Guan Sheng OTAs

[matt]

Is it possible to buy a 12" GSO OTA which isn't intended/built to be dob mounted?

I know it's possible to GEM mount the 12" dob but was wondering whether they can be found without the alt bearings sticking out the side. Just as a clean OTA?

It seems to me something GS should consider.

Thanks.

[iceman (Mike)]

I don't mind the alt-bearings, as it lets me put the 12" back on it's dob base for storage, as well as visual observing (should I choose to).

Visual observing using a 12" on an EQ6 is incredibly frustrating because the EP gets in all sorts of weird spots and you need a step-ladder.

The alt-bearings fit between the rings so there's no real issue the way I use it.

[matt]

Thanks Mike.

Just doing a little thinking out loud. No plan at this stage for a GS purchase.

I'm still mostly enjoying the SCT experience but do sometimes miss the visual quality of a good Newt.

[Dennis]

Hi Matt

Have you had a look at the Orion Optics (UK) series of Newtonians which are available as clean tube assemblies? You know, I might be heading down the same path for my next OTA upgrade some time in 2008?

Cheers

Dennis

[matt]

Very interesting, Dennis. Thanks.

The SPX 300 f5.3 looks very interesting.

[Dennis]

With the current Au $/sterling exchange rate plus shipping costs, I suspect these would be quite expensive to import right now. I’m a little wary of Newts, as I have enjoyed the almost unlimited back focus of the C9.25 and the somewhat lesser amount of the Mewlon 180, and right now I don’t want to fiddle with shifting the primary up the tube etc.

Then there is the focuser position, as Mike mentioned.

Cheers

Dennis

[iceman (Mike)]

They look great. I'd hate to think how much postage would be. My rings and dovetail cost me 50 pounds for postage on their own!

[iceman (Mike)]

When's the last time you looked throug an eyepiece anyway, Dennis?

Just kidding But for a photographic scope, they look great.

[Dennis]

Originally Posted by iceman

When's the last time you looked throug an eyepiece anyway, Dennis?

Just kidding But for a photographic scope, they look great.

Hi Mike

My current tripod will be far too tall for a Newt, as it is optimised for refractors and cassegrainian type ‘scopes, so I guess I would be in for a bit of a shock, having to stand up and peer down the eyepiece!

Cheers

Dennis

[ving (David)]

matty, why not just remove the alt bearings? I did... you are left with 2 small screw size holes on each side which if they really bug you you can just tape over...

[matt]

Thanks for the info, David.

Having never seen a GS OTA 'in the flesh', I was unaware the bearings could be removed.

[ving (David)]

2 bolts either side ... gone.

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Yep, bit of black gaffer tape over the holes and it looks like a design feature

[ving (David)]

tape a picture of kyuor loved ones over the holes

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by matt

Thanks for the info, David.

Having never seen a GS OTA 'in the flesh', I was unaware the bearings could be removed.

Matt, ten minutes with a screwdriver or two and the entire OTA will be a pile of bits and pieces! Everything comes apart.

[ving (David)]

for what they are they are really quite wonderous

[skies2clear]

Originally Posted by Dennis

Hi Matt

Have you had a look at the Orion Optics (UK) series of Newtonians which are available as clean tube assemblies? You know, I might be heading down the same path for my next OTA upgrade some time in 2008?

Cheers

Dennis

If you can afford the extra expense, I think this would be a good way to go. Orion Optics (UK) test all of their optics carefully, and you could have confidence that whichever accuracy of optics you purchase (they have various grades), is what you will get. You can't guarantee this with GSO, though many of these optics work very well, there is a chance you could get a less than satisfactory one. You often get what you pay for, but not always,

Cheers
Nick

[gbeal]

I actually like the ability to swap the OTA from GEM to dob as and when required, so even if you remove the bearings, give some thought to a cradle of some style to allow the dob use. Notwithstanding the very learned Dennis, I reckon the humble newt is seriously under-rated, especially from an imaging point of view. Sure the eyepiece will be in some weird spots, but when you are imaging does it really matter?
Try one.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

JUST what do you think the ICEINSPACE stickers are for ??



geoff

[ving (David)]

patching up the pool whenit leaks geoff


hey matt, werent you getting a mewlon of something?