20" Skywatcher Dob?

Crusader · #1 28-05-2009, 06:52 AM

Have any of you heard any rumors about a 20" Skywatcher dob being in the pipeline?

I spoke to the local Skywatcher distributor today with regards to the auto-tracking Dobs. He mentioned that a 14" and even 20" Dob will be released in the coming months.

The 20" will apparently have a FL of around 2200mm if he remembers correctly from his recent visit to the Skywatcher factory.

It would be quite something if they do bring it to market.

lacad01 (Adam) · #2 28-05-2009, 09:04 AM

You'd have to wonder if the current three pole design would be up to scratch with something that big

telecasterguru (Frank) · #3 28-05-2009, 09:30 AM

Can't find anything on their website but I sure would be interested to see one.

Frank

rmcpb (Rob) · #4 28-05-2009, 03:35 PM

Don't want to know. Get into too much trouble with SWMBO even thinking about things like that

trent_julie · #5 28-05-2009, 05:02 PM

where do i sign up?

Crusader · #6 28-05-2009, 10:05 PM

I don't know much detail about the scope or the design they will use. The only thing I do know is that it will aparently have a FL of around 2200mm.

I'm definitely in for one if I can afford it and if I can figure out a place to store and a method to move and use it - not to mention getting some severely lacking collimation skills.

mental4astro (Alexander) · #7 28-05-2009, 10:29 PM

Collimation issues?

Check out this groovey 22" scope with automated collimation!

http://www.fiskemiles.com/buildinga2...e-finished.php

A little down the page is a photo showing the collimation control switches on the secondary cage, and the next shot showing the belts from the motors to the collimation screws viewed from below the mirror box.

Unreal idea!

2200 fl makes this cyclops very fast. Alot of coma. Careful. My f/4.5 17.5" though good really shows of this effect at low power. Need to know what you're in for.

Will give GSO a real run, (made by them???!!!).

Jen · #8 28-05-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmcpb

Don't want to know. Get into too much trouble with SWMBO even thinking about things like that

lol Rob thats a funny comment

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #9 28-05-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusader

Have any of you heard any rumors about a 20" Skywatcher dob being in the pipeline?

I spoke to the local Skywatcher distributor today with regards to the auto-tracking Dobs. He mentioned that a 14" and even 20" Dob will be released in the coming months.

The 20" will apparently have a FL of around 2200mm if he remembers correctly from his recent visit to the Skywatcher factory.

It would be quite something if they do bring it to market.

Stunning news - I never thought there would be a market for a mass produced big dob.

How cool is that ? (although the cynic in me says that it is a catalogue item only for headline grabbing that they don't actually expect to sell many)

astroron (Ron) · #10 28-05-2009, 11:28 PM

I could be tempted to sell my 16" to get some pennies towards getting one

Blue Skies (Jacquie) · #11 29-05-2009, 12:10 AM

hmmm. I hope it is actually portable. I know the GSO is the other brand but their 16" scopes are too big. I've rebuilt a 17.5" that has smaller footprint than those monsters! I will reserve judgement until I actually see the design, but I've often said I'd like a 20" (although I'm usually refering to a 20" Obession when I say that!)

Crusader · #12 29-05-2009, 01:34 AM

From what the guy said it sounds like SW has too many orders for the 20. He said he was to late to order some. So it definitely looks like there's a market for it!

That's of course provided that it actually exists and will go to market.

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #13 29-05-2009, 01:38 AM

Well I will be the very first to recommend 20" of sheer joy

If you can get one, GET ONE!

CoombellKid · #14 29-05-2009, 04:50 AM

Sounds great

I think I remember hints from GSO about a 20" a couple of years back.

I wasn't aware Sky Watcher made mirrors. I thought they used Synta
mirrors. I'd be interested to know who is actually making the mirror...
hopefully GSO

. I brought my 16" primary direct from them last year
for AUD$782.00 where locally a well known retailer were trying to flog
the same thing for $1800.00. I'll buy the mirror direct if I can and build
the scope around it.

Cheers,CS

CoombellKid · #15 29-05-2009, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmcpb

Don't want to know. Get into too much trouble with SWMBO even thinking about things like that

One of the few things that is a bonus after divorce

not that I'm
recomending it, but the new GF is a joy... and she'll stay a GF

for
the time being.

Cheers,CS

rider · #16 29-05-2009, 07:07 AM

MMmmm,
<daydream> takes off cradle, straps to eq5 </daydream>
<realitycheck> vision of bent tripod spiraling into lawn and drive gear shrapnel ricocheting of back wall </realitycheck>

NOT ON Rider, sit boy sit, no,no,no,no, no, NO! Rider! NO!

(sorry, I tend to daydream in .XML code)

skies2clear · #17 29-05-2009, 09:23 AM

Interesting question who makes mirrors for Skywatcher. I have a Saxon 10" Dob, which is the same scope as the fixed tube Skywatcher 10" Dob. Both of these have Pyrex primary mirrors. In fact, Saxon claimed the mirror was not only Pyrex, but made in the USA. In my scope at least, the optics are fantastic. GSO scopes, as far as I know always used BK7 glass. So I'm not sure what the story is here regarding who makes whos optics.

It would be interesting to know more about this if anyone can shed some light,

Clear skies,
Nick