Quote:
Originally Posted by acropolite
Looks very nice, the big question is how much and what if any other sizes will it be made in.
I assume that Plug and Play with ArgoNavis means encoders are either fitted or appropriate mounting points have been integrated.
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These instruments are not aimed at the "cheap'n'cheerful" end of the market. That end is well serviced. Adrian alluded to the niche market that these scopes are designed for. Portability, ease of use, finish, design, all these make for a premium, but not an astronomical one (pun intended). I've been mindful of that in the way I've structured the prices.
Other than the optics, what you see in the first lot of photos is what you get - the only things not shown in the pics that also come with the scope are the encoder couplings, and a special tool. The encoder couplings are not necessary for the function of the scope. So as far as bare-bones goes, you can get going with what you see in the photos. Should you then like to get an Argo Navis or other navigation system, the facilities are there from the start (no dicking around to make bits fit), and other accessories can follow too.
There will be other sizes. I've started with a 12" as this size is the largest really practical 'small' aperture. Smaller apertures than 12" don't work as there is just not enough glass for ballast in the OTA. The upper end would be 18" - any larger and the weight is just unsafe for one person to handle, and their portability is more limited. Larger apertures may be considered as special custom pieces, and there is already a brilliant large diameter telescope producer here in Oz that is capable of dealing with the largest of apertures. Gondwana is mainly concerned with producing more highly portable instruments.
Optics
This is an important part of the way the prices will be structured. The base price does not include optics. There are 3 different ways that optics can be sourced to accommodate different budgets and requirements.
i - Donor optics from an existing OTA
ii - Self sourced new optics - these can be from the least expensive to the premium end
iii - I can supply them. I have been looking for a line of optics that will compliment these instruments. This task has been going on for a very long time - even before Gondwana Telescopes was inspired. There are good optics available that are relatively inexpensive. But, what I will offer are
better optics that will compliment these instruments. Then if you want premium optics, these can be had from the United States or Russia. The optics I will be offering will surprise many, but it is something that I have been at great pains to make sure that these are really damn good. I finally have found a source that I have no problem in putting into my own scopes, and happy to supply.
As these instruments are custom made, it will be important for me to have the optics to both create a balanced OTA, the correct length of the carbon fibre poles, and the appropriate size mount.
