My SDM truss dob is coming!

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by gary

Hi Geoff,

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing an Argo Navis with the scope.

Sorry Gary, but I already had the argonavis which I bought 18 months ago
Its a great product and I don't hesitate in recommending it anyone who owns a dob.

The scope is here now and its a beauty

[rumples riot]

Originally Posted by Starkler

Thanks all for the congrats and kind wishes



Hi Paul, its been a long time since we have 'spoken' to each other.
There's a few reasons why I didn't go for the servocat option. Firstly there's a few grand in it, and I would need to see a scope fitted with it to see for myself how good it is and whether its worth it for me. Secondly, I wanted to keep things simple and easy to set up and pack away. I figured the servocat would add a level of complexity to that and detract from the portability aspect. Thirdly, if I decide later that I really want it, I figure I could get it retrofitted easily enough given that I'm getting the powered ground board.

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Time and all that stuff.

I know the cost is questionable when you have not seen one of these in action, but I can tell you this, they are certainly worth the effort. When the time affords, I urge you to get it installed.

Not only is is very accurate the complexity is very small. The cat stalk detached in seconds and it is just like any other hand paddle. I found it dead easy to use.

Just want to recommend this system.

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Great pictures of the delivery on the SDM website, Geoff. Looks like you got your wish in terms of the scope being the perfect height for you. How was first light?

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Hi Geoff

What a great scope! Peter and I are in discussions at the moment about building a f4 or f3.5 20" - and at zenith should not stand more than 5 8 which is great for my height.

Looking forward to seeing your scope in the flesh.

Cheers Petra

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by Rodstar

Great pictures of the delivery on the SDM website, Geoff. Looks like you got your wish in terms of the scope being the perfect height for you. How was first light?

Thanks for the heads up Rod. The delivery pics are now on the SDM website

First light? Well I got in about 5 minutes of viewing jupiter through a brief gap in the clouds before a thick blanket of rain bearing cloud came. I should be grateful that the weather gods allowed me that much on my first day.

In the average seeing conditions I noticed very nice contrast in the view of the bands, better than what I'm accustomed to seeing in my other scopes
Whether its because of the aperture, or the improvement you get with superb optics I'll find out with more use.

The feathertouch focuser is superb! Absolutely the Rolls Royce of focusers.

To wrap up this story, let me say a few words about Peter Read. When we were first discussing the specs of this scope, I did not order the optical finder or the thousand oaks dew control system. I was also told that for the pricing I wouldn't get the pole and UTA transport cases. I later asked for his new two piece transport handles. Peter decided to provide all that for me at no cost rather than send out a scope that he considered "unfinished"

Peter stands out as one who has real pride in his work and truly cares about making his customers happy. With the Deep Sky optics primary and Peters craftsmanship I reckon that I now own probably the nicest Kriege style truss dob of its size anywhere in the world

Whos a lucky boy then

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Hi Geoff

I think you are very lucky - well done

Cheers Petra

Originally Posted by Starkler

Whos a lucky boy then

[Sentinel]

Geoff,

You should be able to power your Argo Navis off the the Thousand Oaks Dew Controller. I have the same controller and a AN, and have a special power cable coming out of the dedicated 12V on the Thousand Oaks controller to power the AN.

I am awaiting a Feathertouch focuser as well. Practically identical set-up at the top of the scope!!

All the best with the new scope.

[Satchmo]

Congratulations Geoff. you've got a pretty unique scope there, and it looks like a real work of art. Not too many people own a custom 'scope designed for their eye height. You'll find it a real blessing having feet planted on Terra Firma at all times. Enjoy your new scope