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Hi Richard,
I bought a SW 8" collapsible Dob from Binocular Telescope and Optical World in Malaga (perth) (@ Malcolm) a few months back.
And I must say. It's the shizzle!
Easy to use. Easy to set up. Literally wheel it out onto my driveway, 30 seconds of setup and I'm gazing into deep space.
I've only had to collimate the primary once. That was after travelling with it back to Kalgoorlie.
No, don't need cooling fans. Unless you're viewing in that god forsaken daylight savings time summer where we have to wait an extra hour just for darkness.
The truss/collapsable part is sturdy and strong. Barely moves when extended. Be careful when collapsing it. Mine took off on me on my first time. I had to adjust a few tighteners so I could lower it back down smoothly.
The EP's (10mm and 25mm) that come with it are all you need when starting out with it. Decent quality plossls.
I've seen Venus, Saturn, Plenty of the moon. M42, LMC, SMC, And all along the milky way every time I take it out on the driveway. Mind you, out here its pitch black skys every night unless its a full moon.
The base plate rotation, azi, was quite jerky first time. Make sure you put the teflon washer between the plates. I left it out accidentally first time. Thought i'd bought an ikea product (spare parts). Also work the board a fair bit and find the nice smooth part, don't over tighten the base plate nut.
The Alti cradle is a great design. Smooth moving, yet holds in position with SW's patented tension knob. Takes some practice to find the right spot for you.
The only changes I've added to the scope is a small platform to raise it up. Basically a 8" high box, 450mmx450mm. And I'm about to screw a magazine/paper holder/rack to the front of it for log book, AS&T mag, red torch etc.
Other than that. It's a fantastic rig.
I'm stoked with mine.
Aaron.
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