Got my new 20inch SDM reflector from Peter Read of SDM Telescopes in Shepparton recently. Peter delivered it to me in Swan Hill, and it is a work of art. This guy puts his heart and soul in to making telescopes. The views are incredible. First light, first sight was omega centauri and I was blown away. I don't think I could ever tire of viewing it. Centaurus A, Orion nebula, Sombrero Galaxy, Jewel box, Eta carina, Blue Planetary and Jupiter all on first light. I just love the views with this scope. A little coma around the edges(f5 focal ratio) but no big deal. Might try a paracorr one day. If any members are passing my way, welcome to call in for a night's viewing. I will attempt to attach a picture.
What colour is that? It looks like a dark chocolate brown.
I bought a paracorr to use with my f4.8 sdm and it does a great job. In fact it really tidies up the view in my f5 gso dob as well. After having seen the difference i wouldn't be without it.
Thanks iceman. I've even made a paved observing pad out the back. Takes me about two minutes to have everything set up for observing. Dew heaters, cooling fans, Alt-az, focuser and filter slide all work beautifully. The argo-navis is great once I got the hang of it. The 17mm nagler is a ripper, but even my plossls give a great view(albeit a smaller fov). I have a mate in Melbourne(Bryan Found) who is a forensic expert and knows the guys that designed ur website. Tell them the scope is ready for them to come and visit next time u see them.
I actually took a phote of Saturn by holding my Olympus u850 pocket camera up to the eyepiece(17mm nagler) and used the flash. The picture isn't too bad- no mistaking it for Saturn. Mate of mine owns a photography shop and is keen to bring some of his SLR's along to experiment. I might have to invest in a camera adapter attachment though.
As my moniker suggests, I own an Iceworks. Very seasonal business, so I get plenty of chances over Winter to stay up all night and sleep in the next day. Can get a bit cold, but I duck inside for spell in front of the fire and a sip of rum, and then back into it. I still stay up over Summer because I get that busy that the adrenaline keeps me awake.
I mostly got the big reflector for observing. I know some guys are doing photography with reflectors, but they spend big money on servo-cats and peltier cooling for their mirrors. Would a GSTAR videocam capture good pictures similar to what the human eye is seeing, and do it without needing controlled slewing of the scope?
Congratulations on the new scope and thank you for choosing an Argo Navis
with it. By the way, be sure to join the Argo Navis User's Group at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/argo_navis_dtc/ where you can download
user contributed observing lists and find other good advice.
Congratulations on owning Another piece of Art from Peter. Maybe one day when i will have the pleasure to own one. And ArgoNavis another masterpiece. You got the best of all. Are you planning to Add a ServoCat or Sitech goto in the future? Toss in a MallinCam and a some RF transmitters, a large LCD screen TV. And you can sit inside and watch it on the big screen and still be warm.
I'll be up tonight!! 
