I can confirm that the springs are not a problem on later models. If their job is to hold collimation,
they do it well.
The base has seen a lot of moisture on mine - no problems so far.
Quote:
Originally Posted by glend
There was a period when some GSO dobs had weak primary mirror springs, and this was easily fixed by a trip to Bunnings. However, I believe GSO has addressed this with the latest models. The dual speed Crayford style focusers are first class, not as pretty as a Moonlight, or as lightweight, but they are strong and do the job well. The Alt and Az bearings are much better than many competitor dobs (needle roller bearings between steel plates on the Az bearing, and proper roller bearings in the ALt hubs which have tension braking. The tubes balance can be shifted on its axis so you don't have to add weight to the tube that you have to do with some other dobs. Re the bases, they are pressed chipboard and heavy, this is a potential weakness. When I got my 16" GSO I only used the production base as a template for a 3/4" marine plywood base, which is stronger, lighter, and waterproof. You can reuse the needle bearings, centre bolts etc. If you can use a jig saw you can make a base. Bunnings has excellent cabinet making fittings to you can even construct a knock down flat pack version (like mine). So as a basic platform the GSO dobs are a great starting point, add some mods (fan shroud, tube baffle ring) put on some setting circles or add digital encoders and go to full push-to system with Astro Devices Nexus wifi connection to Sky Safari Pro and you have a high end performer. Add on ServoCat and you have full a full goto system.
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