Well I realised today that this weekend marks 6 months since I picked up the 20" dob. I was reflecting on what I had learnt in that time.
1. Aperture still rules. Greatest respect to those observers using small scopes but if you can afford it or you luck out to obtain a big dob then do it. Images are brighter, you can pump up the mag, details you never imagined creams out of the eyepiece.
2. Argo Navis is magic! The first couple of months I persisted with full manual and charts. But what was easy with a 12" where I can put the chart next to me on a table is hard work going up and down a ladder. Gary's little device is a winner foir a big dob.
3. Even my dodgy handyman skills can make a scope better. Building a new ground bord and installing a powered sytem in it was lots of fun! and rebuilding the UTA with a new focuser board, Moonlite focuser and Kydex was a learning curve.
4. Eyepiece selection is critical to viewing pleasure. I had a mix of Panoptics, Naglers, Ethos and Delos EPs. Tried them all then narrowed it down to just Ethos and 1 panoptic (41mm). May not even kepp that Pan, as it almost never graces the focuser.
5. Planets can be interesting.
Have never been much interested in planetary work, after all there are only 7 of which only 3 are actually worth a repeated look. But seeing Saturn in this beast is stunning on a good night, keep going back to it!
6. Routine makes viewing easier. Setup and tear down must be down to a routine with big scopes. Saves time and means you are observing quicker.
Thats all I can think of now!
Malcolm
