Money no object, what gear would you buy.

[Poita]

Okay, so what scope/mount do you secretly covet?

Money is only for the scope and mount, not for an obs, so it would have to fit in with your current lifestyle.

So what combo would it be, and why?

Doesn't have to be the most expensive, just the one you have always wanted...

Someone bought me some lotto type ticket thing as a gift, if I win, I'll pick one post and random and send you the gear :D

[bert]

I'm first....

Telescope.
The 24 inch officiane stellare f3.8 I had a look at on the weekend. Or maybe the 24 Planewave.

Mount....
ASA ddm160 or Planewave ascension 200. Or maybe the Astro Physics 3600 with high resolution encoders, too many options.

[Kunama]

This one by refractorman, my kingdom for one of these !!!!

You only have to look at it to know why !

[Poita]

I'd better win the full amount then :eyepop:

I've always coveted a C14. There are a million better scopes out there, but I remember peering through the shop window wanting the big cat so badly.

Mind you, If I was in the US, I'd just buy one.They are so cheap 2nd hand over there.

2nd choice would be Barry Adcock's folded sheepsprinkler, I just love that thing.

[Poita]

Steampunk Heaven.

[barx1963]

Easy! this http://obsessiontelescopes.com/telescopes/22UC/index.php

Fully kitted out with Servo Cat and Argo Navis, full set of Ethos EPs

Mmmmmm!!:prey::prey::prey:


Malcolm

[Chris.B]

The best portable goto GEM mount I could still carry. Together with a fast flourite imaging scope and tracking scope to fit it.
Since I cannot afford either I have not researched what they may be.

[steve000]

Probably a 36" reflector, F3 or similar I would need to widen the doors on my obs though, maybe even somehow extend it to accommodate the length. With a C14 edge HD as a guide/secondary scope. All mounted on a custom EQ goto. It wouldnt be that heavy either because id use a honeycomb mirror and CF tube. 24" of this size are around 25kg tops where as my 12" solid is 20kg

If It didnt fit in my obs and I couldn't upgrade for whatever reason its a tough call between the 14" edge HD and a 150mm taka refactor, probably the 14". My EQ6 should handle it though id consider a EQ8

Ofcouse id match this with a highend atik or imaging source monochrome and filters of atleast 2000 pixels

[pluto]

Hubble ;)

[lacad01]

A very dark sky property and build you beaut obs...

[bartman]

Poita ....I'll do the same for you....IF I win the big one....$100 million....( or even half that....heheheheh......probably could afford it even if I won a hundredth of that ).
Does this post count as a binding contract?????????:confused2::D

Something like this (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=36222) and this (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=76330)..... ...( thanks Chris.....)
Cheers for the offer , but the odds are not that great hey.......first you need to win, the you need to pick me .....mmmmmmmmm

Cheers
Bartman

[Osirisra]

A MAX 20" ACF or 24 Planewave would be very sweet.

[FlashDrive]

An SDM 24inch Bino Dob ... WOW ...What a view ..!! :eyepop:
Flash ..!! :prey:

[Poita]

Oh my, is it really $100 million dollars? That is ridiculous.

Still, not enough to buy Lucasfilm...

[bartman]

Yep:eyepop:
Could poss buy the rights to certain movies though.......
Bartman

[Rodstar]

If money were no object, then:

1. I would purchase a block of land in Bucketty or thereabouts (about 1 hour from where I live, but in a noticeably darker sky location);
2. Build a large observatory with automated dome;
3. Install two scopes - a 40" reflector coupled with an 8" refractor (as a finder)
4. Install heating/cooling in observatory to create very stable temperature environment.
5. Cultivate a beautiful garden around it;
6. Build weekender with all creature comforts elsewhere on the same block;
7. Build lodgings for visitor groups so as to host small star parties;
8. Build a cellar with range of premium Australian and French wines, and premium range of Whiskies from around world, especially Single Malt Scotch Whiskeys; and
9. Hire a site manager who loves astronomy, maintenance and gardening, and who is not an alcoholic.

[Larryp]

Sounds great!

[cometcatcher]

Strangely enough, I was just thinking the same yesterday. But astronomy is on/off for me, as is the weather here. Not much point spending a million dollars on gear if I only get to use it once a year. So I was thinking just a nice 4 or 5 inch APO refractor for wide fields and a 180mm mak for planets. Probably only need an EQ6 or HEQ5, plus a good CCD camera and planetary imager.

[lacad01]

:thumbsup:

[clive milne]

A one meter class binocular telescope designed around thermal management principles,
located at Arkaroola and mounted at least 6m above ground level (for better seeing)

[OICURMT]

http://www.dfmengineering.com/cct_50.html

[Poita]

You got space for that?

[OICURMT]

My retirement property in Colorado is 35 acres of dark pleasure... plenty of space to build what I want.

Unfortunately... a 50" scope is outta my price range... buy hey! a guy can dream!:zzz:

DFM is located in the town where I grew up. My property is in the southern mountains of Colorado.

[MrB]

My dream is a 35 acre(I wouldn't say no to more) property of dark pleasure.

I would much prefer a permanent dark sky site and basic imaging rig, than an all out imaging rig stuck in metro LP.

But hey, a guy can dream ;)

[Ric]

I'd be bloody happy if I could afford this setup.

http://www.rcopticalsystems.com/telescopes/16tube.html

Talk about a dream come true.

Maybe next Tuesday :D

[pgc hunter]

40" dob with a massive roll-off roof observatory in the middle of the desert. No more mouldy Melbourne weather ever again!

And ofcourse a cherry picker to enable easy hassle-free viewing ;)

[andyc]

If money was really no object... then HST with scheduled maintenance (and of course a seat on those flights). Might need to employ a few people to help process those pretty galaxy pics :lol:

If I had to be constrained by something approaching achievable "reality"... then a nice wee patch of ground at a dark-sky location, a cosy cottage/cabin/house, and a big SDM Dob. Maybe chuck in an observatory-class imaging setup (e.g. 16" SCT, equatorially-mounted or other) for fun!

[brian nordstrom]

:question: 50 acres 25km's west of Adalaide river NT , a large dome , nice accomodation close by , and ....
My 208mm AP on its MX mount with all the goodies , eg. full set of Ethos's , ,,, +++++++ .
Dreams are free , but Tats is $100 million next tuesday , so who Knows ?
If I win you are all invited to the grand opening ;) , and I will shout transport and accomodation for all ... ahhh , nice .
Brian.

[TrevorW]

Happy with what I have actually but big is not always better when imaging, so If I could afford it I'd go for the ultimate in portability

[Geoff45]

I was looking at the latest Sky and Telescope classified ads towards the back of the mag. Dark skies in Arizona advertising 3 or 4 properties on acerage with house and observatory for less than 150k. Great deal if you can fly over every month or so.