Goto dob 12 Vs 14 ?

[Stu Ward]

Thanks for the advice. Wouldn't want to bugger it up !

Stu

[The_bluester (Paul)]

I will have to take the back off mine at some point and see what it actually has in it for a battery.

If discharge time becomes an issue I suppose they are cheap enough to buy a second one to run heaters from etc.

[sopticals (Stephen)]

Hi Stu,
having owned at the same time 8", 12", and 14" Dobs and having all set up beside each other going through the sizes quickly sighted on the same objects (whether DSO or solar system) there is a definite improvement in views as aperture increases. And yes the 14" was clearly a step ahead of the 12" (particularly with DSOs).Eventually I quite the 12" but still have an 8" and 14".

In terms of light gathering a 12" collects 2.25x that of the 8".
a 14" collects 3.00x that of the 8".

The 14" gives the real WOW factor. If you can manage it go for 14".

Stephen.

[Stu Ward]

I ended up with the 12 and to be honest I think it's about as big as any one person would want to go unless you have it permanently set up.
The 12 can be moved into position very quickly but she's bloody heavy.

[stevejack (Steve)]

Originally Posted by Stu Ward

I ended up with the 12 and to be honest I think it's about as big as any one person would want to go unless you have it permanently set up.
The 12 can be moved into position very quickly but she's bloody heavy.

Sorry I only just saw this Stu or I would have replied last month - I have the 14" GOTO and I think you made a good call with the 12". Not that I regret buying the 14 at all, and I would do it again, but it is hard to get it in and out of the house. And it won't fit in the car without stripping it right down. I have a van to transport it to dark sky sites, but size is certainly a consideration. And it's damn heavy as you say.

I use a 12v car battery with a cigarette lighter plug. I leave the battery on a trickle charger and it's always ready to go. I don't run any extra gear off it (just the GOTO/motors on the scope) and it works great.

Glad you finally got your scope, Enjoy!