from there. It will be difficult (nearly said impossible, but Mike/Ice has proven me wrong) to conduct astrophotograpy with a dob, but this can grab you later.
Enjoy the sky, try to observe with others around you and figure what is best, but don't expect to make the correct decision first time, it will take a few differing scopes, and also the goal posts will shift as you learn what you want from the hobby. It is a great hobby though, so even the humble 6" will serve you well.
Gary

[westsky]

Hi Thiink,
As the others have said the 10" GSO dob is a great scope, used in your light polluted back yard it will still give good views of most DSO's
not quite to the 14" Celestron at a dark sky site standard but enough to keep you interested
If you can afford the 12" and can transport it, go for it .
cheers
David.

[Thiink]

Thanks for all the welcomes. :)

Actually the 10" dob seems like a good median between size and transportability. I can always make the ultimate decision when I go down and visit Andrews in Sydney, if the 10" is too big the 8" will have to do. The backyard problem can be sorted out too once I have something; if the backyard is no good I have a nice site not too far away by car. I can get my woodworking-wizard dad to help me build some form of transport box to help move it around (car is a 2001 SS Commodore so a 10" should fit in the back seat easy enough). The photography stuff can wait until Ive seen it all plenty of times myself.

I have an email from Andrews saying that the 8" is only $399 (website says $449), hopefully the 10" is less than the $799 it says on the website.

ps. I dont expect what ever I buy to be as good as the Celestron at the observatory, I meant if its half as good I will be more than happy!

[MiG]

I got the 10" with rack and pinion focuser and BK7 mirror for $649 from Andrew's

[RAJAH235]

Thiink, for a bit more info. go to *universetoday.com* You can subscribe to their emailed daily news letter if you like. :cool:

[janoskiss]

I measured the Corolla, and the 12" will fit! Only leaves room for one passenger behind the driver, but it does fit!!! Fold down back and front seats or better ... rip them out. Gotta get me a 12"!

Thiink, if you're really after anything close to the views through the 14", you should probably get the 12" GSO Dob. You can probably get a highly portable 6" Dob at the same time for an extra $200 or maybe less... Just shop around!; you'll be surprised at the bargains to be had.

[thomo]

I've measured my Corolla too (with the backseat down) and the 12" would be a comfortable fit. :cool:

Now if only I can get my cashflow in order... Bloody bills all at the start of the year! :mad2:

[[1ponders]]

Hi Thiink,

think (no pun intended) about the 14" celestron you looked through. I gather that it was a SCT (Cassegrain). At the front end is a large secondary obstruction. When taking this obstruction into account you may find that a 10" or 12" dob may actually give as much light collecting power, or very near, for a lot less money.

[ballaratdragons]

Looks like we are all going into a 12" frenzy! :cool:

[iceman]

Hi Thiink, :welcome: and all that!

As for scope, the others have offered the same advice that I would.. I've got the 10" which is a great middle ground for portabiliy and aperture. Much easier to transport and lug around, but still a healthy 10 inches of aperture.

Beware, the 12" will be mistaken for a hot-water heater by friends and family.. :lol: Don't let them look for the pilot-lighter :D

I'm working on it :/ The main problem is that it's not a .com.au domain, so if people do an Australia only search, they'll only find the site through the links in my signature on other forums (like astronomyonline).

A lot of people are getting search hits on the site through the GSO eyepiece reviews (need to add more reviews!) or by searching simply for the name "iceinspace", but the best way to get hits in google is by your rank increasing, and the best way to do that is to simply have your site linked from more other sites.

So if you've got a site, add a link! :D

[rmcpb]

Aperture rules BUT only if ou use it!!

I have been tempted to get a bigger scope several times but have resisted. The 8" is easy to transpot and carry out into the backyard for a quick look or for a long session. It is no "little" brother to the larger scopes so don't get too carried away with the aperture rules rule - you have to use it.

Thiink is from Bathurst - lots of dark skys. The reason I am building a 6" - not a 10" or bigger - travel scope is the dark skies I encounter at Narrabri, where I travel to often, would probably be similar to those at Bathurst.

My point - don't discount the 8" just because the 12" is cheap enough to buy. Its a great scope, I use mine at Linden Observatory which has beautiful views of Sydney with the light pollution attached and can still pick out heaps of DSOs. When you take it to a truely dark site it really blows you away.

Remember, you have to be able to use it regularly.

Cheers

[Thiink]

You guys are no help, youre just adding more options! :) I don't mind the idea of a 10", but now the idea of a 12" with options to buy a travel scope down the track seems appealing. Does anyone happen to know the dimensions of the 10" and 12" GS's by chance? The Guan Sheng site is no help! Im looking forward to getting something, theres been plenty of clear skys in the last few weeks but nothing to point at stuff.

rmcpb: I noticed you are in the Blue Mountains; where abouts (if you dont mind)? Is there anyone else west of (or in) the mountains?

iceman: I completely overlooked that! Is there any chance of people donating some money towards getting a second .au domain (anyone with an ABN? :)). edit: Whoops I should have done a search (http://www.iceinspace.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=456). :ashamed:

ps. I just hope my girlfriend realises we are talking about telescopes if she happens to read over my shoulder, the current discussion could be taken.. well ouf of context. *cough*

[iceman]

The 10" from memory is about 1.2 to 1.4 metres long (the tube). I'll measure the tube and base when I get home, but someone else might be able to post dimensions sooner. At a guess, i'd say the base is about 70-80cm in diameter.

I was just about to post a link to that thread :)

A few people have offered support in the way of a donation, thanks for the thought. I'm still weighing up my options.

[Starkler]

Lots of information including dimensions here

http://www.telescope-service.com/dobsonians/dobsonians/dobsoniansstart.html

[vindictive666]

Hi Thiink

welcome

try this link itll give you a guide to the dimesions you are after


http://www.telescope-service.de/dobsonians/dobsonians/dobsoniansstart.html

[iceman]

Hey there's an echo in here! :D

[Thiink]

Thanks guys, another bookmark. :)

[ving]

w00t! I havent welcomed you yet! *slaps head*
my bad!

[ballaratdragons]

Hey Thiink,

It's been a while. Have you made up your mind which scope yet?

Good luck with the decisions.

[Thiink]

Ok well I've pretty much decided on the 10" GSO dob from Andrews, hopefully ordering it before the end of the week. I called and they have the 10" in two prices; $649 and $749 with two different grades for the mirror (BK-7 and Suprax I take it?). I decided I'd go the 10" over the 8" to try and keep the aperture bug at bay hopefully for a little while (until the tracking bug sets in).

Now I just need to decide on some accessories and I'm done. Already have some star charts, just unsure what else to get (I've been reading but theres no real definitive list of items newbies must have). Maybe just a Chesire and a barlow perhaps.

The only thing that has me scared is centre spotting the beast. I've read a few articles on it linked from the forums but it still scares me. How did everyone else with an Andrews dob go with this? Was it as scary as I'm making it out to be.

Thanks all for the advice.

[ballaratdragons]

Mine was centre spotted when it came. Check with Andrews and ask him if it is already done.

If not, the best thing I have heard of for centre spotting is one of those ring binder stickers (the one with the hole in the centre).

There are a lot of threads on accessories. All a bit confusing at first.

What do you want? A good range of EP's or filters or a barlow? Maybe a collimating tool?

[janoskiss]

Yes, it's scary, but once it's done it's done. There is a real chance of stuffup though. I practised on a cheap smaller scope first. I'm still not sure if I got it sub-mm precise, but I did not want to make any more measurements lest I damage the surface. The mirror cell & mount might be a tight fit on the tube which makes taking it off and putting it on all the more scary. I'd much prefer a mirror centre spotted by the factory (also because they should know where the optical centre is).

[RAJAH235]

An easy way to centre spot your main ; With a pair of compasses, draw a circle the same diam. as your mirror on a piece of thin cardboard.Cut out. "Slightly enlarge" the pivot (central) hole and place the disc on your mirror (carefully). With a texta, put a spot on the mirror. Remove the disc and CENTRE your reinforcing ring on the mark. EASY. :thumbsup:

[blackpearl]

My 12" Dob from Andrews has a spot on the mirror. I have a laser collimator and followed the directions from a website on Orion telescopes. Bit confusing but worked through it slowly and the changes were minimal.

[Thiink]

Posting that 1min before I made the post this afternoon (which took me a few mins at work) is scary! Thanks for checking on me. :)

In regards to what I posted this afternoon; I can bet I will change my mind again before the money changes hands (possibly tomorrow), I'm good at that. I have my mind set on one option, then change it 20 seconds later. The options are 10" with only one extra accessory, and an 8" with $250 worth of accessories. If I got the 10" I would have to stick with the eye pieces it comes with for a few weeks but seems more viable in the long run. Then again $250 worth of accessories now seems good as well. Plus centre spotting a $399 scope compared to a $649 scope seems better too (you can see how edgy it's got me!). Either way I will get a collimating tool of some sort when I order.

I will let you guys know what happens when I've ordered. Either way I guess I can't go wrong, trying to make up my mind is the hard part.

ps. I have a weird question; how important are (non-moon) filters for colour blind people? Colours are all the same to me.. :P

pps. It appears from what I've read on the forums that the 12" GSO dobs come centre spotted, I wonder why the smaller ones don't?

[RAJAH235]

Thiink, maybe cost factor applies re; centre spotting the smaller t'scopes??? As for your question about coloured filters, can't say as I'm not C/B. They should make a diff. when you view the planets tho. Should bring out more details. Can you borrow some,before you buy?
A Cheshire collimator is all that you need. About $60.00. :thumbsup: L.

[rmcpb]

Thiink,

The eyepieces that come with the scope will keep you going for quite a while. There are probably more important accessories to get before you start on the eyepiece bug. Get a handle on the type of viewing you prefer before parting with the hard earned on extra eyepieces - this can get expensive.

As for the filters and colourblindness they only restrict the wavelengths passed through so the image is highlighted in some way. I don't understand what colourblind people see in these wavelengths but, if they can see the colour in some way the image should be enhanced for them as well. This is another place to wait and see what you need before buying, then possibly buy one and try it.

My tip would be to go with the 10", a good barlow and a cheshire collimating eyepiece and to not get too carried away with the extras, they will accumulate over time by themselves.

Cheers

[iceman]

Agree with Rob. Especially this bit:



and this bit:

[Starkler]

Important accessories for the 10 inch dob

1: A chair or stool to sit on of the right height. I took a saw to a wooden bar stool :)
2: A trolly with inflatable tyres for carting it about in one piece.
Shifting it without one gets old pretty quickly.

[Thiink]

Ok well I went ahead and finally brought something (finally I hear you say)! I ended up with the GSO 10" dob from AndrewsCom, which comes with the four eye pieces (and free binoculars :)). Collimator and barlow will need to wait a week.

I can tell you now that Lee doesnt mind a chat, he's a nice bloke. Seems to be in the business for the right reasons which is refreshing.

I rang AndrewsCom and it was due to leave this afternoon. With any luck it may be here before the weekend.. then again I can only guess what the weather is going to do if it does turn up before tomorrow afternoon (BoM (http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN10062.shtml) and wunderground (http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Bathurst%2C+Austr alia) arent showing promising outlooks!). I guess if it rains or if its cloudy all weekend it gives me a chance to build one of the astrochairs like in the projects page. :whistle:

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions.

*Fixed the URL

[janoskiss]

Congrats Thiink & Good luck with the weather!
Rajah, That is the scary bit!

[Striker]

Haha you roaches......bad weather on the way....another Dob to be delivered in your area.

BTW well done on the Dob.....

[Thiink]

It's good to see I'm no different to any other new dob (well telescope) owner, I think this just about sums it up:

http://users.on.net/sjeriksson/img/iceinspace/clouds.jpg

:mad2: (grr (http://www.bom.gov.au/gms/IDE00006.latest.shtml) right over me, its almost like it was planned!)

I went home at lunch and had the parcel delivery message (hooray). Went and picked it up in my parents Camry (decided to leave the SS at home), and almost wasnt able to bring it home at all! The box for the OTA is HUGE!* It was only after putting the passanger side front seat all the way forward and down, and ended up having to have the rear drivers side window down to make it fit (sort of). It should fit into the SS easy enough as it's a fair bit wider.

I realised I didnt actually give preference when ordering the dob in terms of EP's. I ended up with a 4mm and 40mm series 500 (both of these seem useless, are they?), and a 9mm and 25mm GS plossl's. I could almost swear that Lee told me that the scope would come with 10x32 binoculars as well when I ordered, but got 10x25. O well, they are handy for bushwalking.

First light report is going to have to wait until at least tomorrow night. I guess thats a good thing though as I have to be at a (what ever the opposite of a house warming party is) party tonight and I dont want to annoy the misses, well at least until the clouds go! I can take my time setting it up tomorrow, and can try and get a trolley and maybe start on the astroseat!

* OTA box = 1395x480mm

[janoskiss]

Well, you should not let the excitement go to your head too much, and let Lee know about not getting the EPs you wanted and the binos not being up to spec. I got 10x32's with my 8" Dob.

[Striker]

I wouldn't be too concerned the 10 x 32 bino I got with my EX dob are only good for bird watching anyway.....

The eyepiece's I would be asking about for sure......not many people would want a 40mm for Dob.....15 & 6 mm would have been handy...

[iceman]

Congrats, but definitely return the 4mm. It will be next to useless. The 40mm also is useless in a fast scope.

Get a 15 and 32mm if you get a choice.

Can't wait to see it all put together and read your first light report!

[RAJAH235]

Janos, You only have to do it once. Just be careful laying down the thin cardboard. DO NOT move it around. The concave in the mirror will keep it off the surface, until you press gently to make the texta mark. If nec. get someone to hold the edge of the disc. L.

[Thiink]

Ok well I just got home and its still cloudy, it best not be like this all weekend. :(

I might have to email Leigh tomorrow and ask him about the Ep's and binoculars. Its not that much of an issue though, I might just have to buy more down the track I guess. Would a barlow make the 40mm more useful or not? Maybe he just gave me what ever wasnt selling..

[MiG]

I think I'm weird because I like my 4 mm EP (on 1250 mm focal length scope). Although it might become almost redundant when my barlow comes.

[Thiink]

Ok well things haven't gone to plan at all so far..

- I started constructing the base this afternoon and realised I was missing one of the wood screws that holds the base together (I only had 9, needed 10). At the moment I have the base held together with one less screw than it should be.
- The primary mirror isn't centre spotted, which after discussing this with Andrews was told it should be.

AND

- The clouds haven't cleared and don't look to be at all.

So that's where I am at so far. I am going to have to call Lee on Monday and go over each of those with him (and ask why he ordered the clouds when he sent the scope to me!) and try and sort the first two out.

[MiG]

Clouds are normal when getting a new scope :)
My problems were:
Missing finderscope o-ring (but Lee sent me one for no extra charge)
Azimuth axis bolt too short to engage locking portion of nut
Crappy t-nuts pulled out of the wood with little force (used to attach base handle).

[ballaratdragons]

Good greif,

Both of you have certainly had a bad run.

My only problem was that I thought I was getting GS EP's but ended up with series 500's.

Even though my base has had no problems I am going to make a better one anyway (before they go wrong!)

Good luck with Lee.

[Thiink]

First light report (hooray!)!

Firstly I'd like to add a note now to anyone who might read this, and is in a similar prediciment that I was trying to decide what to buy; if it is at all possible, try and get near both an 8" and 10" scope that are setup before making up your mind. The 10" is massive, and a real handful to carry with just one person (at least down a flight of stairs). I can only imagine what the 12" is like to carry! Oh, and if you go the 10" make sure you take a big enough car to go and pick the package up if you miss the courier (see post above). I definately don't regret buying the 10", though its about the biggest I could go, though, and still have something managable in terms of transporting it around (ie. listen to the guys on these forums :)). Its not the weight thats the problem its the arkwardness of carrying the OTA.

The clouds have finally disappeared, I don't know exactly when that happened as it had rained earlier in the day and looked like the weather had settled in for the rest of the weekend. I walked out from a friends house at 11pm tonight and jupiter was staring me in the face! Looked up to see if the clouds were gone and realised it was home time.

I got home, assembled the rest of the scope (just the finder and the springs) and started moving the scope outside to start the cooling down period (no easy task getting the scope outside as its stored on the second level at the moment which means lots of stairs :(). I waited about 30mins (ok well it was an excited 30mins, so probably more like 10 :P), grabbed the EP's, a jumper and ventured outside. I roughly lined jupiter up in the finder, located it using the 40mm (easy enough as it was just about roof level) and set about trying to get the finder half accurate. I spent about the next 30mins or so changing around the EP's testing each one out on jupiter. It's amazing just how fast jupiter can move when viewing it even at just 138x! It was great seeing the moons all lined up, couldnt quite get much detail in the planet itsself though, the colour appeared washed out as though it was too bright. Unfortunately saturn had already started descending into the trees by the time I got the scope sorted out so it is going to have to wait until tomorrow (watch it rain now!). Really looking forward to a viewing of saturn. It has been great looking at it through the 60mm cheapy, if it looks even a little better in this scope I will be wrapped!

I turned over to the cross to have a play around after jupiter. I found a great looking double star in what I think was one of the cross stars (would that be right?!). Moved around the area near the cross with the 25mm GS (50x) just to have a wander, and ended up finding a great looking cluster, which after a little investigation appears to be NGC 3532 (again would that be right? looks to be). I spent a good few mins looking at the cluster (its impressive viewing something like a cluster in something YOU own!), and looking at all those stars was really quite scary, it really made me feel about this big -> .

In short:
- seeing was average, transparency was lousy.
- the 25mm GS was easily the most used EP of the night, and the best EP so far. It feels good to use and with average conditions gave the best images of both jupiter, and that cluster I stumbled on (which I also tried with the 9mm).
- the 40mm and 4mm so far have been useless, at least in the conditions I had tonight. The 40mm might be handy for the moon maybe, but for jupiter I may as well have used the 10x25 binoculars (it was handy for aligning the finder though). The 4mm just gave me a big piece of blurry nothing when aimed at jupiter (I was pushing it with the 9mm, let alone the 4mm at 312x in very average conditions). Even then it doesnt feel like an EP I would use even on a good night. The 9mm barlowed seems like a better idea for the planets.
- i need a few hours more practice in moving the dob around, it was hard to get used to the motion of it.

Things I need (already brought a trolley today ready for somewhere to put the scope downstairs):
- red LED torch (badly!). Every time I came inside to get a new EP or use the calculator it stuffed my night vision which meant a few mins outside before I could keep viewing.
- that chair! Astronomy without a chair is hard work! My back and neck are going to be sore tomorrow.
- a printed out map, or book.. or something. Need the torch first.
- a 15mm EP, or a barlow to get the inbetween mags. The gap between 9mm and 25mm is too great.
- some of the ice-mods done to my scope, especially the handle and milk bottle washer mods (ps. I found it much easier to use the base with just one spring on, is that normal?).

The only reason I stopped viewing is because I was getting dewed out pretty badly. It was 8C at 1am though, and this is Bathurst. It was a great few hours of viewing though, very happy with things thus far.

And lastly a note to myself; the OTA when its dewy is extremely slippery! I was bringing it inside after packing up and almost let it slip right out of my hands. The pulse went nuts I can tell you!

ps. If any of that doesnt make sense its early, Im tired but very much awake (ie. excited). :)

[janoskiss]

Well done! That's what it's all about! :)

[iceman]

Yep, I usually used no springs, though sometimes I used 1. Never used both.

Congrats, great first light report. The 15mm and 25mm GSO plossls are the ones I use most. The 15mm barlowed is my best combination for the planets if the seeing is ok. The 9mm barlowed can be a bit too much in bad conditions.

[wavelandscott]

From the sound of your first light report I'd say you got it!...

I beleive that you now have the "bug"...

Good Job...enjoy your new "hobby/obsession"...

[slice of heaven]

Cheap substitute for having no red LED torch.Wrap some red cellophane over the front of a torch,how much depends on the strength of the torch and the shade of the cello.This has worked fine for me for years,I use a Dolphin torch and backlight a table behind the viewing area to check starcharts,change ep,grab a drink.Might go modern one day though.

[Astroman]

another way of making a red light is to buy some jar with a red lid, after empying the contents and using the jar for odd bits and screws, use a knife and cut the lid to replace the clear lens on the torch, I did this with a pen light, works like a charm.

[janoskiss]

I'd say go with a red LED lightsource rather than a torch with a filter. The LEDs will give you true red light, and because LEDs are very efficient, the batteries will last for ages. You can leave the lightsource on all night, for many nights, without needing new batteries.

Cheapest way to go is a bike light from a bargain shop for around $5 or less. Just beware of some very cheap ones ($1.50) with 5 LEDs; they have a flawed design which makes them very dim. And make sure that what you get has an "always on" mode, and not just strobed modes.

[rmcpb]

Thiink,

Great report :)

I would agree with you on the eyepieces. the range you ended up with seems a bit strange, I was given a 26mm, 15mm and 9mm and a Barlow. I have since added a 32mm and 4mm but find that the 26 and 15 are my workhorses.

You will only use the 4mm on good nights so don't expect to wear it out with use, more likely rattling around the bottom of your eyepiece box will wear it out first. While the 40mm is huge don't discount it, it will be great for star clusters like the Beehive Cluster in Cancer and the Five of Diamonds (IC2602) in Carina as well as some nebulae, again not the main eyepiece in your collection but very handy to have . Probably would have been better to have a 30mm range wide angle eyepiece but its still a useful eyepiece.

A great reference to use is at this site http://www.rasnz.org.nz/.

Try not to go inside for anything during a viewing session. Take your eyepieces out with you and your list of objects you want to look at, as well as the dreaded red torch.

You are off and running, enjoy your dark skies.

[Thiink]

Ok well I called Lee today. He is going to send me another screw so I can finish putting the base together. On another note he didn't seem interested when I brought up that when I spoke to him last week he told me; that the primary would be centre spotted, and that I would get 10x32 binoculars. I'm a bit annoyed at that, especially after I was told it should be spotted. He did say though that I could take it down to him and he would centre spot it outside of normal hours. I might just do it myself. O well, can't win them all I guess.. can't complain about the price.

On the red LED torch front I was told to try our local ammo/gun supplier here as they normally carry red LED torches, no such luck though. Also tried a camping store, but no luck either. I might go with the red celo option for the time being, and then build up an EP box with red LED's in it, in the long run.

Ended up having another good viewing session last night between about 9:30 and 11:30 last night. We were using the maps from skymaps.com as a guide for general areas of interest, then scanning around with the 25mm, swapping to the 9mm when we spotted something faint and fuzzy (:P). The bad part is the girlfriend ended up finding more things than I did (though my role was downsized to 'in charge of changing EP's!' from almost the start!). She found the Tarantula Nebula in LMC (great area!), ETA Carinae Nebula and the Jewel box cluster. We also had a look at saturn through the 4mm which gave mixed results, jupiter wasn't up yet. We intend to keep searching for each of the points of interest in the skymaps.com maps to find each one for the month.

Reason we stopped viewing was a horrible industrial/sewage smell that seemed to blanket the whole town last night. Apparently one of the food processing plants out here was the cause (great..), and that it had made the papers last week. We lasted about 10mins with the smell and then had to pack up and retreat indoors. If that keeps up it might be time to clean the primary mirror when it comes out to centre spot it already! Makes me wonder, though, how mirrors go in industrial areas, or near the ocean?

Does anyone keep a record (bar Ice :)) of their viewing sessions? Could be an interesting forum option in the future (a place for people to keep a log of their sessions). Might need to whip something up in my webspace so I can keep track of myself!

Thanks to everyone for the positive messages. :)

[janoskiss]

Sorry about the cold response you got Thiink. The binos, who cares! but good that you let him know. The EPs are the biggest letdown. Did you ask about them? I would not send the scope back for centre spotting. It's more risky than doing it yourself.

Did you mention you're from iceinspace? If a dealer is smart enough, they'll realise that anyone from here will share their experiences (both good and bad) with the rest of us and eventually, thru the magic of google and the like, the rest of the world.

[ballaratdragons]

Thiink,

I know what you mean about the dew making the scope slippery. I have learnt to dry mine with a towel now before I pick it up.

As in the carrying method, I don't know how you carry yours, I carry mine (12") vertically and I hold the Alt spindles. I find this method very easy. Horizontally is a nightmare.

Mine is longer than yours and it doesn't hit the top of door frames carried in this vertical position. But you may be taller than me!

It might take a few trips in and out of the house with it to work out which way is easier for you.

Glad you are enjoying the views. Ain't it a Buzz!

[Thiink]

janoskiss: I was thinking about that, I should probably take the comments about Andrews out of the post. Other than the conversation today they have been good, ultra-quick delivery and good prices. I wasnt really worried about the binoculars, I probably wont use them anyway.

ballaratdragons: Actually taking a towel out with me is a good idea, making sure the OTA is dry solves half the problem. I have just been carrying the scope by holding it on either side cupping it in my hands trying not to put too much pressure on it, which I now realise probably isn't the best way of carrying it. I might use the spindles from now on after making sure they are dry. I normally sit the scope upright inside on the carpet, take the base out and then the scope, reverse when taking it back inside. And I'm not tall, only around 5'10, might be how I am carrying it.

There has since been some space cleared outside under the stairs (under cover on concrete but open air) so it can now live down there which is MUCH easier. Just have to find some way of keeping the dust and other crap out (the dryer lives under the house as well, but lots of air between it and the closet the scope is going to live in).

[RAJAH235]

For ALL concerned. If you want a red LED globe for your torches, I make them. They can be put in any torch that uses the prefocused/flanged globe, at up to 6 volts. Please specify # of batterys/volts tho.. Nom cost is $6.50 + post. L.
If you want one......
Just the facts m'am.

[iceman]

I carry my 10" tube by using my right hand at the base end near the mirror holder, just wrapping my fingers around the end of the tube, and my left hand/arm curled under the top end of the OTA.
Have to go through doorways sideways, or tilt it up at the same time, still holding in the same position.
It's not that heavy so I can pretty much lean it against my body in the vertical position while my right hand holds the main weight.

[ballaratdragons]

Thiink,

A tip about dust and muck (and especially spiders).
I purchased a plastic liner for the bottom of a bird cage with elastic around the edge (giant shower cap).

After the mirror has normalised to inside temp I place this over the mirror end to keep Spiders and dust out.

Cost me about $5 at a pet shop. Take your front dust cover with you to get the right size.

Photo of it fitted when scope is put away below.