Hello Icers,
I'm new to this website and I can say that I'm most impressed with the level of help and care that you all have.
I had my first account of viewing tonight. My 5yr old son and myself went down to BTOW's tonight to get some idea of what is like to look to the heavens and what a sight. You long termers might sigh but because of the light at the location the only thing we could see was the moon but wow what a view. We looked through a 10" dob and that was cool because after reading the posts on here that is what most people have been recommending to start with so I wanted to try one out.
Now what I'm after is some recommendations for things that make a dob all the much better for. I'm a person who likes a challenge so after some time getting used to the sky I'll want to chase things that are a little harder to come by. I suppose what i'm trying to say is that I want some advice on what equipment I could use now that will stay with me through to becoming more advanced. I have read a few posts that the accessories usually stay while the telescopes will change.
As I wish to stay with a dob for the timebeing can you please advise on some things that you done to upgrade your dob for a more advanced instrument. You could also add anything that has been a benifit as you have changed to different telescopes.
Some things that need clarifying - I would prefer to stay manual, I live in Perth so light is an issue but I live where there is no street lighting and I'm not interested in astrophotos (yet!). On top of the telescope I have maybe $1000 to spend ( and probably much more in the long run by the sounds of it)
When I was young I lived in a remote farm and I was always in awe of the space that surrounds us. I was reminded of this again the other night while fishing on beach in a remote location where I again could see meteors ( one that broke up into three that burned dark red) the milky way and thousands of stars that you never see living in suburbia. It brang back happy memories. I think I saw in my son tonight the same awe of our wonderful life. I think it is something I won't forget and something very special.
Please feel free to advise all will be taken on board! and I hope we will talk more in the future.
Cheers
Simmo
P.S sorry I just had to put in one face for good measure.