Alex, FWIW MyAstroshop has tube rings for the SW600 (8" OTA) They will bolt directly on to the dovetail, whether your SW dob is the same diameter or not I'm not sure of.
Not all 8" OTA have tubes of the same outside diameter , you should specify the actual measured outside diameter of your tube , else you might buy tube rings that wont fit.
It's a bit hard to get an exact measurement, at the ends where the cast flange is, it's around 235mm (OD) but I'm guessing the tube itself is closer to 230. The Sw600 mirror is different from the dob (SW680). The 680 is an F5.9 F/L 1200mm, 203mm mirror according to the spec, the SW600 F5 1000mm F/L 200mm mirror. The rings at MAS are advertised as 235mm so they should fit. Might be worth giving Steve Massey at MAS a call and asking if there is any variation in the OTA diameters between the various models, his phone number is listed on the site and he usually answers his phone.
Phil, the measurement was 237 on cast flange. I measured the flange difference to the tube by measuring the step up. it was 1mm (perhaps 1.1mm) resulting in my 235mm final measurement of tube diameter.
Steve. Im unsure how long it will have to be.. someone with more experiance could probably tell me... my tube is 1110mm long. I suppose somewhere around 300mm for the dovetail.. but Im open to options..
I got the SW 235mm rings from MyAstroshop for my 8" Dob and dovetail bar and they fit perfect. On the EQ6 'Dobinator', I can loosen the rings easily and twist or move the mount.
I got the SW 235mm rings from MyAstroshop for my 8" Dob and dovetail bar and they fit perfect. On the EQ6 'Dobinator', I can loosen the rings easily and twist or move the mount.
30cm at moment. I have a 43cm losmandy bar also, which I may use. Im not sure if it would be better, havnt tried it yet.
Pics here that Tandem showed are the same ones http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=30396
You'll find balance will be a problem east to west cos the focuser and finder are on one side of the tube. I've just rebalanced and have the focuser and finder forming a V on the top of the scope. I sudo ran it this arvo and it didn't miss a beat. With the guide scope peeking through between them, I can no longer see into the finder scope easily so I've just ordered a right angle finder scope. Open that wallet, you have only just started
thats the plan.... its ordered and should be here in 1 - 1.5 weeks
Just wondering, how long is your dovetail bar?
