Now I've done it...

drmorbius (Randall) · #1 23-06-2006, 01:26 PM

Well, 5 months of plotting, scheming, scrimping, saving and research has finally culminated (not collimated) in the purchase of a brand new 8" GSO Dobsonian... due to arrive next week.

It's been a long journey and I'd like to thank all you fine folk at IIS for your help and assistance in making the endless decisions one faces when buying their first scope.

I'll try to remain patient until it arrives, but methinks this will be the longest week of my life...

h0ughy (David) · #2 23-06-2006, 01:34 PM

good for you!

astronut (John) · #3 23-06-2006, 02:07 PM

Well done Randall, Don't forget a first light report

ving (David) · #4 23-06-2006, 02:18 PM

onya Dr Randall. being a 8" dob owner I can say that you should really enjoy your new toy

rmcpb (Rob) · #5 23-06-2006, 05:52 PM

Brilliant choice

and I'm not even biased.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #6 23-06-2006, 05:56 PM

How could you hold off for this long?!

Great choice! I've had both the 12 and the 8" GS Dobs for a few months now, but the 8" gets used a lot more often.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #7 23-06-2006, 06:09 PM

I hope the time goes quickly for you.
Fine weather predicted for next week. Looks like the rain gods might give you a break.

acropolite (Phil) · #8 23-06-2006, 06:55 PM

Onya Randall, 8 inch is a great choice, nice compromise between weight/bulk and aperture. Hopefully the freight gods will be kind to you....

astro_nutt · #9 23-06-2006, 06:58 PM

Only seven sleeps to go!!!...make sure you get plenty of happy snaps!!!...and my first light be huge on the "WOW" factor!!
Congrats!!

dugnsuz (Doug) · #10 25-06-2006, 09:47 AM

You'll have a lot of fun Dr M.
Cheers
Doug

drmorbius (Randall) · #11 26-06-2006, 06:36 PM

OMG - There were 2 large boxes waiting for me when I got home tonight...

Can't do first light tonight, but tomorrow night... I'll post my further adventures in the observing sessions forum.

This is soooooo cool! Gotta go! where's that screwdriver?

janoskiss (Steve H) · #12 26-06-2006, 06:56 PM

There should be an allen key in one of the boxes, doctor.

Congratulations!

You might like to download the XT8 user manual from Orion: http://www.telescope.com/text/conten...st6&8_RevB.pdf

RB (Andrew) · #13 26-06-2006, 07:19 PM

Congrats Dr Morbius,

Very Nice choice. Can't wait to see your first light report.
But what do you need a screwdriver for, surely you can get "Robby the Robot" to assemble it all for you.

Good luck and take some pics for us too.

drmorbius (Randall) · #14 27-06-2006, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janoskiss

You might like to download the XT8 user manual from Orion

Thanks Steve, that's brilliant.

The instructions that came with the GSO were... well, less than helpful.

It's all put together, now all I need is some clear sky.

astro_nutt · #15 27-06-2006, 09:47 AM

You can also try a bit of daytime observing for the Moon..or even distant tree-tops!!..and if you invest in an approved full aperature solar filter for the optical tube and finder...do a bit of Sunspotting!!

drmorbius (Randall) · #16 27-06-2006, 10:27 AM

I just changed my signature to reflect my new baby... it looks sooooo good. I feel like part of the team now...

mickoking · #17 27-06-2006, 01:38 PM

Congrats on your new instrument

Tell us all about wot you see thru it

jackenau · #18 27-06-2006, 09:08 PM

Congratulations Randall. The joy or frustration of owning your own telescope, the satisfaction of learning the sky and the views to be experienced.

Priceless. enjoy!

Ken M

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #19 27-06-2006, 11:51 PM

Great stuff Randall, great stuff ........ SO glad to hear it's arrived!
We'll get our scopes together soon for a good night of viewing.

Who knows? A few months down the track we may have little 4" reflectors running around as a result.

Hey!! Maybe thats where they get all those cheap ones you see on ebay from!