Orion Ultra Portable Dobs

[Satchmo]

Thought I would invite discussion..

http://www.telescope.com/control/cat...gory_id=updobs

[bratislav (Bratislav)]

It looks like 16 is using Hubble Optics primary ... ? Maybe others too ?

Too fiddly/complicated for my liking. It can be done with much less fuss.

[mch62 (Mark)]

Ditto looks a bit fiddly with all those joints and poles to put together, so just how quick is it to set up over tradition dobs although the sandwich mirror with quick cool down would be a plus.
It is a bit cheaper than making a 20" from my rough calculations of my current project(not including my labour) but at least I know what I am gettin and my mirror is custom made for meeeeee.
It will be interesting to see some serious reviews on them and not rely on advertising techno babble.
Obviously scopes made in garages and wood shops are no good

Mark

[Satchmo]

Yea, I'm not sure I understand the philosophy there. It's meant to be light, but looks like its all held together with cap head bolts ( allan key required) . So assembly and disassembly would take hours, which would dissuade you from trying to transport it

I do like the fact that the aims of fast cooling optics and low mass frame are starting to be realised in commercial gear, even if the implementation will take some fine tuning. If the upper truss was held together with quick release bicycle clamps or captured ball and socket ( like Moonlite or JMI design ) it would be a big improvement. Perhaps they are trying to gauge the market with an early prototype. The lack of pictures of the 18" and 20" suggest they are vapor- scopes at the moment .

[lacad01 (Adam)]

What do you think about the dovetail option for GEM mounting?

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

These scopes remind me of one of these

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/...bing-frame.jpg

What type of mirror support would be required if mounted on a GEM?