Skywatcher Stargate 18"/20" goto dobs

[gaseous (Patrick)]

Originally Posted by geolindon

G day Patrick (et al),

what did you go with?

i also would like more info/reviews on these 'scopes.
the price for the 18" push/pull is now down to $5k at Astro Pete's.
i'm looking at getting a slide-on ute van and one of these would facilitate a smaller more economical van.

regards, L

Hi Lindon,
I ended up putting a deposit on a 16" Goto dob (also from Astro Pete's). I'll admit the current special on the 18" was tempting, but they don't have a special on the goto version, and a goto upgrade kit is not available. Adriano (the post above mine) gave me a link to a youtube video of him setting up an 18" version, and while it looks fantastic, the thought of disassembling this in the dark didn't really appeal, and Adriano suggested that you really need the goto version for tracking at higher magnifications. At nearly $3000 difference between 16" goto and 18" goto, I'd rather spend the money on my kids/wife for xmas than get an extra 2" of aperture. (I'm soft, I know - cue derision from hard core aperturites) The 16" is due in sometime January, so it's gonna be a loooooong 2 months, followed by a lot of cloud I guess.

Cheers,
Pat

[geolindon (Lindon)]

thanks Patrick and congrats on the new 16" !!

i also got mine in January, not a bad tactic . . . its gunna rain then anyways

i don't mind push/pull at hi magx as long as the "stiction" is just right - i rebuilt the base 'cos it was shot from moisture, but some textured 'laminex' (cabinet maker off-cut) and teflon made it much more enjoyable. 100 n 82 deg. fov eps also good. i also like the idea of making an EQ platform (with interchangeable wedges for when i travel).

BUT go-to is going to give you lotsa extra viewing time - saved from star hopping n searching its awesome fun! n the skies will clear . . . eventually.

L

PS i found Adriano on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dQ0BnWUTtU#t=26.587354

[gaseous (Patrick)]

Originally Posted by geolindon

thanks Patrick and congrats on the new 16" !!

i also got mine in January, not a bad tactic . . . its gunna rain then anyways

i don't mind push/pull at hi magx as long as the "stiction" is just right - i rebuilt the base 'cos it was shot from moisture, but some textured 'laminex' (cabinet maker off-cut) and teflon made it much more enjoyable. 100 n 82 deg. fov eps also good. i also like the idea of making an EQ platform (with interchangeable wedges for when i travel).

BUT go-to is going to give you lotsa extra viewing time - saved from star hopping n searching its awesome fun! n the skies will clear . . . eventually.

L

PS i found Adriano on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dQ0BnWUTtU#t=26.587354

Cheers Lindon, you sound much more inclined/capable of DIY-ing your scope than I am - good luck with that! From what I can see on Adriano's video, even the 20" looks very smooth to move around manually, but I just know I'd be kicking myself if I didn't have goto. All the best.

P.