Just taken the plunge

Davej · Post by **Davej** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:20 am

Hi,
Sorry guys I know the weather hasn"t been too kind to us but I have just got a new scope, now that really has put the mockers on it

Offloaded my three scopes to my son (sparkymark) and taken the plunge with a Meade LX 200 (7").
ATB
Dave
Edit..The scope is quite an heavy beastie and because of my condition ( very bad back) there is no way I can carry the scope from inside the house, therefore it"s going to have to stop outside. Any suggestions guys of how I can protect it from the elements. ( I am looking for a solid cover rather than a plastic/canvis one). Just looking for something to "drop" over it when not in use.

jb1970 · Post by **jb1970** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:33 am

Hi Dave,

I'm excited for you. At least you had plenty of use out of the old kit, particularly the dob. Ive been thinking recently that something like an 8" mak would probably be ideal for me - but apart from the money I'm not sure if it may be too heavy as I have to carry my scope in and out onto the balcony. The clouds are just coming over as I type this! be sure to post your first light report when the sky clears again.

All the best
Jack

Lady Isabella · Post by **Lady Isabella** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 1:01 pm

Hi Davej

That is a very nice scope for the planets and double stars. Could you make a small wooden hut on rails, so that all you have to do is roll it back for observing.

Hi jb1970
The problem with an 8 inch Mak would be cool down. That is a very big heavy piece of glass on the front.

Davej · Post by **Davej** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 2:02 pm

Hi,
Thanks Jack, will let you know how I get on with the first viewing session.

Lady Isabella, thanks for the tip, was going along those lines, many years ago (70"s) I had an home built 8.5" reflector that had to be put on an home built little trolley (dug the lawn up something great

)
Looks like I am having to go full circle and build something along those lines.

ATB
Dave

martinss · Post by **martinss** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 7:44 am

Hi Dave,

Sounds like a cracking new scope you've got there! I hold you totally responsible for the current rainy and overcast skies here in Hampshire.

About housing your new 'toy'...have you thought about about a POD? They look quite cool. You can check them out here (if you haven't already)...http://www.altairastro.com/pod.htm

One of these might be easier to assemble than a sliding roof shed thingy!

All the best with the LX200!!

Martin

Davej · Post by **Davej** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:09 am

Hi Martin,
Thanks for blaming me for the cloudy nights

(joking of course).
Many thanks for the link to the "POD" site, something I will be seriously looking at.

Thanks Martin.
ATB
Dave

astroeddie · Post by **astroeddie** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 10:54 am

Congrats Dave,

Along with the POD, do not forget the wedge for imaging. If it doesnot already have one.

Great scope, you'll love my friend.

Eddie

jb1970 · Post by **jb1970** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:56 am

Thanks for the advice Lady Isabella .I had only considered size, weight and price - cool down hadn't entered my mind (at the moment I start observing 20 minutes after putting the scope out)

Dave - I would like to see a pic when you get everything sorted.

Jack

sparkymark · Post by **sparkymark** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 7:10 pm

Ive been asked to upload a few pics for my dad as he's not got a digital camera, needless to say this thing is awesome and heavy too!!!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/sp ... 050127.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/sp ... 050139.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/sp ... 050138.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/sp ... 050132.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/sp ... 050140.jpg

Zeke · Post by **Zeke** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 7:22 pm

What's yer budget Dave?
I was looking at a kid's playhouse in B&Q the other day and it looked like it would convert easily.

martinss · Post by **martinss** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 8:25 pm

That's an awsome bit of kit there Dave!!

Davej · Post by **Davej** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 8:40 pm

martinss wrote:That's an awsome bit of kit there Dave!!

It blew me away when it was delivered, just waiting for a clear sky

ATB
Dave

martinss · Post by **martinss** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 8:50 pm

It's nice and clear in Hampshire at the moment, but I'm working.....boo hoo....tell you what, I'm not fussy about a cloudy sky tonight, so pop outside and blow for all you're worth in my direction and maybe it'll clear up!

Vega · Post by **Vega** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 9:36 pm

The 365 series telegizmos covers should be up to the challenge tho more expensive than the standard one's.

Matt

goodtime · Post by **goodtime** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:32 am

Wow Dave that scope looks great! I can't wait to see some pics taken with it.

Re: leaving it outside, I wouldn't have the heart to leave it outdoors unless I had a good, solid, moisture free 'observatory'/shed... I probably wouldn't do it even then, I'd still bring in the OTA... heck, I'd probably take it to bed with me

. In my neighborhood a locked shed is a challenge, a securely locked one is a greater challenge.