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Main
Date: 10 Oct 2006 04:52:49
From: Dave
Subject: Who makes the best Dobs?
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Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
Seems a simple enough question. Say, a 12" scope,
disregard the eyepiece to avoid confusion. Factor in
consistent manufacturing and of course optical quality.
Factor in a smooth mount with good balance. Any
preferences?
Dave
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 09:21:21
From: Shawn
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
Dave wrote:
> Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
>
> Seems a simple enough question. Say, a 12" scope,
> disregard the eyepiece to avoid confusion. Factor in
> consistent manufacturing and of course optical quality.
> Factor in a smooth mount with good balance. Any
> preferences?
Obsession.
http://www.obsessiontelescopes.com/
Shawn
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 07:47:32
From:
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
Dave wrote:
> Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
You do!
See:: "The Dobsonian Telescope" Berry and Kriege
And even if you buy a DOB, you will need this book to make it work
perfectly.
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 08:29:12
From: Starlord
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
I've never had that book but have totaly enjoyed first the 12.5 dob I had in
Hawaii and then over here the 4.25 Stargazer Steve and then my Babylon 8 and
now Babylon 10 scopes.
--
The Lone Sidewalk Astronomer of Rosamond
Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord
Sidewalk Astronomy
www.sidewalkastronomy.info
The Church of Eternity
http://home.inreach.com/starlord/church/Eternity.html
<MitchAlsup@aol.com > wrote in message
news:1160491652.407217.297920@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>
> Dave wrote:
>> Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
>
> You do!
>
> See:: "The Dobsonian Telescope" Berry and Kriege
>
> And even if you buy a DOB, you will need this book to make it work
> perfectly.
>
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 09:35:18
From: Shawn
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
MitchAlsup@aol.com wrote:
> Dave wrote:
>
>>Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
>
>
> You do!
>
> See:: "The Dobsonian Telescope" Berry and Kriege
>
> And even if you buy a DOB, you will need this book to make it work
> perfectly.
Just an FYI to the OP, Dave Kriege went on to found Obsession. ;-)
Shawn
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 09:59:25
From:
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
I have and highly recommend "The Dobsonian Telescope" by Dave
Kriege/Richard Berry and consider it the most important book for ATMs
and dob owners ever written. I also have the highest respect for Dave
Kriege and what he's done for amateur astronomy. I really wanted an
Obsession but couldn't compromise not having a removable mirror cell
esp. with the advent of expensive electronics,such as ServoCat, being
mounted in the rocker box. It's essential to prevent these components
from getting wet(when washing/cleaning primary).I feel Dave should
offer a revovable mirror cell as an option on his scopes for this
reason.
Steady skies,
Paul
Shawn wrote:
> MitchAlsup@aol.com wrote:
> > Dave wrote:
> >
> >>Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
> >
> >
> > You do!
> >
> > See:: "The Dobsonian Telescope" Berry and Kriege
> >
> > And even if you buy a DOB, you will need this book to make it work
> > perfectly.
>
> Just an FYI to the OP, Dave Kriege went on to found Obsession. ;-)
>
> Shawn
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 12:11:24
From: Greg Crinklaw
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
Hi,
pemulvogue@yahoo.com wrote:
> I have and highly recommend "The Dobsonian Telescope" by Dave
> Kriege/Richard Berry and consider it the most important book for ATMs
> and dob owners ever written. I also have the highest respect for Dave
> Kriege and what he's done for amateur astronomy. I really wanted an
> Obsession but couldn't compromise not having a removable mirror cell
> esp. with the advent of expensive electronics,such as ServoCat, being
> mounted in the rocker box. It's essential to prevent these components
> from getting wet(when washing/cleaning primary).I feel Dave should
> offer a revovable mirror cell as an option on his scopes for this
> reason.
If you were to have the skills necessary to build your own scope using
his book, I'd think it a relatively simple matter to modify the design
such that the mirror cell was easily removable. I say easily, because
it is, of course, removable simply by unscrewing the bolts.
But more to the point, why not remove the mirror from the cell to wash
it? After all, mirrors should not be washed more than once every few
years. It isn't that difficult to remove the mirror for washing. I've
done it twice now with my 18. If this is your only reason not to go
with the Obsession design, in my opinion it's not a very compelling one.
Greg
--
Greg Crinklaw
Astronomical Software Developer
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)
SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html
To reply take out your eye
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 18:50:35
From: Chris L Peterson
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
On Tue, 10 2006 12:11:24 -0600, Greg Crinklaw
<theskyhoundyoureye@yahoo.com > wrote:
>But more to the point, why not remove the mirror from the cell to wash
>it? After all, mirrors should not be washed more than once every few
>years. It isn't that difficult to remove the mirror for washing. I've
>done it twice now with my 18. If this is your only reason not to go
>with the Obsession design, in my opinion it's not a very compelling one.
IMO how often you wash your mirror depends on your conditions. It also
depends on how critically you observe. Even a little dust causes visible
degradation (for instance, the difference between ordinary and highly
reflective coatings). Most professional telescopes have their mirrors
cleaned about twice a year.
There are compelling reasons to keep your mirror clean (balanced of
course by the potential of damaging it when cleaning- not likely if you
are careful).
_________________________________________________
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 13:33:23
From: Greg Crinklaw
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
Chris L Peterson wrote:
> On Tue, 10 2006 12:11:24 -0600, Greg Crinklaw
> <theskyhoundyoureye@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> But more to the point, why not remove the mirror from the cell to wash
>> it? After all, mirrors should not be washed more than once every few
>> years. It isn't that difficult to remove the mirror for washing. I've
>> done it twice now with my 18. If this is your only reason not to go
>> with the Obsession design, in my opinion it's not a very compelling one.
>
> IMO how often you wash your mirror depends on your conditions. It also
> depends on how critically you observe. Even a little dust causes visible
> degradation (for instance, the difference between ordinary and highly
> reflective coatings). Most professional telescopes have their mirrors
> cleaned about twice a year.
You must know different professional astronomers than I do. None of the
professional scopes I have ever used have been cleaned any where near
that often!
> There are compelling reasons to keep your mirror clean (balanced of
> course by the potential of damaging it when cleaning- not likely if you
> are careful).
Most people I know believe that washing their mirror is harmful for the
coating to some extent, no matter how carefully it is done. For that
reason it is accepted wisdom that mirrors should only be cleaned when
they are truly dirty, unless you are prepared to recoat them very often.
This is in fact the advice offered by the editors of Sky & Telescope, as
well as the mirror makers that I deal with, so I don't think I am out of
line in saying this. And in my own experience a little dust doesn't
make that much difference. It's a simple matter to compare views before
and after cleaning. There are a host of other things that have a
greater affect on contrast and most telescopes do a poor job with at
least one of them. Some dust on the mirror is not a major effect.
No, I'd say just the opposite. There are compelling reasons to leave it
be. Too many people are neatness fanatics when it comes to their
optics, shining a flashlight down the tube and freaking out over a few
specks of dust. The advice of most seasoned astronomers, both amateur
and professional, is that you are better off to leave it be until it is
truly dirty, and a properly stored mirror should never need to be
cleaned more than once every few years.
Greg
--
Greg Crinklaw
Astronomical Software Developer
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)
SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html
To reply take out your eye
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 12:51:24
From: Howard Lester
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
"Greg Crinklaw" wrote
>> Most professional telescopes have their mirrors
>> cleaned about twice a year.
> You must know different professional astronomers than I do. None of the
> professional scopes I have ever used have been cleaned any where near that
> often!
The MMT 6.5-m mirror is washed several times each year.
Howard Lester
MMT Observatory
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 20:48:40
From: lynt
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
snip >
> The MMT 6.5-m mirror is washed several times each year.
>
> Howard Lester
> MMT Observatory
I've often wondered about this. How is it washed and with what?
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| | | | | | | | |
Date: 11 Oct 2006 13:27:40
From: Howard Lester
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
"lynt" wrote
>> The MMT 6.5-m mirror is washed several times each year.
>>
>> Howard Lester
>> MMT Observatory
> I've often wondered about this. How is it washed and with what?
I made a mistake. The original MMT mirrors were often washed, and we used
distilled water. But the 6.5-m mirror is washed only about every two years,
as washing risks removing the thin aluminum coating. (These big mirrors are
not overcoated as are amateur mirrors!) When we do wash it, it is with
Liqui-Nox, made by Alconox. The soap is biodegradable and phosphate free.
The mirror does get dusty, and we use carbon dioxide, on a monthly basis, to
clean that off.
Howard
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Date: 13 Oct 2006 02:27:58
From: George Normandin
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
<pemulvogue@yahoo.com > wrote
...
> ....... I really wanted an
> Obsession but couldn't compromise not having a removable mirror cell
> esp. with the advent of expensive electronics,such as ServoCat, being
> mounted in the rocker box. It's essential to prevent these components
> from getting wet(when washing/cleaning primary).I feel Dave should
> offer a revovable mirror cell as an option on his scopes for this
> reason.............
Paul,
I own an Obsession 20. There may be good reasons to have a removable
mirror cell, but washing is not one of them. Most Obsession/ServoCat owners
just cover the electronics with towels and plastic sheeting to let the water
drain out and clean the mirror in the box. I personally remove the mirror
box from the rocker box and prop it up at an angle with a few bricks under
one side. It only takes a few minutes to disconnect the ServoCat drive. I
usually clean the primary about once every 12 to 15 months.
As for the original question: I believe all of the current crop of
premium truss tube Dobs are very fine telescopes. What's "best" partly
depends on what your circumstances are and what features you want. In my
case the best "feature" was that I bought my Obsession 20 used off of
AstroMart for a great price and the seller delivered it to my house the day
after I answered his add. The scope already had some very nice mods and
refinements and it fit thru my sliding glass door. Those "features" made it
the "best" for me!
George N
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 07:25:57
From: Mij Adyaw
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
Teleport. They make a 10inch and a 14 inch. I own the 10 inch and it is
outstanding. Less than 35 pounds and Zambuto optics.
"Dave" <Dave@pleasereplytonewsgroup.ca > wrote in message
news:BGFWg.118389$5R2.27122@pd7urf3no...
> Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
>
> Seems a simple enough question. Say, a 12" scope,
> disregard the eyepiece to avoid confusion. Factor in
> consistent manufacturing and of course optical quality.
> Factor in a smooth mount with good balance. Any
> preferences?
>
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
|
| | |
Date: 11 Oct 2006 00:26:31
From: Mary Poppins
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
Mij Adyaw wrote:
> Teleport. They make a 10inch and a 14 inch. I own the 10 inch and it is
> outstanding. Less than 35 pounds and Zambuto optics.
>
I thought Zambuto wasnt making optics now ?
>
> "Dave" <Dave@pleasereplytonewsgroup.ca> wrote in message
> news:BGFWg.118389$5R2.27122@pd7urf3no...
> > Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
> >
> > Seems a simple enough question. Say, a 12" scope,
> > disregard the eyepiece to avoid confusion. Factor in
> > consistent manufacturing and of course optical quality.
> > Factor in a smooth mount with good balance. Any
> > preferences?
> >
> >
> > Dave
> >
> >
> >
> >
|
| | | |
Date: 11 Oct 2006 10:30:14
From: Jan Owen
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
"Mary Poppins" <gandol@hgnet.org > wrote in message
news:452C8087.B8EBF5DD@hgnet.org...
>
>
> Mij Adyaw wrote:
>
>> Teleport. They make a 10inch and a 14 inch. I own the 10 inch and it is
>> outstanding. Less than 35 pounds and Zambuto optics.
>>
>
> I thought Zambuto wasnt making optics now ?
>
He hadn't been making mirrors for the ATM market and general public, but for
several years was the mirror maker of choice for several of the *premium*
Dobsonian manufacturers...
But now, it would seem that the premium Dob market is not as backlogged as
it once was, so Carl Z has recently announced that he will, once again, be
making mirrors for sale to the general public...
Let the rush begin...
--
Jan Owen
To reach me directly, remove the Z, if one appears in my e-mail address...
Latitude: 33.6
Longitude: -112.3
http://community.webshots.com/user/janowen21
>>
>> "Dave" <Dave@pleasereplytonewsgroup.ca> wrote in message
>> news:BGFWg.118389$5R2.27122@pd7urf3no...
>> > Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
>> >
>> > Seems a simple enough question. Say, a 12" scope,
>> > disregard the eyepiece to avoid confusion. Factor in
>> > consistent manufacturing and of course optical quality.
>> > Factor in a smooth mount with good balance. Any
>> > preferences?
>> >
>> >
>> > Dave
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>
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Date: 12 Oct 2006 02:40:18
From: Fidora Temple
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
Thanks for the info Jan.
Take care -
Jan Owen wrote:
> "Mary Poppins" <gandol@hgnet.org> wrote in message
> news:452C8087.B8EBF5DD@hgnet.org...
> >
> >
> > Mij Adyaw wrote:
> >
> >> Teleport. They make a 10inch and a 14 inch. I own the 10 inch and it is
> >> outstanding. Less than 35 pounds and Zambuto optics.
> >>
> >
> > I thought Zambuto wasnt making optics now ?
> >
>
> He hadn't been making mirrors for the ATM market and general public, but for
> several years was the mirror maker of choice for several of the *premium*
> Dobsonian manufacturers...
>
> But now, it would seem that the premium Dob market is not as backlogged as
> it once was, so Carl Z has recently announced that he will, once again, be
> making mirrors for sale to the general public...
>
> Let the rush begin...
>
> --
> Jan Owen
>
> To reach me directly, remove the Z, if one appears in my e-mail address...
> Latitude: 33.6
> Longitude: -112.3
> http://community.webshots.com/user/janowen21
>
> >>
> >> "Dave" <Dave@pleasereplytonewsgroup.ca> wrote in message
> >> news:BGFWg.118389$5R2.27122@pd7urf3no...
> >> > Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
> >> >
> >> > Seems a simple enough question. Say, a 12" scope,
> >> > disregard the eyepiece to avoid confusion. Factor in
> >> > consistent manufacturing and of course optical quality.
> >> > Factor in a smooth mount with good balance. Any
> >> > preferences?
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Dave
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >
|
| |
Date: 10 Oct 2006 06:40:57
From:
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
My first scopes were an 8" Celestron and 16" Meade tube dob(this one
required numerous modifications to the structure). Both had good optics
but optical quality can vary greatly in mass produced dobs. Having
acquired the finances,I started researching premium truss dobs. My
first consideration was quality optics. I narrowed it down to Pegasus
or Zambuto. I know many other optical companies make quality optics and
provide certification but these two imo had the best reputation. I also
wanted a removable mirror cell esp. since I wanted the ServoCat/Argo
Navis electronics and did not want to have to wash/clean mirror while
still in scope. I do almost all my observing from rural home skies but
being able to transport primary separately was another consideration. I
finally decided on a NightSky/Pegasus/ServoCat/AN and couldn't be more
pleased.
Starlord: Your Telescope Buyers FAQ is excellent but I think the SA
2000 desk version(black stars on white background) is much easier to
see and starhop from under dim red light but I prefer the Deluxe
edition.
I have been recommending S&T's new "Pocket Sky Atlas" as a first
starchart for beginners.This one *finally* has the constellation shapes
drawn in.
http://www.amazon.com/Sky-Telescopes-Pocket-Atlas/dp/1931559317
http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=412
Clear skies,
Paul
Starlord wrote:
> Read this:Telescope Buyers FAQ http://home.inreach.com/starlord You'll have
> a much better idea.
>
>
>
> --
> The Lone Sidewalk Astronomer of Rosamond
>
> Telescope Buyers FAQ
> http://home.inreach.com/starlord
> Sidewalk Astronomy
> www.sidewalkastronomy.info
> The Church of Eternity
> http://home.inreach.com/starlord/church/Eternity.html
>
>
> "Dave" <Dave@pleasereplytonewsgroup.ca> wrote in message
> news:BGFWg.118389$5R2.27122@pd7urf3no...
> > Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
> >
> > Seems a simple enough question. Say, a 12" scope,
> > disregard the eyepiece to avoid confusion. Factor in
> > consistent manufacturing and of course optical quality.
> > Factor in a smooth mount with good balance. Any
> > preferences?
> >
> >
> > Dave
> >
> >
> >
> >
|
| | |
Date: 10 Oct 2006 08:27:32
From: Starlord
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
I've saved your message and will see about a little editing of the faq about
the atlas part.
--
The Lone Sidewalk Astronomer of Rosamond
Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord
Sidewalk Astronomy
www.sidewalkastronomy.info
The Church of Eternity
http://home.inreach.com/starlord/church/Eternity.html
<pemulvogue@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1160487657.058940.181380@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> My first scopes were an 8" Celestron and 16" Meade tube dob
|
| |
Date: 10 Oct 2006 06:37:59
From: Joe S.
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
"Dave" <Dave@pleasereplytonewsgroup.ca > wrote in message
news:BGFWg.118389$5R2.27122@pd7urf3no...
> Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
The best scope (car, rifle, shoes, cat, handsaw, furniture, windows, etc.)
is the one I bought.
>
> Seems a simple enough question. Say, a 12" scope,
> disregard the eyepiece to avoid confusion. Factor in
> consistent manufacturing and of course optical quality.
> Factor in a smooth mount with good balance. Any
> preferences?
>
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
|
| |
Date: 10 Oct 2006 00:20:32
From: Starlord
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
Read this:Telescope Buyers FAQ http://home.inreach.com/starlord You'll have
a much better idea.
--
The Lone Sidewalk Astronomer of Rosamond
Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord
Sidewalk Astronomy
www.sidewalkastronomy.info
The Church of Eternity
http://home.inreach.com/starlord/church/Eternity.html
"Dave" <Dave@pleasereplytonewsgroup.ca > wrote in message
news:BGFWg.118389$5R2.27122@pd7urf3no...
> Who makes the best Dobson telescopes?
>
> Seems a simple enough question. Say, a 12" scope,
> disregard the eyepiece to avoid confusion. Factor in
> consistent manufacturing and of course optical quality.
> Factor in a smooth mount with good balance. Any
> preferences?
>
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
|
| |
Date: 11 Oct 2006 03:44:36
From: Dave
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
|
Thankyou for all of you who responded and will respond.
I appreciate it is not really a fair question, just like those questions,
Who makes the best car? Nevertheless it has given me more
than I got from FAQ reviews elsewhere. I admire those
people with the time and energy and ingenuity to make
their own. It's just not something I am able to do at this
time of my life, maybe later.
Dave
|
| |
Date: 10 Oct 2006 16:28:59
From:
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?<--The Best Dobs are the NEW dobs.
|
Uncle Bob wrote:
> An example of the "New" Dobsonian can be found here:
> http://www.siderealtechnology.com/28inch/RTMCBoth.jpg
In that photograph, what's all that weird stuff on the outside of the
upper ring to which the truss tubes are attached? Is the secondary
mirror in there somewhere?!?
|
| |
Date: 10 Oct 2006 13:51:08
From:
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?<--The Best Dobs are the NEW dobs.
|
Actually you have to scroll to RA-DEC mode on AN which lists current
position and then hand track to new co-ordinate position.
Paul
pemulvogue@yahoo.com wrote:
> John,
>
> Yes, they "go to" and automatically track. The ServoCat/Argo Navis is a
> real joy to use. Very intuitive... just dial in NGC, Messier etc and
> press GO TO on hand pad.You can also enter co-ordinates. Disengage
> clutches if you want to star hop and re-engage clutches to track.
> Stellcat now has an "easy track" feature that allows tracking without
> the use of DSC's and this is just a sample of what it can do.
>
> http://www.stellarcat.com/
>
> Clear Skies,
> Paul
>
>
>
> John Banister wrote:
> > Do these go-to dobs automatically track or they just something similar to
> > motorized setting circles? Thanks.
> >
> > -John
> >
> > "Uncle Bob" <here@home.org> wrote in message
> > news:pan.2006.10.10.17.26.27.870595@home.org...
> > > On Tue, 10 2006 07:47:32 -0700, MitchAlsup wrote:
> >
> > > Also note the rather elaborate drive system--this particular
> > > telescope is a go-to using bluetooth wireless to connect it to the owner's
> > > laptop. The scope serves as a development platform for the owner's
> > > servo-controller systems. It has an aperture of 28". (Although the image
> > > quality is good, it isn't spectacular.)
|
| | |
Date: 11 Oct 2006 10:36:13
From: Llanzlan Klazmon the 15th
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?<--The Best Dobs are the NEW dobs.
|
pemulvogue@yahoo.com wrote in
news:1160513468.251083.209160@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com:
> Actually you have to scroll to RA-DEC mode on AN which lists current
> position and then hand track to new co-ordinate position.
>
> Paul
Not when combined with the servocat.
http://www.stellarcat.com/
Klazmon.
|
| |
Date: 10 Oct 2006 13:41:42
From:
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?<--The Best Dobs are the NEW dobs.
|
John,
Yes, they "go to" and automatically track. The ServoCat/Argo Navis is a
real joy to use. Very intuitive... just dial in NGC, Messier etc and
press GO TO on hand pad.You can also enter co-ordinates. Disengage
clutches if you want to star hop and re-engage clutches to track.
Stellcat now has an "easy track" feature that allows tracking without
the use of DSC's and this is just a sample of what it can do.
http://www.stellarcat.com/
Clear Skies,
Paul
John Banister wrote:
> Do these go-to dobs automatically track or they just something similar to
> motorized setting circles? Thanks.
>
> -John
>
> "Uncle Bob" <here@home.org> wrote in message
> news:pan.2006.10.10.17.26.27.870595@home.org...
> > On Tue, 10 2006 07:47:32 -0700, MitchAlsup wrote:
>
> > Also note the rather elaborate drive system--this particular
> > telescope is a go-to using bluetooth wireless to connect it to the owner's
> > laptop. The scope serves as a development platform for the owner's
> > servo-controller systems. It has an aperture of 28". (Although the image
> > quality is good, it isn't spectacular.)
|
| | |
Date: 10 Oct 2006 17:25:10
From: Shawn
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?<--The Best Dobs are the NEW dobs.
|
pemulvogue@yahoo.com wrote:
> John,
>
> Yes, they "go to" and automatically track. The ServoCat/Argo Navis is a
> real joy to use. Very intuitive... just dial in NGC, Messier etc and
> press GO TO on hand pad.You can also enter co-ordinates. Disengage
> clutches if you want to star hop and re-engage clutches to track.
> Stellcat now has an "easy track" feature that allows tracking without
> the use of DSC's and this is just a sample of what it can do.
>
> http://www.stellarcat.com/
>
> Clear Skies,
> Paul
$3700 for my 15". It's only money.
Shawn (Bought the laminated star atlas instead :-) )
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 11:56:45
From:
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
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Hi Greg,
I don't have the skills to build my own and yes there were some other
reasons. There is no way I could go a few years without washing my
mirror.I do it twice a year because of the dust that builds up on
primary surface. I keep it fully assembled in garage and take every
precaution to keep dew from forming,etc and still have enough dust to
require cleaning at least twice a year. I have 20" and it's the largest
mirror I feel I can safely lift by myself. It makes it so easy to
remove mirror cell and put on dolly to take to house without having to
tear down scope and lift out of mirror box which creates more stress on
back.
At the time NightSky was significantly cheaper than Obsession with same
options but I just checked and see that they are essentially identical
now(within $1). NightSky did have the electrical package that I wanted
that Obsession didn't offer at the time.And the fact that Nightsky was
within easy driving distance also factored in since I wanted to pick up
scope.
Paul
BTW I love your Sky Tools 2 software. The charts are great and the log
feature is superb as are the observing lists etc etc etc.
Greg Crinklaw wrote:
> Hi,
>
> pemulvogue@yahoo.com wrote:
> > I have and highly recommend "The Dobsonian Telescope" by Dave
> > Kriege/Richard Berry and consider it the most important book for ATMs
> > and dob owners ever written. I also have the highest respect for Dave
> > Kriege and what he's done for amateur astronomy. I really wanted an
> > Obsession but couldn't compromise not having a removable mirror cell
> > esp. with the advent of expensive electronics,such as ServoCat, being
> > mounted in the rocker box. It's essential to prevent these components
> > from getting wet(when washing/cleaning primary).I feel Dave should
> > offer a revovable mirror cell as an option on his scopes for this
> > reason.
>
> If you were to have the skills necessary to build your own scope using
> his book, I'd think it a relatively simple matter to modify the design
> such that the mirror cell was easily removable. I say easily, because
> it is, of course, removable simply by unscrewing the bolts.
>
> But more to the point, why not remove the mirror from the cell to wash
> it? After all, mirrors should not be washed more than once every few
> years. It isn't that difficult to remove the mirror for washing. I've
> done it twice now with my 18. If this is your only reason not to go
> with the Obsession design, in my opinion it's not a very compelling one.
>
> Greg
>
>
> --
> Greg Crinklaw
> Astronomical Software Developer
> Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)
>
> SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
> Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
> Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html
>
> To reply take out your eye
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Date: 10 Oct 2006 13:38:47
From: Greg Crinklaw
Subject: Re: Who makes the best Dobs?
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Hi Paul,
pemulvogue@yahoo.com wrote:
> Hi Greg,
>
> I don't have the skills to build my own and yes there were some other
> reasons. There is no way I could go a few years without washing my
> mirror.I do it twice a year because of the dust that builds up on
> primary surface.
Suffice it to say that I think washing a mirror that often is a mistake.
How often do you have it recoated? It is my understanding that even
careful washing of a mirror harms the coating and should be done very
sparingly. A little dust looks bad in the dark with a flashlight shined
on it, but in truth makes little real difference. Hey, maybe I'm wrong,
but my advice is to at least contact your mirror maker or the company
that does the coatings and see what they have to say about it.
> BTW I love your Sky Tools 2 software. The charts are great and the log
> feature is superb as are the observing lists etc etc etc.
Thanks for the kind words!
Clear skies,
Greg
--
Greg Crinklaw
Astronomical Software Developer
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)
SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html
To reply take out your eye
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