20 inch SDM Telescope Ordered - Page 3

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #41 27-08-2006, 07:59 PM

My eye is exactly 80cm below the center of the eyepiece (I've just measured it!), and that's bolt upright which isn't normally the case as the ladder is slightly away from the scope usually. In that photo of my mum in law (at a lanky 4'10") she's standing on a step 116 cm high - so with some basic maths I recon the platform would be just right for you but tip-toes for anyone smaller.

PS - that's a nice looking ladder!

Rodstar (Rod) · #42 27-08-2006, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

My eye is exactly 80cm below the center of the eyepiece (I've just measured it!), and that's bolt upright which isn't normally the case as the ladder is slightly away from the scope usually. In that photo of my mum in law (at a lanky 4'10") she's standing on a step 116 cm high - so with some basic maths I recon the platform would be just right for you but tip-toes for anyone smaller.

PS - that's a nice looking ladder!

Sounds like I will be getting the next platform ladder up from the 86cm platform. After all, I need to be prepared, just in case your lanky mother-in-law should show up at my door for a look through SDM-12!

Argonavis (William) · #43 27-08-2006, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziggy

I see SDM only make 18" as their smallest size. Does anyone know of any manufacturers in Australia making truss dobs in the 14" - 16" range? I tried googling, and searching here, but couldn't find anything.

John Connelly of the Gold Coast used to make 16s, but the lack of readily available optics has put a hold on this.

http://www.sdmtelescopes.com.au/john...tomscopes.html

Peter Read will make you a 16 if you push, but the effort is just as much as an 18, so the price difference is marginal. You would be better off ordering an 18, or waiting for the long waited for GSO/Meade Lightbridge 16 inch telescopes at the unheard of price of $2500, if rumour is correct.

Robbos30 (Peter) · #44 27-08-2006, 11:36 PM

Hi Rodstar,
My names peter Robbins,just new to this forum,just noticed your purchasing a 20 inch f/5 SDM

Robbos30 (Peter) · #45 28-08-2006, 12:10 AM

Hi Rodstar,
My names Peter,i just noticed your purchasing a 20 inch f/5 sdm telescope from Peter Read vic.I'd just like to let you know from personal experience you have made a wise decision in choosing a vendor to purchase from .Peters workmanship is superb to say the least.I have Peters first commercial scope made SDM number 1, 30 inch f/4.8 dobsonian.I took possession of my baby in September 2005.It a big bugger.Since then i've had the servocat, kendric dew heaters added and all works magnificiently.Peter has an eye for extreme detail and knowing him for over 2 years is a genuine guy who loves the art of atm.BTW he's not paying me to say this.Nothing is too much trouble for him.A rare thing today.
I had a 20inch obsession f/5 from 1997 to mid 2005, and it worked great but the finish on Peters SDM scopes i must admit is superior to obsession in my opinion.They make a very nice scope but on getting my 30inch straight away the finish on Peters is noticably superior.He is also very invative.He adds his personal touch which is nice.Sdm's move very smoothly and Peter personally star tests every scope before he delivers.The 20 inch is an all round deep sky scope.The f/5 focal length produces very little coma so i've never needed a coma corector.You do need a step ladder to reach the eyepiece though.the 20 inch catagory show galaxy structure which is my passion and allows you about 15000 galaxies to view.Most things in the Urametria are visible.Best of all you dont need a 10 foot trailor like mine,it fits into most station wagons.The best i found was the late commodore wagons.It just freely wheeled in and heaps of room for the poles and a ham sandwich.My very best wishes for your future purchase and viewing.You'le fall in love it i'm sure.
Clear skys Peter Robbins.
PS.If you get a chance use the Roles Royce of eyepieces,in my oppinion use the Nagler series and televiews binoviews.A real space walk experience.
Cheers.

iceman (Mike) · #46 28-08-2006, 05:57 AM

Welcome Peter! I was chatting with Rod this morning (I gave him a lift) about his new purchase, and boy we are both excited..

Obviously him more than me

The biggest topic of discussion is what to "name" his new beast

Rodstar (Rod) · #47 28-08-2006, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbos30

Hi Rodstar,
My names Peter,i just noticed your purchasing a 20 inch f/5 sdm telescope from Peter Read vic.I'd just like to let you know from personal experience you have made a wise decision in choosing a vendor to purchase from .Peters workmanship is superb to say the least.I have Peters first commercial scope made SDM number 1, 30 inch f/4.8 dobsonian.I took possession of my baby in September 2005.It a big bugger.Since then i've had the servocat, kendric dew heaters added and all works magnificiently.Peter has an eye for extreme detail and knowing him for over 2 years is a genuine guy who loves the art of atm.BTW he's not paying me to say this.Nothing is too much trouble for him.A rare thing today.
I had a 20inch obsession f/5 from 1997 to mid 2005, and it worked great but the finish on Peters SDM scopes i must admit is superior to obsession in my opinion.They make a very nice scope but on getting my 30inch straight away the finish on Peters is noticably superior.He is also very invative.He adds his personal touch which is nice.Sdm's move very smoothly and Peter personally star tests every scope before he delivers.The 20 inch is an all round deep sky scope.The f/5 focal length produces very little coma so i've never needed a coma corector.You do need a step ladder to reach the eyepiece though.the 20 inch catagory show galaxy structure which is my passion and allows you about 15000 galaxies to view.Most things in the Urametria are visible.Best of all you dont need a 10 foot trailor like mine,it fits into most station wagons.The best i found was the late commodore wagons.It just freely wheeled in and heaps of room for the poles and a ham sandwich.My very best wishes for your future purchase and viewing.You'le fall in love it i'm sure.
Clear skys Peter Robbins.
PS.If you get a chance use the Roles Royce of eyepieces,in my oppinion use the Nagler series and televiews binoviews.A real space walk experience.
Cheers.

Peter,

Welcome to the forum. You will find plenty to inspire you here.

15,000 galaxies to view sounds mighty fine to me. Through my 10" scope I have really enjoyed some of the brighter galaxies and planetaries, but I would like a deeper view, and to see more structure with direct vision. I am expecting an awesome experience when I take delivery of 20"!

As for transportation, I have it all sussed. I have an Odyssey (people mover) with fold down seats in the rear, and removable middle row of seats for a clear area with a depth of 1.9m and height of about 90-95cm. That is more than enough room for the 20", which at its highest point (side bearings) reaches approximately 86cm, and to fit in a 1.8m ladder. I just have to organise a ramp!

Your comments about the quality of Peter Read's scopes accords with everything I have heard. He is a quality craftsman, as well as a nice bloke to deal with.

Where do you go observing? One day I would love to sneak a look through your scope!

Robbos30 (Peter) · #48 28-08-2006, 10:20 AM

Hi Rod,
Thanks for your quick reply to last nights note.Im home today with a sore back,not the result of the 30,fortunately,although she can be a jealous lady sometimes.I normally observe at Ron Knights place at Cambroon QLD and Leyburn on the darling downs.Leyburn is twice the distance as Rons place and the company there is just as friendly.I love sharing the images from the 30 with anyone who's interested.I've known Ron Knight for 10 years now and have always been impressed with his extensive knowledge of astronomy.I have spent many weekends with him in the past picking his brain and if it clouds out like it did on saturday just gone,enjoy the odd drop of astro port or two and talking astro turky with him.
The only other thing i would say about Peters scopes is that due to the imaculate finish,one may become very conscious of scratching the beautiful finish.I know i have and to date my 30 (VOYAGER),very origional,is still in perfect condition.When shes in storage i had a kingsize quilt altered to fit it snuggly so to reduce dust and acts i suppose like a padded parjama top.This also reduces any heat which comes through the trailor top or sides when in storage.As a joke with Peter, i had matching mittins made up for the polished wood wheel barrow handles.Im sure you'le love looking at it as much as looking through it.
Sorry if my reponses are a bit long.
Regards Peter.

Robbos30 (Peter) · #49 28-08-2006, 10:26 AM

Hi Rod,
I look forward to your feed back regarding the quality of the images through the OMI Toris mirror.I havn't had any experience with this company and hope you get a great optic.Cheers.Peter.

ving (David) · #50 28-08-2006, 11:21 AM

i want aperture now!!!!

very cool rod

Ric · #51 28-08-2006, 02:40 PM

I've just had a look at the website, their are some very impressive toys there and real works of art as well.
You are going to love that scope but how are you going to survive the wait until November, I had to wait 4 weeks for mine and I was climbing the walls.

cheers

RB (Andrew) · #52 28-08-2006, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbos30

The only other thing i would say about Peters scopes is that due to the imaculate finish,one may become very conscious of scratching the beautiful finish.I know i have and to date my 30 (VOYAGER),very origional,is still in perfect condition.When shes in storage i had a kingsize quilt altered to fit it snuggly so to reduce dust and acts i suppose like a padded parjama top.This also reduces any heat which comes through the trailor top or sides when in storage.As a joke with Peter, i had matching mittins made up for the polished wood wheel barrow handles.

Regards Peter.

G'day Peter,

Do you have any photos of that awesome scope of yours, we'd love to see some.

gary · #53 28-08-2006, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocket Boy

G'day Peter,

Do you have any photos of that awesome scope of yours, we'd love to see some.

Hi Andrew,

See http://www.sdmtelescopes.com.au/SDM001.html

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

RB (Andrew) · #54 28-08-2006, 05:19 PM

Thanks Gary.

Robbos30 (Peter) · #55 28-08-2006, 10:10 PM

Hi Rocket Boy,
Thanks for your request.An anternate web site to view pickies of the 30 is if you google sdm telescopes and lookat the 3rd web site from the bottom of page 2,People/Telescopes @queensland astrofest.My three other picks are the last 3 on the bottom.Cheers Peter.

gaa_ian (Ian) · #56 28-08-2006, 10:40 PM

Good on you Rod, welcome to the BIG Dob club !
I am very impressed with our 18" F4.5 & was out observing with it till 2 am on Sat night

I have found with the F4.5 it is quite selective on the eyepieces it likes.
Best view was with a 40 mm 2" widefield, would love to get a 28mm TV panoptic, as I am told any focal length longer that this is not using the whole mirror !
A 40mm 1 1/4 possol was like looking through a drainpipe !

Rodstar (Rod) · #57 04-09-2006, 10:03 PM

Hey everyone, check out the SDM website now (www.sdmtelescopes.com.au) .....the home page features Peter Read's speaking engagement at Lostock, and the order placed by yours truly (thanks Astrojunk!).

wavelandscott (Scott) · #58 04-09-2006, 10:43 PM

That is so cool (the website)...I can't wait to see your new scope!!!

Rodstar (Rod) · #59 17-09-2006, 08:16 PM

Time for an update.

Peter Read has advised today that he has already made most of the scope, he is finalising the secondary assembly at the moment. It looks like I will have a Moonlight filter slider mounted on the inside of the UT assembly, which allows any of three 2" filters (or larger opening for no filter) to be selected at any one time, rather than fumbling to change filters on the base of EPs'.

Spraying is not far away.

I wonder how James Mulherrin is going with that 20" mirror?!

gaa_ian (Ian) · #60 17-09-2006, 10:46 PM

So Rod, what EP's do you plan to use with this scope ?
Same ones you have ATM ?