Auto tracking dobs

matt · #1 17-05-2009, 12:56 PM

Don't know if there's already been a post about these...

but SkyWatcher has released a new range of collapsible auto-tracking dobs.

https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm

Pretty interesting, particularly for folks who like their dobs and would like the hassle of tracking taken care of...without buying an after-market base.

I'd be keen to have a look at the 12"... which will apparently be available soon.

White Rabbit · #2 19-05-2009, 04:19 PM

I was in the shop the other the day, they have a 12" on the shop floor. One thing that you notice straigh away is how small they look compared the Light Bridge, I think they have a much smaller f ratio. Also the lid for the primary is a much better design that the Light Bridge as it fits onto the bottom section of the ota and not directly onto the mirror itself. I'm always fearful of scratching the mirror when I put the cover back on.

sandy

rob288 (Robert) · #3 22-05-2009, 08:58 AM

Apparently they can be adapted to GOTO with a synscan controller, this NZ site is offering the new Skywatcher flex dobs with Goto controllers.:
click here for website

or here

matt · #4 22-05-2009, 03:35 PM

The GOTO versions are available from Andrews here in OZ, probably cheaper, although I haven't had a chance to do a price comparison....

rob288 (Robert) · #5 22-05-2009, 05:00 PM

In aus dollars Andrews have the 12 inch flex dob $2899, as at todays rate that would be NZD $3676, I guess I may have to support the locals here in NZ. NZ telescopes have it at $3500

matt · #6 22-05-2009, 05:21 PM

That's a good price. I'm sure Lee will 'move' on the price at some point down the track.

We here in Aus would still be better off buying it at Andrews to avoid the cost of shipping from NZ.

So...you gonna buy one?

rob288 (Robert) · #7 22-05-2009, 07:09 PM

Maybe, as you say there is very little difference, when you consider frieght and import brokerage fees as well. Many Kiwis think buying off shore is always going to be much cheaper, thought I would just illustrate a point.

matt · #8 22-05-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob288

thought I would just illustrate a point.

Me too

Thanks for the input.

Crusader · #9 24-05-2009, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt

The GOTO versions are available from Andrews here in OZ, probably cheaper, although I haven't had a chance to do a price comparison....

Apparently these scopes will not have GOTO ability. Initially it was said that they were capable of GOTO if you upgraded with a Syscan controller. Later Skywatcher announced that they will not add that feature and that the scopes are auto-tracking only.

rob288 (Robert) · #10 24-05-2009, 08:17 AM

Maybe thats OZ only, the Flex dobs in NZ are going to have the Synscan controller, adding GOTO. I have first hand knowledge on this.

Crusader · #11 24-05-2009, 05:19 PM

Well, there was a discussion about it on Stargazerslounge and Cloudynights which are based in the UK and US respectively. It would be strange for Skywatcher to bring out a GOTO Dob in NZ and not other countries.

It would be sweet if they do make a GOTO Dob though.

matt · #12 24-05-2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusader

Well, there was a discussion about it on Stargazerslounge and Cloudynights which are based in the UK and US respectively. It would be strange for Skywatcher to bring out a GOTO Dob in NZ and not other countries.

It would be sweet if they do make a GOTO Dob though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusader

Apparently these scopes will not have GOTO ability. Initially it was said that they were capable of GOTO if you upgraded with a Syscan controller. Later Skywatcher announced that they will not add that feature and that the scopes are auto-tracking only.

Here ya go.

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

Check toward the end of the SkyWatcher page.

Crusader · #13 27-05-2009, 04:35 AM

That's interesting. It's great news if it is in actual fact Full-Goto. I've e-mailed the Skywatcher dealer over here to enquire if they know anything about the scopes, but so far haven't received a reply.

Crusader · #14 28-05-2009, 06:54 AM

Spoke to my local dealer. Apparently full Go-To is not officially supported at this stage. In theory it should work but Skywatcher aren't officially marketing the auto-tracking as such since they are experiencing problems with it.

Apparently it will be added at a later stage once the bugs are sorted out and most likely will only require a firmware update of the Syscan handset.

stephenb (Stephen) · #15 28-05-2009, 07:28 AM

So they are similar to the Orion SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope Truss Dobsonians??? - they are push-to only at this stage.

Crusader · #16 28-05-2009, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redesford

So they are similar to the Orion SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope Truss Dobsonians??? - they are push-to only at this stage.

No, if I understood correctly they are only auto-tracking. So it means you will have to slew to objects manually (starhopping) using the controller. Once you found the object it will track the object. The standard scopes will have no object location capability, not even something like the XX12.

You could add the Syscan handset and it could possibly work as a Go-To.

stephenb (Stephen) · #17 28-05-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusader

No, if I understood correctly they are only auto-tracking. So it means you will have to slew to objects manually (starhopping) using the controller. Once you found the object it will track the object. The standard scopes will have no object location capability, not even something like the XX12.

You could add the Syscan handset and it could possibly work as a Go-To.

Ah, I see, thanks.I guess they are trying the market out first, without pricing themselves to his with features...