New telescope!!!

Liz · #1 08-01-2010, 05:09 PM

Well, after much looking around and thinking it all over, I have bought a scope - a Skywatcher collapsible 10" Dob. Had been looking at the 12" but concluded that it would be too heavy and end up a bit of a pain. Very excited about this ..... yet to be named one ] Will be shipped on Monday from Steve Massey. I had a bit of trouble with the order, as kept saying 'error' ... so I accidently ordered 5 Dobs!!!! Steve said they were all on the way up to me!!! As most know I do have a GSO 10" Dob which I never bonded with, as it had various problems over the last 2 years, and I became frustrated. In saying that, it is working much better now with a few alterations by helpful club members.
The other good news, is that the money saved in not getting a 12" is that I have bought as Argo Navis!!!! Very excited about that, and am sure I will get 80% more out of my scope with it, and a lot less frustration.
Thanks Gary

Always have trouble finding Uranus and Neptune, spending time and sweaty effort in doing so, so this will make it a breeze (I hope). Also for other elusive targets, and others that you are not sure whether you have the target or not...... happens to me quite a bit. Also, you can download cometary orbits - I have spend a lot of time searching for comets, and always have trouble if they are more than about 6-7th mag .... this will lead me right to them.
It will be fun and games getting in up and going ... and dont expect it to go smoothly, but may/will be asking for advice.
Anyway .... hopefully a great start for the 2010 Astronomical year. Will keep yous up to date. Woohoo!!!!

Now the clouds and cyclones will well and truly set in next week!!

supernova1965 (Warren) · #2 08-01-2010, 05:17 PM

Congrats I am sure you deserve it ENJOY

Outbackmanyep · #3 08-01-2010, 06:15 PM

Onya Liz!
The best scope is the one you will use the most!

So any future rain periods we can blame you!?

Liz · #4 08-01-2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supernova1965

Congrats I am sure you deserve it ENJOY

Yes, Warren ..... I have been a good girl

.... well, mostly

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbackmanyep

Onya Liz!
The best scope is the one you will use the most!

Cheers OBM ..... now bring on those comets ... and stay away rain!!

Robh (Rob) · #5 08-01-2010, 06:36 PM

Its always exciting to get new equipment!
I'm sure the Argo Navis will be an invaluable aid.

Hoping we get some clear skies.

Regards, Rob.

spacezebra (Petra) · #6 08-01-2010, 06:57 PM

Congrats Liz - you will love the 10" is a great size!

Cheers Petra d.

BerrieK · #7 08-01-2010, 07:08 PM

YAY yay yay Liz! How exciting.

Have great times with your new toys. Hope you get to see those comets and the elusive Neptune and Uranus. With little frustration once you have the argo all set up.

Only a few sleeps to go until it all gets there!

Kerrie

sheeny (Al) · #8 08-01-2010, 07:11 PM

Congratulations Liz!

BTW you'll love the Argo!

Al.

mental4astro (Alexander) · #9 08-01-2010, 07:31 PM

OOOOHHHHH, a NEW SCOPE!!!

I always like the new scope smell...mmmm.

Good stuff Liz!

Kevnool (Kev) · #10 08-01-2010, 10:55 PM

Great news Liz.
New toys rock and yours is no exception.
Let us know your expressions when you observe the outer planets and those DSO,s.
Cheers Kev.

Liz · #11 08-01-2010, 11:36 PM

Thanks all!!

Yes, its the Argo that will be great .... once I learn to use it properly, though my scope is one of those black diamond numbers and looks pretty swish. Now to come up with a name

lacad01 (Adam) · #12 09-01-2010, 10:39 AM

Enjoy the new gear, hope you have plenty of clear skies

mozzie (Peter) · #13 09-01-2010, 01:58 PM

enjoy the scope liz
sounds to me theres going to be rain in your area next week

its always the way

Liz · #14 09-01-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacad01

Enjoy the new gear, hope you have plenty of clear skies

Thanks Adam ..... can always hope

Quote:

Originally Posted by mozzie

enjoy the scope liz
sounds to me theres going to be rain in your area next week

its always the way

Yeah, thanks Peter, i hold no expectations for the weather up here in January .... humidity, cloud and rain, and more so with the purchase of a scope

gary · #15 09-01-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liz

The other good news, is that the money saved in not getting a 12" is that I have bought as Argo Navis!!!! Very excited about that, and am sure I will get 80% more out of my scope with it, and a lot less frustration.
Thanks Gary

Always have trouble finding Uranus and Neptune, spending time and sweaty effort in doing so, so this will make it a breeze (I hope). Also for other elusive targets, and others that you are not sure whether you have the target or not...... happens to me quite a bit. Also, you can download cometary orbits - I have spend a lot of time searching for comets, and always have trouble if they are more than about 6-7th mag .... this will lead me right to them.

Thanks Liz,

Congratulations on the new scope and thank you for adding an Argo Navis!

For those readers who missed her post, Liz was part of a dedicated group
of observing enthusiasts in the Townsville region who went above and beyond
in their efforts during the International Year of Astronomy in hosting something
like 16 public observing nights whereby thousands of people peered through
the scopes!!!

See Liz's post here -
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...7&postcount=11

My jaw dropped when I first read this.

As Liz said, somewhat understated, "It was a big undertaking".

The words "gigantic" and "enormous" come to mind.

So Liz, on behalf of us all to you and your colleagues in Townsville, may I
offer a virtual electronic round of applause and we wish years of joy with your
new scope!

Thanks again and welcome to the extended family of Argo Navis owners.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Phone +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

Liz · #16 09-01-2010, 03:50 PM

Thank you Gary for those kind words ... and you certainly have a way with words - we are only a small but dedicated group up here, and luckily we were rewarded with some wonderful results for our efforts.
We are only a small number compared to the many all over Australia, and the World who have done exactly the same to introduce the public to the wonderful sights of our beautiful night skies over 2009.

You may not think so kindly of me over the next few weeks, as I am developing a fear of the AN

.... downloaded the sheets for the installation of the encoder things - what the

....... way over my head ... trying to read lots info over the Net to try and understand. Perhaps when it arrives I will better understand, with more info etc.
Even checked out utube to see if someone has shown exactly what to do on video, but no luck. Hint hint

ngcles · #17 09-01-2010, 08:48 PM

Hi Liz & All,

Congrats Liz on the new acquisition -- hope it brings many hours of observing pleasure and it sounds to me like you've thought about your choice carefully and made an excellent pick all-round.

And well done of the IYA effort too!!

Best,

Les D

erick (Eric) · #18 09-01-2010, 10:37 PM

Congrats Liz!

AN will be fine - you've got the bestest after-sales backup available for this product.

How about "Diamond Girl"?

Eric

Ric · #19 11-01-2010, 09:51 AM

Congrats on the new scope Liz.

I sure you are going to have many wonderful evenings with it.

Cheers

Liz · #20 16-01-2010, 01:00 AM

Scope has finally found its way onto my lounge floor, though still in boxes.
New Moon, and clear skies ..... alas have to go to work

Tomorrow (sat) willl assemble and christen tomorrow night.
Oh, her name is Bellatrix (Bella)