Collapsable DOB's

[RichardK (Richard)]

I am in the process of purchasing a new DOB to replace an 8" that has fallen into disrepair (human and natures intervention).

I was wondering wether the collapsable DOB's are advantageous compared to a solid tube.

I live in the country and am out of town so transportability is not a huge issue as I have to travel to Townsville (200km) to join other enthusiasts which will not be a regular event (3 - 4 times per year prehaps). I will do most of my viewing in my backyard which has minimal light pollution.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

Richard

[NorthernLight (Max)]

HI Richard,

I was considering the same before buying my Dob and decided not to go the collapsible path. These are the reasons:

• I mainly wanted to use the scope at home and don`t have to carry it more than 10m from storage to observing spot
• I wanted an easy set up/move back in less than 2 min (grab and go) with no tools required (incl collimation lasers)
• Costs are much lower for solid tube
• No light shroud required to block out reflections
• Solid tube prevents a lot from happening to the main mirror especially when out in the dark at the EP (beer spills, falling eyepieces etc)
• solid tube sustains collimation for a longer period when scope is moved around
• I can get some tube rings and lift the scope onto an EQ-mount-way easier done than with a collapsible
• a number of people go on about flocking and baffling their scope tubes to increase contrast and image quality - on a collapsible not possible

All this pointed me eventually to a GSO 12".

I think, unless you need to collapse the scope because you wouldn`t have sufficient space otherwise, it is not necessary to pay the extra money for the facility.
Having said that, above 16" I wouldn`t be to sure about the above as such a brute becomes increasingly different to handle and doesn`t really fit into any car.


Hope I could give you some arguments to think about!


Max

[asimov (John)]

I have the 14" collapsible & while having the capability to collapse it to make it a smaller 'package' it doesn't necessarily make it any easier to handle or shift.

Everytime you collapse it & retract it, you'll need to tweek the primary collimation. Apart from that, it'll hold collimation all night without a problem (no sagging/flexture of the 3 struts).

Adding a simple lightweight material shroud works wonders for stray light.

The OTA weighs in at next to nothing, thanks to the fact that it is partially skeletal framed. Less breeze catchment area as well without the shroud.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

If you don't need to transport it. Get a solid tube. Think the GSO tubes are 1450mm long. So make sure that length will fit in your vehicle.

The skywatcher 12" collapses to about 950mm. Actually shorter then my old 6" newt.

[mbaddah (Mo)]

Hi Richard.

After using many dobs and purchasing over 5 in the past 2 years, my rule is anything up to 10", get a solid tube. 12" or more, get the truss.

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

I have a solid tube 12" GSO and recently carried the OTA from a Skywatcher 12" collapsible. Could be wrong but it felt heavier than mine! Certainly easier to handle in size terms, but I use straps on mine now that make handling it a breeze!

Malcolm

[Liz]

Hi Richard ..... I have a 10" collapsible Dob and before that I had a solid tube 10" dob. The reason I bought the new one was mainly because I loved the look of it, and love the way it folds down easily to put in the car.
As others have said - solid is a bit cheaper, collimation - I have found, is not a huge amount of difference. The collapsible is a bit heavier, but easier to manage, except if a 12".
Dont forget to look on the classifieds here - there is a 10" saxon (pretty much hte same as Skywatcher).
Good places to buy from are Bintel, Andrews and Astroshop.
Let us know what you get.

[Brian W (Brian)]

Richard, one argument not mentioned is where you are going to buy. If locally then a solid tube is as good as a truss. However if you are considering having someone bring it in it is a lot easier and cheaper to get a truss on an plane.

I have an 8" LightBridge and it works well.
Brian

[RichardK (Richard)]

Thanks for all your replies. The information is helpful. Living Tully (or therabouts) I'm not in a rush (wet season) but will probably go down the solid tube path

Richard

[stattonb (Statton)]

Like everyone has said its all about if you are going to have it in the backyard permanently or take it on the road to darker skys,that to me is the only reason to choice between solid tube or truss.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by stattonb

Like everyone has said its all about if you are going to have it in the backyard permanently or take it on the road to darker skys,that to me is the only reason to choice between solid tube or truss.

I would agree with this as well

[BrisGreg (Greg)]

Not forgetting though that the collapsibles, especially the black diamonds look so damn cool

[Sarge (Rod)]

I love my SW 12 collapsible. I have a small 5" reflector, but love my SW. Would love to get the 14" goto - wishing!

Rod