As some of you already know I have recently became a proud owner of SDM#35 - 22" f/3.6 Dob. After all that rain since the delivery in May and most notably the wettest Border Stargaze in Albury the weather Gods showed some mercy and first deep-sky photons hit the mirror last night. The site is not truly dark but quite usable.
The highlight of the night was the Grus trio which looked spectacular with some excellent detail. Helix with OIII was good as well as Saturn Planetary. Jupiter was nice and crisp with excellent detail and contrast. ServoCat and Argo worked brilliantly too.
But best of all - I can fit the 22", 2 kids and my wife into a family car (with luggage in a roof box). Peter Read measured the boot and designed the scope to fit. We exchanged countless emails and phone calls and the the result is a very sturdy structure that is a pure joy to use.
I'll sure be going to more star parties now and sharing the views .
Great report and awesome scope, welcome to the club Great scopes these, Peter includes everything needed for every crappy condition the astro gods can chuck at us And geez first light 3 months after pick up...new world record for new scope curse? I got lucky with mine, got it out 5 times in the first month...you musta been cursing and suffering like hell lol
I've used my sdm on Saturn, and the contrast is awesome. Literally a knife edge definition between the bright globe and the ring shadows, even in the usual sub-ordinary seeing.
Love the Grus quartet, very nice set of galaxies but like most southern objects, practically unknown.
Of course, Ken - all you need to do now is organise clear skies for Snake Valley in November (now that the "new equipment curse" for Nyx has been broken)
Great report and awesome scope, welcome to the club Great scopes these, Peter includes everything needed for every crappy condition the astro gods can chuck at us And geez first light 3 months after pick up...new world record for new scope curse? I got lucky with mine, got it out 5 times in the first month...you musta been cursing and suffering like hell lol
I've used my sdm on Saturn, and the contrast is awesome. Literally a knife edge definition between the bright globe and the ring shadows, even in the usual sub-ordinary seeing.
Love the Grus quartet, very nice set of galaxies but like most southern objects, practically unknown.
It does include everything you can think of and even more
After about 12 months wait the 3 months of cloud cover were a torture indeed...
Nice one Alex, more Idea's to make my scope lighter
Quote:
Originally Posted by wavelandscott
Please enjoy that glorious piece of gear!
Thanks guys - I am very happy with the scope. Peter Read makes wonderful instruments, there aren't enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe his work and attitude.
Magnificent telescope, Alex. 22" is a truly wonderful aperture! And I like the way you got one of your spectacular Milky Way views into the photo of your scope.
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beautiful... is that not just the perfect dob 
And geez first light 3 months after pick up...new world record for new scope curse? I got lucky with mine, got it out 5 times in the first month...you musta been cursing and suffering like hell lol
