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It's my second scope, basically a learner rig, coupled with 20 * 80 binoculars on a tripod and two swivelling bar stools (with back support!) on a deck 5 * 1.5 metre deck with four adjestable panels (5 * 4 foot oregeon frames of toughened black plastic) to shut out the lights of playing fields and street lights, but dissappear during the day as there nice views from my deck!
Interesting the scope + mount and tripod + motors was around $1,500. The lens and binoviewer have probably cost about the same.
Deck modifications and tools and materials to build the pier probably came to $1,400.
So this is simply set up and preparation to have a permanent site that I step out of my lounge room and in 20 seconds I'm star gazing in comfort (but missing the best views directly over my head of the milky way.
Close but no cigar yet on drift aligning the mount on the pier with an illuminated reticle. But I have plenty of patience an am learning.
My goal is to set up a bigger scope on a firmer (concrete and steel) permament mount in my backyard which does have protection from all the streelights and good fields of view. I figure get the basics under your belt before spending $6 - $9K on a bigger scope plus goto mount. Then add CCD and your looking at a total spend of $9 - $15K. So don't rush things and learn lots before choosing your equipment!
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