Question of telescope mount

[Coen]

Hello,

I have a query and was wondering whether some might have some first hand experience they wish to share. The query essentially boils down to:
"Does the 'Dob shuffle' ever get too much?"

There is no intent behind the question to start a mount x is better than y debate.

I have been a GEM type of person (never owned a Dob) but as with all things one does wish to see more detail and fainter objects. There is the "Go forth and get thee a 'Dob' with as much aperture as you can afford" type of response for many enquires regarding telescope purchases. Indeed Dob's are great for putting large aperture into peoples hands for affordable cost. Transport of a Dob is probably easier than an GEM telescope?

My concern regarding the Dob is the need to adjust both axes whilst viewing. I am sure it is easy enough but as I have done a number of public/school talks and plenty of showing friends, family and strangers the concerns are that (a) I'd need to interrupt to make sure the object stayed in the field (and/or teach to track) (b) a bit of a bump and well... and (c) how does it go with the higher magnifications (small FOV) when wishing to show folk say detail on one the planets etc? It was there a moment ago...

I know there are systems out there for putting tracking on a Dob; then that starts to up the price to make the affordability equation a little different. The appeal of the GEM with single axis adjustment (once aligned) and a motor drive is therefore strong in my mind - am I deluded or making out something to be big?

As an aside, for example, an 8" on EQ5 with dual motors & hand controller (not goto) is just over $1000 (inc postage) while a 12" solid tube GSO style Dob is in a similar ball park (there is one for about $900+postage).

(An aside: I know there is also a trade-off regarding weights on GEM vs Dob etc).

Thanks in advance for any responses.
Coen

[PhilW]

I have some random thoughts about this:

1) It is easier with wide-angle eyepieces, since objects take longer to exit the field
2) There is a lot you can do to make mass-produced dobs move more smoothly. There are some DIY articles on this forum about how people have achieved this (eg using Ebony Star formica, etc). The smoother the movement, the easier the manual tracking
3) As you mention, equatorial platforms are a solution. A basic platform can be built for around $100 in materials. I use a platform for high-power lunar & planetary observing (ie over about 250x magnification), but I don't bother otherwise.

Phil

[rmcpb (Rob)]

The "dob shuffle" is not a problem, I don't even realise I am doing it most times.

As for high power and public viewing, I use my equatorial platform. Like Phil said you could whip up a useable one for less than $100 if you wanted and it would carry a BIG dob.

Cheers

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

Tune the alt/az movements of your dob and the "shuffle" won't become a problem..