First Light: Skywatcher 12" Collapsible Goto Dobby

[shenanigans000 (Greg)]

After several days of clouds and rain, the weather gods finally allowed me to coat my new mirrors with some photons this evening.

My last scope was a cheapie 6" newt bought off Ebay. Whilst it was never great, it did give me some glimpses of what can be seen up there.

So tonight, with a 64% moon I managed get my first (short) observing session in.

First up was Saturn with my 12mm EP. It was sharp and clear, but needed more magnification. Hmmm, better order those extra eyepieces.

Next, the Jewel Box near the Southern Cross. I've always wanted to see this through a big scope, and tonight I was amazed - so beautiful, such gorgeous colours!

After ages losing myself in this open cluster, time to move on to another bucket list object: Omega Centauri.

Stunning, just stunning! Stars resolved to the core. I never realised just how beautiful the sky could be!

Heavy dew and some clouds meant time to pack up, but I can't wait to get back out under it. Considering the bright moon, and the so-so seeing, the scope performed amazingly well.

Some thoughts for anyone else considering a scope like this: you need more magnification for planets than what I was used to.

The scope is heavy and bulky, so allow for that. I was able to carry it in and out fully assembled (you can quickly separate and carry the tube and base quite easily too).

Set it up in daylight. It's much easier for running a power lead, setting up your observing table, computer, torch, eyepieces and all the rest.

[Damienandwendy (Damien)]

Hi Greg,

I am looking at getting the 10" GOTO Collapsible as a upgrade to the 6" newt I have. Very happy to hear good results from something similar to what I am looking at purchasing.

Cheers

[knightrider]

This is a good scope, although I own the 10" version.

The best advantage is being able to use those high power eyepieces thanks to the tracking.

I found the 10" collapsible to be on the verge of being to heavy and awkward to carry around as a whole, but all in all very portable when you want to pack it up and take it somewhere or just pick it up and take it outside. I don't think I would've enjoyed manhandling the 12" due to it's size and weight.

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Hi Greg,

Great stuff I too went from an old 6" newt to the SW 12" goto dobby. some great views through that thing! Don't discount getting a powermate (televue) or barlow lens to double the useage of your existing lenses.

Also another thing you can try is some astrophotography with that scope, including deep space. http://www.flickr.com/photos/8033665...th/8687365153/ there's no rush to get into it, but thats done with the same scope and a canon attached to it but in the meantime, enjoy the views at the eyepiece

Cheers

[shenanigans000 (Greg)]

I do intend to get in to some astrophotography down the track a little - I have a Gstar EX Colour which I haven't used yet, but all in good time!

I'm not really sure how this scope compares to the 10" version in regards weight, bulkiness etc, but I certainly wouldn't want to go any bigger than the 12". I think 14" and up would become somewhat unmanageable for me.

The only other must-have accessory (apart from more eyepieces) is a powertank battery pack thingy. Having to run an extension lead and power adapter is a bit of a chore - I already had one episode of cord wrap!

I've never been a big fan of barlows: whilst cheaper than eyepieces, they do introduce more glass in to the light path, with the associated degradation of visual quality. I'll save up and just buy what I need over time. And there's always plenty of quality bits and bobs in the IIS classifieds!

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Oooh, I see a baaaad case of aperture fever happening...

Congrats, mate! Nice beastie you've got yourself,

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Originally Posted by shenanigans000

I do intend to get in to some astrophotography down the track a little - I have a Gstar EX Colour which I haven't used yet, but all in good time!

I'm not really sure how this scope compares to the 10" version in regards weight, bulkiness etc, but I certainly wouldn't want to go any bigger than the 12". I think 14" and up would become somewhat unmanageable for me.

The only other must-have accessory (apart from more eyepieces) is a powertank battery pack thingy. Having to run an extension lead and power adapter is a bit of a chore - I already had one episode of cord wrap!

I've never been a big fan of barlows: whilst cheaper than eyepieces, they do introduce more glass in to the light path, with the associated degradation of visual quality. I'll save up and just buy what I need over time. And there's always plenty of quality bits and bobs in the IIS classifieds!

Yep it is a big beast, i started out moving it in one go like you, but very quickly settled to move in two parts.

Todays quality barlows / powermates are alot better than they were in the past, but i know where you are coming from. However, If you start any planetary imaging you will probably need to get the televue 5x powermate to attach in front of the camera and then if you go extra high res, a 2x barlow in front of that {although i'm not that familiar with the Gstar).

Clear skies!

[bigjoe (JOSEPH)]

Good on you both. 12".These scopes should serve you well
Bty if you like the jewel box look at ngc 3114 The GEM CLUSTER Its under the cross towards the pointers.As are 2 other gems in Vela nearby.whem your ready try galaxy ngc4945 and planetary ngc 3918 in centauris, and ngc3532.Just some of my favorites.Cheers and enjoy.

[shenanigans000 (Greg)]

Cheers Joe. I'll give them a go next time out. If this rain EVER STOPS!!!

Have to say that having the GoTo has made finding the faint fuzzies SO much easier. So glad I stumped up the extra for it.

I'd also point out another advantage of the auto tracking feature to anyone considering this type of system: having the object remain located in the eyepiece is a real godsend when the kids are waiting to have their turns at the eypiece.

[MattT]

Very nice Greg.
A while back I nearly did the same thing but got a 10" Newt off the classies and eventually will mount it on an NEQ6. Can't beat tracking ....soooo nice to sit and watch for as long as I want. The next upgrade you should do is Skysafari and Skyfi from Southern Stars, in my opinion the BEST thing...throw away the star charts it's all there on the iwhatever....goto plus
Matt

[shenanigans000 (Greg)]

Ooohhh! Just went and had look at those - I want them! They look brilliant. Actually the chap I bought the scope off gave me brief demo of SkySafari. It looks really good. In fact I'll go and get it now.

[Jen]

I also went from a 6"inch newt to a 12" dobbie best thing I have ever bought I love him ( johnny ) the only prob I do have he is a bit too big for a little girl like me to carry in one piece dam it's heavy
get a 2.5 x televue powermate and use the 12mm eyepiece for the planets is perfect any closer than that I think you lose in clarity IMHO
the only prob I do have is the cord wrap around too not to mention how many times ive tripped over the thing and ripped the cord out grrrrrr so make sure you get a battery pack that can fit in the dob ( my next purchase )
I currently have the celestron power pack which I have Been told that it may not be powerful enough for it mine seems to struggle going down between 80 and 60 degrees and I'm starting to see a pattern that starts to happen half way through the evening and now that I have dew straps connected oh boy it chews the power like nothing neally 3 hours yikes
So make sure you get the power right and the scope will keep you entertained for many years to come happy viewing

[shenanigans000 (Greg)]

Thanks for that Jen.

I must agree with you about that cord wrap. I'm researching a couple of options that (hopefully) will work better than the Celestron Powertank. I'll post when I have a solution.

I'm hearing a lot of good things about the Televue's - will have to look more closely at them I think, (pun completely intended)!

Clear photons!

[Jen]

good luck