the springs are not a hassle at all, they attach to the pivot point on the scope and then when the scope is in the base, you pull the spring down over the other attachment that is on the base. i will take a pic tonight and show you.
not even an issue, so please do not it be the deciding factor between the 8 or 10 or 12.
it is no different to a change in colour!!! simple as that!
The factors that are a consideration for me is the sheer weight and mobility of the dobs vs apeture size.
Isn't it really hard to pull the spring down to the stay on these models though?
As to me it looks like trying to pull a strong spring into place which will requires much strength, and this will indirectly affect the portability of the dob, in terms of disengaging it and moving the mount and the tude seperately. Which will intern be factored into what size dob I will get.... (confusing init?)
BTW what does OTA stand for? I think it means just the telescopic tube only..... but what does the words OTA actually stand for?
Ahhh the 10" or 9.25 on an eq mount may be even more of a pain to use Eardrum. There are more things to pull apart, plus a mount for a 10" scope needs to be fairly substantial. And there are the additional counterweights to consider. Don't get me wrong, I use an eq mount all the time, but its probably heavier and more awkward than a dob.
If you get a 10" meade on an LX200 they are pretty weighty and awkward to move around too especially if you have to carry it up a slope.
If I go the SCT way then most likely I would go for the fork mount types instead of the eq mounts. They seem easier to use and ligher... or I hope they are in this case!
Meade is releasing a cheaper version (as oppose to the LX200 series they currently have) and Celestron is releaseing a CGC version which is also SUPPOSE to be easy to use, no weights to dissassemble and lighter... but this would set me back a small fortune which is why I am seriously considering a dob at the moment.
the LX90 and 200 range are definately easier to set up for accurate goto than an eq, imho. I went from EQ to LX200 and back to a bigger EQ (using digital setting circles - Argo Narvis). For ease of use and speed of setup for goto though the LX200 was a dream after I learnt how to drive it. I understand the the LX90s are just as easy. But the dob, albit without goto, is the easiest of all to set up. Relatively lightweight base and tube, plonk them down on the ground, doesn't even have to be particularly level (within reason ) and away you go.
In terms of budget no exact figure.. I am keeping an open mind. But after surfing the net and many phone calls later. It seems that my ideal telescope is around 9 to 10 inch, with goto, lightweight and easy to use. Which would set me back around $4000 to $5000 probably more....
Well originally I was thinking of Meade 10' cheap LX or Celestron 9.25' CGC, I find that for apeture size the dobs seems to be the best value around! I am taking about 1/5 of the price!!! (Not to mention that alot of people that have used these GS dobs all nothing but good things to say about it...
I have also read about problems with goto, motors and aligments and such.... which began to shift me towards the dob.
But the main problem I have now with the dob is portablity and if I was to get a trolley for it - storage.
Which is why I need to know all there is to know about dobs and their mobility
I have gone for dob cos i had a budget of around $1500. I love to tinker, program etc.
If I have $5000, i would have gone the whole hog in one go.
I spose you are coming at it differently, you want portability etc.
Where is NSW are you, as I am hoping that like tasmania, you can cross the street and be on the other side of the island. This way you catch up with a few of the guys in person and see them setup etc. there is a new moon coming up at end of month.
Yes, the cost of a Dob is not much more than the GST on a similarly sized SCT Goto scope. So you might as well just get one to try out. Maybe you'll like it enough not to want an SCT and so can spend the rest of your budget on quality eyepieces and other goodies.
The 8" Dob is easily transportable (in the Corolla) with the OTA in its original box across the back seat and the base in the boot. I expect the 10" would be too in the same way, but you couldn't use the original box. The 12" will need a bit of interior "restyling" to squeeze in. I suppose you could also chuck the 12" OTA on roofracks. Just don't be surprised if the ASIO boys come knocking to ask a few questions after you drive around with that bazooka on your car.
Imho, if you're after bang for buck, a large aperture Dob can't be beat! . Easy to use, easy to star-hop - especially with the aid of a Telrad or Rigel finder. The latest model 12" from Andrews has a right angled finderscope as standard equipmnet also.
My 12" Dob is a breeze to move in and out of my house, or to put into the back of my van. I keep my OTA and base assembled for transport, even while its in the van. No back strain at all. The terrain at our club's observing site, while flat, can be pretty rugged. The trolley ($20 from Supercheap Auto) makes it easy. I'll post a photo for you.
Lee Andrews hinted at a 16" Dob becoming available soon(ish) and selling for around $2.5k.
Cheers
Hey! Thanks for that DavidPretorius, thanks for talking the time to film that. The spring tention looks real easy to unlatch, I am assuming that it is just as easy to latch the spring back on.
yes nice and easy, but not so loose that the scope tips down when you get near the horizon. one of the parts of the video had my 2" eyepiece (heavy) in and it must be aprox 5 degrees roughly and it is staying in place. Any lower and it will tip.
There is not much use viewing things at the horizon as there is too much atmosphere to look thru!
I would dearly love a 16' dob, think of the images we could see....
but mobility wise it would be a nightmare for me I think (just check out Starkler's pic) as it is I am already considering downgrading from a larger dob (12' or 10') to a smaller one just for mobility reasons.
Chunkylad, thanks for the photos, I like the idea of the dob on the trolley, however that would still require lifting on my part from the house to the backyard... so I will have to factor that bit in to my decision as well.
What is a telrad and Rigel finder?
Incidentally, for those that have bought from Andrews, what is the standard inclusions in Andrews Dobs? I have heard that he includes a moon filter and 4 color filters is that true?
P.S as for attracting the attention of ASIO with a 12' cannon on the top of my car... I think I may just wear the delivery cost and have it delivered.
moon filter is good, but guys from the forums told me not to worry about the other filters.
I would agree, i think for the $99 for the filters set (i think from memory) throw those $ into eyepieces.
You use the eyepieces all the time, so make that side of things really spot on!
i used the moon filter for the first time last night and it was ok. Mars is now very viewable, but whether the extra filters would be worth it i have my doubts
try and get two really good eyepieces say a 10mm and a 30mm. say around at least $50 odd each. also i would recommend the 2" 80 degree ultrawide 30mm (that is in my video)
as for a filter, i would save up and go for a sun filter and a really good nebula filter and thats it for filters. i don't hear guys talk about much else??
![[1ponders]'s Avatar](../vbiis/customavatars/avatar45_9.gif){kind=avatar}
Maybe you'll like it enough not to want an SCT and so can spend the rest of your budget on quality eyepieces and other goodies.
. Easy to use, easy to star-hop - especially with the aid of a Telrad or Rigel finder. The latest model 12" from Andrews has a right angled finderscope as standard equipmnet also.
