[inertia8 (Australia)]

Hi All,

Can anyone let me know the total height of the SkyWatcher Black Diamond Collapsible/Flextube dobsonians?

I'd like to know the height of the 10" and the 12" models and whether goto affects the height at all (assume it's the same base with the motor units added.

I ask because I'm wondering if it's possible that when collapsed they can be transported sitting in one car seat vertically, strapped in by the belt?

I was going to purchase a solid tube 10" dob but decided against it after I thought about how I found packing for camping was just about impossible to fit all of the camping gear and the 8" Bintel Dob that I have on loan and still have enough room for 2 people (and sometimes a dog!). It was ok when going to the ASV dark site, but if having to take the supplies etc for several days worth of camping out in the bush (fridge, solar, batteries) I have to resort to taking the little SW130P (which to be honest is why I bought it, but hey, if I can take a big 10" or 12" dobbie then I will!)

One more question, does anyone know if the focuser on the current generation of SW Collapsible dobs is a 10:1 like the GSO? What's the quality like in this focuser and can it be upgraded easily enough? I really liked the 10:1 on the Bintel/GSO but I guess if the movement is fine enough on the single speed skywatcher then so be it.

Cheers,