My new scope! I'm going to the dark side!

[iceman (Mike)]

After imaging with my EQ platform for almost 18 months, I've decided to get an EQ mount. Working at long focal lengths (up to 10000mm) is pushing the limits of the platform, and it's time for me to upgrade to something with GOTO and more consistent tracking at long focal lengths.

It just so happened Enrique (who bought h0ughy's LX200 12") had an EQ6 and 12" GSO, and he contacted me when he heard I was looking..

So I'm buying them both!

The 12" GSO newt (flocked and baffled, with the Orion accufocus and a right angle finger) will be right on the limit of the EQ6 (with skyscan goto , version 2.5 or something), but it should still be ok for planetary/lunar imaging. Not sure how it will go in a breeze/wind or when changing filters - will have to wait and see how much bounce and vibration there is with the long 12" tube on the EQ6.

The increased aperture and focal length (3m) of the 12" (over my current 10") will be great for planetary imaging, to give me more image scale and better resolution.

I'll probably move my moonlite CR2 over to the 12", but we'll see. Depends how smooth and accurate the Orion unit is on the standard crayford. Will also need a bigger base plate for my fan unit, although Enrique already fitted a fan so I may not need to in the short term.

I pick it up on Saturday! Can't wait! I'm not sure i'll have room in the car to bring the 12" to Lostock, but I'll definitely bring the EQ6 so someone can show me how to use it I've never setup an EQ mount in my life

I'll probably get an ED80 or similar in the future, for DSO imaging with my 350D.. but that's some time off.

I'll most likely be selling my 10" dob (with SkyCommander DSC's) and EQ platform sometime in the next month. Expressions of interest can be sent via PM

Here's a few pics sent by Enrique.. i'll take some more on the weekend!

[beren]

Congrats....everyone needs goto hope the new newtonian puts out like your 10"

[matt]

Many congrats Mike

You're really going to enjoy the EQ6 and SkyScan, not to mention the 12".

You've done amazing things with the gear you've used for the last 18 months. You've proven what can be done with a dob... both tracked and untracked.

If anyone deserves a little "luxury" after all that, it's you.

Your new rig will be very sweet indeed.

Well done.

Don't hesitate if you have any questions about the new mount or polar (drift) aligning etc etc

[sheeny (Al)]

Congratulations Mike!

I hope you can fit it in to bring it to Lostock!

Al.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

That's not that dark, Mike. I thought you were going to tell us you're getting an SCT.

Good luck with the 12". Just be sure the size is not an issue for everything you'll want to use it for before selling the 10".

[ving (David)]

sct? thats what i want! "

welcome to the dark side mike
I havent given my synscan a run yet (just got the cables today) but i'll let you know how it goes

if you find the 12" too much trouble on teh eq6 you could drop back to the 10" i guess

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

If I'm not mistaken Mike, our MAS club president Noel has this setup and it works very well in the field.

[ving (David)]

actually you are right chris, that is what he has. he had his legs chopped considerably tho to compensate for the lonf FL... i dont know that he has goto tho.

hey, i'll be bringing my scope (now goto) to stargard this saturday. hope its clear...
you coming?

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Originally Posted by ving

actually you are right chris, that is what he has. he had his legs chopped considerably tho to compensate for the lonf FL... i dont know that he has goto tho.

I hope he'll be allright!!!! I haven't seen much of him lately......

Originally Posted by ving

hey, i'll be bringing my scope (now goto) to stargard this saturday. hope its clear...
you coming?

Yep! I'll be very interested to have a squizz at your GOTO. I'll actually be bringing the 12" now that I have the wedge. I haven't had either the time or clear weather to give it a go since I've bought it. See you there!

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I'm glad you live down south Mike, we've had enough cloud up here from Pauls recent purchases.
Congratulations on your new scope and mount.

[Striker (Tony)]

Congrats Mike,

Enjoy your new set up.

[sejanus (Gavin)]

by gosh, 12" on an EQ6

I hope it works well for you. I was a bit more timid and backed out of buying a 10" and went to a 8" as I was scared it was too much, let alone a 12!

[astronut (John)]

Yeh David,
with shorter legs now, Noel's knuckles drag along the ground.

Originally Posted by ving

actually you are right chris, that is what he has. he had his legs chopped considerably tho to compensate for the lonf FL... i dont know that he has goto tho.

hey, i'll be bringing my scope (now goto) to stargard this saturday. hope its clear...
you coming?

[xstream (John)]

Congratulations Mike, I'm sure you'll love it.

The only suggestion I would make is wait till the weekend after Lostock to pick it up. We do want clear skies you know!

[Orion]

Congratulations Mike
Not knowing to much about the EQ6 would the 12" GSO's weight be an issue

[EzyStyles (Eric)]

congrats mike! .. hmm i will be very scared putting a 12" newt on the EQ6. how heavy is the 12"? EQ6 max capacity weight is around 18kg.

[davidpretorius]

1 minutes silence please............................d a....da....da..da, da da da da da da da

a dying breed, the old dob owner.............unless of course they owned a eq before like houghy!

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by davidpretorius

1 minutes silence please............................d a....da....da..da, da da da da da da da

a dying breed, the old dob owner.............unless of course they owned a eq before like houghy!

Not me ! Im spending over 6k on a scope I'll have to push

I would have been interested in Mikes eq platform except his lattitude is all wrong

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I can't believe, Mike, that you DO have goto, and I DO NOT.

What is this world coming to??

[gbeal]

Well done Mike,
you looking to put the 12" on the EQ6, or keep the 10" for that, or waht?