Which 12" 'portable' Dob?

[asloan (Adam)]

Hello everyone!

I have been lurking around this forum for quite some time; thank you all so much for the wealth of information available. I have decided it is time to buy and have narrowed my search down to a 12 inch truss/collapsible Dob. Given that the LB and the SW Col. are obtainable for around the same price, my question is, which one? From what I have read, either should be fine, however I was interested to know if anyone felt one was stronger than the other.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[Quark (Trevor)]

Hi Adam,

I have had a 12" Lightbridge for about 10 months and am happy with it. I have modified it somewhat to assist in balancing it and have improved on the lazy susan roller bearings. Also added an Argo Navis, which I love and have just got the Bobs Knobs set for it. Early on I replaced the springs in the primary mirror cell, something you will need to do as a matter of course regardless of the brand of scope.

I have also made up fittings to directly fix the top end to the bottom end, to take up less room during transport.

I have an observatory with a permanently mounted scope and use the 12" LB as a portable scope to take out in the field with my astronomy group.

Regards
Trevor

[Dave47tuc (David)]

Hi Adam,
Welcome to IIS. Have a read here,
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=37201

The best thing about the SW is you just lift the top end of the tube assembly collimate and of you go.

Also look at this link.
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthrea.../o/all/fpart/1

Good luck with you choice.