Just wanted to share my excitement about my new Bintel (GSO) 10" Dobsonian. I bought it from Bintel in Sydney where I recieved FANTASTIC and FRIENDLY service. They also threw in an extra two Plossl eyepieces for free and I know I've been guarenteed long-term service, support and advice.
Despite this, I still have some issues. After finally managing to assemble the scope with such a confusing and illegible instruction manual, I found that there weren't any instructions on how to install the spring system, just a run-through of its purpose in the function of the telescope.
I was wondering:
Do you need to use the spring system if the scope can balance on its own, or does the spring system strengthen the altitude axis to avoid losing your spot in the sky if the telescope is bumped?
Also, if I do need to use it, do the springs need to be on both sides?
If someone could give me some simple instructions on how to install the spring system (because the booklet has none) that would be very helpful. I've got a few screws left over, I think they are required for the spring system.
The springs are optional, really. You can use them or not, you can use 1 or both. It depends on how heavy your EP's are, and whether you want to use some other counterweight system on the front or back of the scope.
I use 1 spring some of the time, no springs most of the time.. until I have my 14mm UWA in, and then I use a weight on the back as well as 1 spring
Congrats on the new scope.
There's nothing quite like a new scope is there, even more so if it's your first.
You will definitely get many years of enjoyment from it.
i just recently purchased the 12" GSO dob from Bintel as well!!
cept i have to wait for shipping, the wait is killing me!
he said it should be here by friday.
i spose i'll have the same trouble with the springs on mine as well
let me know how its done when u figure it out
i'll have mine just in time to get a look at McNaught when its in a dark sky, will be awsome
All you need are 2 more of the bolts used at the bottom and chuck the big ones. Put the new ones in the top.
Make sure the plastic spacers step down as they come out. Place a washer on the outer end on the bottom spacer so the spring won't fall off. I placed a diagram in here somewhere a long time ago but now I can't find it so I have done another one:
EDIT: If you are one of those people in the habit of only using one spring you will not have to purchase any new bolts. Just use the bottom one from the side you dont use.
Just put the thing on its stand and forget the springs for the moment. Have fun with it and if you find it moving too much get a couple of magnets from some old stereo speakers and put some stick on felt from Spotlight on both sides and use them to balance your scope. I never used the springs on mine except to hold it all together in storage. Without the springs the movements are better BUT you will need to balance the scope.
Have fun with it and don't worry, be happy........
you had a telescope before?
use your biggest eyepiece, face teh telescope at a bunch of stars and focus. the eyepiece has only one point at which it focuses and teh focus knob is not some sort of zoom as some have thought. the stars are focused when they are at thier smallest.
any questions, please ask
oh and i know its been answered but i have the 8 inch and generally only use 1 spring just for stability. it moves too easy if i use none. (actually i used to to do this, now mounted on an eq mount)
I've attached an image of my Dob base with springs - sorry it's sideways - to give you an idea as to how things fit together. I too had to think about it when I assembled mine, so don't be embarrassed.
I tend to use both springs as I find a no-spring set up a little too 'slippery'.
*****
Now I'm embarrassed. As you can see my poor thing has been gathering dust. I'll fix that now.
WIFE!
*****
I managed to turn around the image - Wahoo, aren't I a clever little injun?
Aye, David, my spare bedroom (aka The Office) has become a repository for all sorts of unused items; the garage is full. I've put them next to each other as a threat to the Newt - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of something or other.
New Telescope WOO!
, the wait is killing me!
