EQ mount and Dobsonians

[TimboS (Tim)]

Hi All,

Quick query - can a collapsible Dob tube assembly be put onto a EQ mount?

I presume not since it would appear as though there's not enough tube for any rings to hang on to.

Had to ask...



Tim

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Nope.

You are right in that it does not have the structural integrity to withstand the forces applied by an EQ mount, even if you could attach the rings.

Cheers

[TimboS (Tim)]

Damn, you guys are quick in sharing knowledge. I've never known of a faster response !

Well, looks like I might have to buy myself a solid tube Dob now, and if astrophotography really beckons, an EQ Go-To setup later.

Of the skywatcher mounts, what would constitute the minimum starting point for the 10" tube from the Dob for astrophotography? I would guess something like the HEQ5PRO, although I cringe at the near $1500 price point...

Tim

[iceman (Mike)]

You're right - the HEQ5Pro would be the minimum to put the 10" OTA on.

An EQ6 would be better, but it's bigger, heavier and more expensive.

2 out of 3 of those are good for astrophotography, though

[TimboS (Tim)]

Um, which was the 3rd one, or am I missing a figure of speech with respect to mounts?

It's funny - I am lining up to buy my scope tomorrow, and already I am getting the sensation that there will not be enough hours in the night from when I hit the ground running.

I've been quoted $790 for a 10" solid tube Skywatcher Dobsonian and $495 for the 8". It will be local pickup so no freight cost. Sound like a winning deal?

I wonder though - in this day and age where everything is going up and up in price, if I purchased a 8" now and saved some money now, could I also by virtue of this save money in the future by not needing to go as beefy a mount? In other words, having an 8" scope rather than 10", could I go for a cheaper Go-To like the HEQ5PRO in the future?

Trying to think ahead here. I know aperture rules, and if money were no object then it would dominate my decision, but right now, the aperture of my wallet is probably equally important.

Tim

[iceman (Mike)]

What I meant was, bigger and heavier is good for astrophotography.

People will always say, get the biggest and best mount you can afford.

[Coen]

Rather an EQ mount, might consider a wedge platform underneath.

[TimboS (Tim)]

Wedge platform?

[iceman (Mike)]

EQ platform: http://www.roundtableplatforms.com/

[60degN (Per)]

Originally Posted by TimboS

Hi All,
Quick query - can a collapsible Dob tube assembly be put onto a EQ mount?
Tim

Tim,

For truss dobs, it sometimes works, like for this one:
http://www.hofheiminstruments.com/eq-montagewiege.html

/Per S