Oooh, I just realised that I inadvertantly involved myself on Friday night in the 100 hours of Astronomy by showing my neighbours the cosmos through the SW Flex Dob in the front yard. They were absolutely astonished at Saturn and Omega Centauri, M41 and Sombrero, even with the street lights spoiling the views of Leo Triplet and some of the other fuzzy DSO's in the moonlight. Well, I am doubly chuffed now I have contributed to the IYA2009 as well! Yay for me!
Quote:
Originally Posted by toryglen-boy
Hi Chris
the only issue i have with it, is the compression ring on the Crayford isnt very good, so when tightening up the grub screw the collimator can sometimes be pushed over at an angle, if you know what i mean.
Glad to hear your having a blast. I was speaking with Skywatcher distribution yesterday, and there will be a 16" before the end of the year ..
so thats where i am headed.
 |
Hi Duncan,
I dont seem to have this problem, maybe something in the batch? Remember also, mine is white where I think yours is the BD livery?
I dont think I will be contemplating ANY purchases for a few years at least after my recent run of economy supporting that I have been doing all in aid of the country, of course!
Hope to see the 16" collapsible when you get one, are you thinking of the DSC equipped/motor driven one, or just the massive standard 16"?
Quote:
Originally Posted by erick
Now that's some excitement there, Chris!
Perhaps I should get one of these Pentax thingies? Be better than my Vixen LVs, I expect.
Yes, I spotted this with a 16" strut and thought - that's neat! (Yes, no easy way to do that with a solid tube!)
|
Ha Ha, yes after rereading it, you certainly can see how excited I am, it almost sounds like an infomercial.....but wait there's more! Pentax XF was an awesome buy, as I mentioned, John sent me some very experienced info regarding it and he certainly knows his stuff, also because he headed me off at the pass from making an impulsive decision rather than an educated one. Not sure of whether the Vixen LV and LVW's are about the same performance or not, but they were also a close contender during my considerations. Bang for Buck, the XF wins hands down in my opinion now that I have one (and havent been able to compare, but you know what I mean).
Secondary mirror collimation and ease of primary tilt checking is sooooooo easy now its hard to wipe the smile off my face when I think of the struggles before are now gone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeoffW1
We drainpipe dob owners are ignoring you
But it is good to hear of your success with the new gear
Cheers |
Thanks Geoff, its surprising how much difference it makes. I
almost bought a drainpipe, with the thought of future proofing re mounting on an EQ later, but the technohead in me couldnt resist the collapsible's functionality and portability. Its just so cooooool!
Cheers
Chris